Cornell vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell University 9:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Cornell vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell or Muhlenberg College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Cornell University than Muhlenberg College ($26,361 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 25.1% lower than at Cornell University ($14,548 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 10.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $6,509 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.4% higher at Cornell than at Muhlenberg College (about $6,509 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Cornell University (99% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 45.2% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($61,779 vs. $42,545).

Cornell vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell or Muhlenberg College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Muhlenberg College and Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 210 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 1500/1570; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 33/35; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Required; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Cornell vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell and Muhlenberg College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $34,700 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $14,490 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($12,000 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $149 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($124 vs. $273).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.