Cornell vs. Skidmore College

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than Skidmore College based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 2,704 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting); Skidmore College is in Saratoga Springs, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Skidmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell University 9:1; Skidmore College 8:1.

Cornell vs. Skidmore College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell or Skidmore 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 Skidmore College ($26,361 vs. $31,187).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Skidmore College are 7.7% lower than at Cornell University ($17,940 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Skidmore College (about $2,024 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $67,290.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Cornell than at Skidmore College (about $2,024 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $67,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Skidmore College than at Cornell University (53% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Skidmore College students ($61,779 vs. $54,083).

Cornell vs. Skidmore College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell or Skidmore 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 Skidmore College and Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 130 points higher than at Skidmore College (1410).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Skidmore College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 1500/1570; Skidmore College 1340/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 33/35; Skidmore College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Required; Skidmore College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027; Skidmore College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Skidmore College (3.75).
• Skidmore College has a higher acceptance rate (21.1%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 26.6% at Skidmore College.

Cornell vs. Skidmore College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell and Skidmore 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 Skidmore College's (84%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $44,000 more per year than Skidmore College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $54,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Skidmore College graduates ($12,000 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Skidmore College graduates ($124 vs. $201).
• More Skidmore College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornell students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 87%)

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.