Cornell vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with University of Richmond in University of Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell University 9:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Cornell vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($26,361 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 11.8% lower than at Cornell University ($17,140 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 6.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $4,084 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at Cornell than at University of Richmond (about $4,084 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Richmond than at Cornell University (56% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 21% larger than aid received by University of Richmond students ($61,779 vs. $51,039).

Cornell vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 70 points higher than at University of Richmond (1470).
• Incoming Cornell students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at University of Richmond (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 1500/1570; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 33/35; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Required; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• University of Richmond has a higher acceptance rate (22.2%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Cornell vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell and University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $24,500 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $9,148 lower median loan debt than University of Richmond graduates ($12,000 vs. $21,148).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $94 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Richmond graduates ($124 vs. $218).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 75%)

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.