George Washington vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

Compare George Washington University in Washington, DC with Cornell University in Ithaca, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than George Washington based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 25,374 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Washington University 13:1; Cornell University 9:1.

George Washington vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington or Cornell? 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 George Washington ($26,361 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 12.9% lower than at Cornell University ($16,920 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than George Washington (about $1,604 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $67,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at Cornell than at George Washington University (about $1,604 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $67,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at Cornell University (78% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 64.7% larger than aid received by George Washington University students ($61,779 vs. $37,500).

George Washington vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington or Cornell? 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 Cornell and George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 110 points higher than at George Washington (1430).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at George Washington).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at George Washington (3.81).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

George Washington vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington and Cornell? 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 George Washington University's (81%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $17,900 more per year than George Washington graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $80,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $12,962 lower median loan debt than George Washington graduates ($12,000 vs. $24,962).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $134 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than George Washington graduates ($124 vs. $258).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 82%)

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.