UChicago vs. Cornell College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Cornell College based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 1,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Cornell College is in Mount Vernon, IA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Cornell College 14:1.

UChicago vs. Cornell College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Cornell 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 College than UChicago ($25,220 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell College are 41.1% lower than at University of Chicago ($11,850 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 34.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornell College (about $18,002 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $52,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.2% higher at UChicago than at Cornell College (about $18,002 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $52,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornell College than at University of Chicago (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 51.6% larger than aid received by Cornell College students ($62,300 vs. $41,092).

UChicago vs. Cornell College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 350 points higher than at Cornell College (1200).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 26 at Cornell College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Cornell College 1120/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Cornell College 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Cornell College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Cornell College (3.53).
• Cornell College has a higher acceptance rate (79.9%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 14.3% at Cornell College.

UChicago vs. Cornell College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Cornell 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).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Cornell College's (70%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $53,100 more per year than Cornell College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $45,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Cornell College graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornell College graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cornell College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 74%)

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.