Cornell University Acceptance Rate & Admissions Data (2025-2026)
Every figure on this page comes from the school’s own Common Data Set (2025-2026 edition) and was independently verified against official sources.
#12
2026 US News Best National Universities
8.4%
acceptance rate
72,523
applicants
6,077
admitted
18.8%
Early Decision rate (2.2x the overall rate)
Cornell University Common Data Set: What It Values Most
Every college officially reports how much each application factor matters in section C7 of its Common Data Set. These are Cornell University’s own published ratings from the 2025-2026 edition, not our opinion.
Academic factors
Rigor of coursework
Class rank
Academic GPA
Standardized test scores
Application essay
Recommendations
Nonacademic factors
Interview
Extracurricular activities
Talent / ability
Character / personal qualities
First generation
Alumni relation
Geographical residence
State residency
Religious affiliation
Racial / ethnic status
Volunteer work
Work experience
Level of applicant interest
Writing the Cornell University supplement? See every current Cornell University essay prompt, with strategies.
Testing policy
SAT or ACT scores are required.
Studying Business at Cornell University
Cornell's undergraduate business path runs through the SC Johnson College of Business, primarily the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management (BS in AEM, one of Cornell's most selective programs) and the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, both AACSB-accredited.
Building a profile for Cornell University?
Cornell University rates extracurriculars very important in its own filing. Real internship experience is exactly that kind of signal.
Sources
- Cornell Institutional Research & Planning, Common Data Set index
- Cornell Common Data Set 2025-2026 v2, official IRP Excel file
Data reflects the 2025-2026Common Data Set, the most recent verified edition at the time of publication. Always confirm current requirements on the school’s admissions site.