Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs Cornell University
- Brigham Young Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 12
- Cornell Wins
- 28
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brigham Young University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Cornell University achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 82%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,690 compared to Brigham Young University's $15,564. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brigham Young University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
53 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,564, roughly $13,126 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
Cornell
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, 37% more than Brigham Young University
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% of degrees); Cornell in Computer Science & IT (19%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Cornell University over Brigham Young University. Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment vs $75,790.
Pick Brigham Young University over Cornell University. Net price $15,564 vs $28,690.
Pick Cornell University over Brigham Young University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Cornell University over Brigham Young University. 95% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and Cornell University are close on paper, but Cornell University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Cornell University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,376 to 1,535.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Cornell University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Brigham Young University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,564, about $13,126 a year below Cornell University's $28,690. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $14,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $52,504 before any change in aid. Choosing Brigham Young University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Cornell University graduates report median earnings of $104,043, compared with $75,790 at Brigham Young University. That is a 37% advantage. Set against borrowing, Cornell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.15x.
So what: An earnings gap of 37% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Cornell University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 14% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Cornell University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Brigham Young University, it is 0.7%. Cornell University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Cornell University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Brigham Young University to keep costs and debt down; pick Cornell University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Brigham Young University saves about $13,126 a year, yet Cornell University graduates earn $28,253 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, while Cornell University leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Brigham Young University's enrollment, and Cornell University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Brigham Young University's enrollment of 32,952 far exceeds Cornell University's 15,995.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,690 runs well above Brigham Young University's $15,564.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $14,000, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Cornell University has less business program depth, and Brigham Young University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Cornell holds onto its admits more tightly: 69% of admitted students enroll, versus 24% at Brigham Young — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 5 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is a fitting choice for students who are academically driven and eager for a deeply engaging campus experience. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, this school attracts some of the brightest minds, and it has a graduation rate of 95%. Students here dive into popular programs like Computer Science, Business, and Engineering, all of which are designed to prepare them for competitive fields.
After graduation, individuals from Cornell see impressive financial returns, with a median earning of about $104,043 after ten years. This level of income reflects the value of the education received and the strong career paths available to graduates. Although the cost of attendance can be significant, the financial aid landscape is supportive, especially for those who qualify for Pell Grants, which help about 18% of students.
The net price after aid stands at approximately $28,690, which is manageable considering the median debt of $14,000 that graduates carry. This financial framework means that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of debt, allowing them to focus on their careers and aspirations rather than being weighed down by financial burdens. Those who thrive at Cornell are typically motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the many resources and connections available to them.
Rankings They Appear On
Brigham Young University is featured on the Best Colleges in Utah ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brigham Young's top program is Business Administration (17% of enrollment), while Cornell leads with Computer Science (19%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Cornell).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brigham Young University or Cornell University?
Cornell University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or Cornell University?
Brigham Young University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,564 after aid versus $28,690 at Cornell University.
Do Brigham Young University or Cornell University graduates earn more?
Cornell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,790 at Brigham Young University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or Cornell University?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 82%.
Brigham Young University vs Cornell University: which is better for social mobility?
Cornell University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or Cornell University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brigham Young University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Cornell University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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