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Brown University vs Cornell University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

22
Brown Wins
7
Tied / N/A
17
Cornell Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
7,226
Enrollment
15,995
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
9%
1546
SAT Average
1535
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1580
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$71,412
In-State Tuition
$69,314
$71,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$69,314
$25,184
Average Net Price
$28,690
$-420
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,776
$2,031
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,070
$5,858
Net Price ($48-75K)
$6,796
$44,937
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,992
14%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
10%
Federal Loan Rate
18%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
95%
99%
Retention Rate
98%
92%
Full-Time Faculty
93%
$17,839
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,953
17%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

54%
Female
53%
33%
White
31%
12%
Hispanic
13%
8%
Black
7%
23%
Asian
27%
0.80
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$79,131
Earnings (6yr)
$87,830
$84,208
Earnings (8yr)
$97,098
$93,487
Earnings (10yr)
$104,043
$11,428
Median Debt
$14,000
0.12x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
79%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

136.36%
Mobility Rate
290.70%
1187.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5935.4%
1148.8%
From Bottom 20%
489.8%
$67,800
Parent Median Income
$143,300

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.00
Friending Bias
0.01
13.3%
Volunteering Rate
9.3%

Research (Times HE)

#55
World Rank
#14
59.7
Teaching Score
82.2
57
Research Score
88.8
77.7
Citations Score
88.1

The Overviews

Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit

5% accept 96% grad $93,487 earnings $25,184 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.

After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.

When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit

9% accept 95% grad $104,043 earnings $28,690 net

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.

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