Head-to-Head Comparison
Cornell University vs Lafayette College
- Cornell Wins
- 33
- Tied
- 15
- Lafayette Wins
- 6
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Cornell University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,690 vs Lafayette College's $34,433, Cornell University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Cornell University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Cornell
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than Lafayette College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,690, roughly $5,743 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- 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
Lafayette
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Cornell graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (19% of degrees); Lafayette in Social Sciences (30%). 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 Lafayette College. Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment vs $91,410.
Pick Cornell University over Lafayette College. Net price $28,690 vs $34,433.
Pick Cornell University over Lafayette College. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Cornell University over Lafayette College. 95% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Cornell University and Lafayette College are close on paper, but Cornell University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Lafayette College takes 31%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,535 to 1,424.
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, Cornell University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,690, about $5,743 a year below Lafayette College's $34,433. Graduates of Cornell University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $16,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $22,972 before any change in aid. Choosing Cornell 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 $91,410 at Lafayette College. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, Cornell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.18x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% 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 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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 Lafayette College, it is 1.6%. Cornell University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
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 Cornell University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Cornell University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Business & Marketing, while Lafayette College leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Cornell University's enrollment of 15,995 far exceeds Lafayette College's 2,757.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $34,433 runs well above Cornell University's $28,690.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Lafayette College's enrollment, and Cornell University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Cornell holds onto its admits more tightly: 69% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Lafayette — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Lafayette offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Cornell does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Lafayette, where only about 36% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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
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.
Lafayette College
Easton, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of 31%, Lafayette College in Easton, PA, is an appealing choice for students who are ready to engage deeply with their education in a supportive community. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology and Biomedical Studies, Psychology, and Visual and Performing Arts. The college’s emphasis on collaborative learning and hands-on experiences really stands out, making it a place where students can explore their passions while also preparing for their careers.
After graduation, Lafayette alumni can expect to earn an impressive average of $91,410 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure highlights the strong return on investment that a Lafayette education can offer. With a graduation rate of 88%, it’s clear that students are not just enrolling here; they’re succeeding. This high success rate indicates that the college is effectively supporting students in their academic journeys, and that many are moving on to thriving careers.
In terms of affordability, the net price after aid is around $34,433, with a median debt load of $16,000 for graduates. This manageable debt level suggests that students can graduate with less financial burden, allowing them to focus on their careers and life after college. Lafayette tends to attract motivated individuals who are eager to make the most of their college experience, contributing to a vibrant campus culture where students thrive both academically and socially.
Rankings They Appear On
Cornell University is featured on the Best Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Cornell's top program is Computer Science (19% of enrollment), while Lafayette leads with Sociology (30%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Cornell) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Lafayette).
The two schools feed different job markets. Cornell University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Business & Marketing, while Lafayette College concentrates in Social Sciences, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornell University or Lafayette College?
Cornell University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 31% at Lafayette College.
Which is more affordable, Cornell University or Lafayette College?
Cornell University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,690 after aid versus $34,433 at Lafayette College.
Do Cornell University or Lafayette College graduates earn more?
Cornell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, versus $91,410 at Lafayette College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Cornell University or Lafayette College?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 88%.
Cornell University vs Lafayette College: which is better for social mobility?
Cornell University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Cornell University or Lafayette College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Cornell University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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