Head-to-Head Comparison
Cornell University vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Cornell Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 17
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Cornell University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,690 vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, 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.
53 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, 3% more than Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,690, roughly $13,823 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
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rose-Hulman Technology
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); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (73%). 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment vs $101,253.
Pick Cornell University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $28,690 vs $42,513.
Pick Cornell University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 95% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Cornell University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Cornell University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,535 to 1,427.
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 $13,823 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of Cornell University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $55,292 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 $101,253 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Cornell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Cornell University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Cornell University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leans toward Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above Cornell University's $28,690.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $14,000 at Cornell University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Rose-Hulman Technology, where only about 26% 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) 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
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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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 Rose-Hulman Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (73%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Cornell) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Cornell University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Cornell University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Cornell University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Cornell University is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,690 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Cornell University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Cornell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, versus $101,253 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which has a better graduation rate, Cornell University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 80%.
Should you choose Cornell University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
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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