Head-to-Head Comparison
Cornell University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Cornell Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 18
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Cornell University achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,690 compared to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $69,020 at ten years.
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, 51% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- 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
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $11,912 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Cornell graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (19% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Cornell University. Net price $16,778 vs $28,690.
Pick Cornell University over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 95% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Cornell University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,535 to 1,362.
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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $11,912 a year below Cornell University's $28,690. Graduates of Cornell University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $47,648 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 51% advantage. Set against borrowing, Cornell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 51% 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 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to keep costs and debt down; pick Cornell University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $11,912 a year, yet Cornell University graduates earn $35,023 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. Cornell University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,690 runs well above University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Business and consulting-track students: Cornell University has less business program depth, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $14,000 at Cornell University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment, and Cornell University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds Cornell University's 15,995.
Full Data Breakdown
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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Biology (12%).
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornell University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Cornell University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Cornell University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $28,690 at Cornell University.
Do Cornell University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Cornell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Cornell University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 85%.
Should you choose Cornell University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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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