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Cornell University vs Brown University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Brown University

Providence, RI

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	Cornell University	Brown University	Edge
Acceptance Rate	8.2%	5.2%	Cornell University (easier)
Average SAT	1520	1535	Brown University
Enrollment	26,510	11,766	Cornell University larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$104,043	$93,487	Cornell University
Median Debt	$14,000	$11,428	Brown University lower
Pell Grant Rate	18.0%	13.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

Cornell University

Brown University

Top majors

Cornell University

Computer Science 17.2%

Business/Marketing 13.5%

Engineering 12.7%

Biological Sciences 11.2%

Agriculture 11.0%

Brown University

Social Sciences 24.0%

Computer Science 12.3%

Biological Sciences 10.8%

Mathematics/Statistics 9.3%

Multidisciplinary 5.6%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Cornell University and Brown University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY while Brown University is in Providence, RI
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Cornell University vs Brown University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Cornell University or Brown University?

Brown University is harder to get into, with a 5.2% acceptance rate vs Cornell University's 8.2%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, Cornell University or Brown University?

Cornell University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($88,140/yr) vs Brown University ($87,648/yr) — a difference of $492/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $15,389/yr at Cornell University vs $13,725/yr at Brown University.

Which has higher graduate earnings, Cornell University or Brown University?

Cornell University graduates earn more — a median of $104,043 10 years post-grad, vs $93,487 at Brown University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, Cornell University or Brown University?

It depends on your priorities. Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY; Brown University is in Providence, RI. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, Cornell University or Brown University?

Both Cornell University and Brown University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Cornell University's salary page and Brown University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

BROWN UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.