Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · founded 1865 · 25,000 students · private research university · Ivy League

Known for: Cornell is known for its unique blend of private endowed colleges and New York State statutory colleges, its motto 'any person, any study,' and its strengths across diverse fields from hotel management to engineering to veterinary medicine.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #12
QS World: #16
Times Higher Education: #20
ARWU Shanghai: #12
Forbes: #15

Top programmes

Engineering
Hotel Administration
Architecture
Agriculture and Life Sciences
Veterinary Medicine
Industrial and Labor Relations

Notable alumni

Ruth Bader Ginsburg — U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Bill Nye — Science educator and television personality ('Bill Nye the Science Guy')
Toni Morrison — Nobel Prize-winning novelist
Christopher Reeve — Actor known for playing Superman
Janet Reno — First female U.S. Attorney General
Ann Coulter — Conservative political commentator and author
Mae Jemison — First African American woman in space
Sanford Weill — Former CEO of Citigroup

Traditions

Dragon Day
Slope Day
Homecoming bonfire
Chimes concerts from McGraw Tower
Jumping into Beebe Lake after finals

If Cornell University were…

As a food: Beef Wellington — Technically demanding, multi-layered, and impressive when executed well—just like Cornell's rigorous, breadth-across-disciplines approach. It's a lot of work, sometimes stressful, but undeniably substantial and respected
As an athlete: Peyton Manning — Cerebral, hardworking, and known for preparation and endurance under pressure. Manning's methodical excellence and ability to perform in tough conditions mirror Cornell's grind-it-out, intellectually rigorous culture in
As a person alive today: Bill Nye — Cornell alum and engineer who made science accessible and fun while never dumbing it down. He embodies the school's blend of serious intellectual rigor, public mission, and quirky, earnest enthusiasm for learning.
As a historical figure: Ruth Bader Ginsburg — Cornell alum who combined brilliance, tenacity, and a commitment to justice and equity. Her work ethic and intellectual firepower reflect the school's demanding standards and land-grant mission of service and access.
As a movie or TV show: The Social Network — Smart, intense, socially awkward overachievers working late into the night on ambitious projects in a cold, isolating environment. The film's depiction of brilliance mixed with stress and competition captures Cornell's h
As a US president: Jimmy Carter — Earnest, hardworking, intellectually curious, and committed to public service, even if underestimated. Carter's engineer's mindset and dedication to doing the right thing align with Cornell's land-grant ethos and unprete
As a city: Reykjavik — Remote, cold, and isolated but intellectually vibrant and full of creative, resilient people who thrive despite harsh conditions. Both are small, tight-knit communities where nature is breathtaking and the work ethic is
As an element: Titanium — Strong, durable, and highly versatile across applications—aerospace, medicine, engineering. Like Cornell, it's not the flashiest but incredibly capable, resilient under stress, and essential when serious work needs doing
As a car: Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro — Ivy League engineering rigor meets gorge-jumping and agricultural sciences—work-hard, play-hard versatility in the Finger Lakes. Big Red's practical overachiever handles brutal winters, steep hills, and the broadest curr

Campus life

Cornell's campus life is shaped by its large size, diverse academic offerings, and stunning natural setting in the Finger Lakes region. Students are known for their dedication to academics with a work-hard culture, balanced by over 1,000 student organizations, a significant Greek presence, and outdoor activities. The campus has a collaborative rather than cutthroat atmosphere, with students from different colleges interacting across the sprawling hilltop campus.