Cornell University
About Cornell University
Cornell University, founded in 1865, is a private Ivy League research university renowned for its exceptional academic programs and groundbreaking research. With a commitment to innovation and diversity, Cornell offers a transformative educational experience across its colleges and schools.
location_city City, State & Campus Insights
Explore life, weather, culture, transit, and demographics around Cornell University
groups 1. City Size & State Population
Ithaca
15.72 sq km / 6.07 sq mi
32,108
19.5 Million
Density: 2,042 residents per sq km / 5,289 residents per sq mi
thermostat 2. Monthly Climate (Jan – Dec)
attractions 3. Top Places to Visit Nearby
Buttermilk Falls State Park
ParkA beautiful state park featuring a 165-foot waterfall, hiking trails, and natural swimming areas.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
Botanical GardenComprising an arboretum, a variety of themed gardens, and natural areas, offering diverse plant collections and scenic walks.
Museum of the Earth
MuseumA natural history museum focused on the history of life on Earth, featuring dinosaur fossils, mastodon skeletons, and local geology.
Stewart Park
ParkA large park on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake, offering playgrounds, a carousel, a splash pad, and picnic areas.
restaurant 4. Top Local Foods & Cuisines
Cornell Dairy Bar Ice Cream
Handcrafted ice cream made on campus by Cornell's Food Science department, famous for its unique flavors and quality.
Half-Moon Cookies
A New York State classic, these large, soft cookies are half vanilla frosting and half chocolate frosting, often found in local bakeries.
Ithaca Beer Co. Brews
A prominent local brewery offering a range of craft beers, with flavors often inspired by the Finger Lakes region.
diversity_3 5. Racial & Demographic Composition
Ithaca is a relatively diverse city, particularly influenced by its university population, with a notable presence of various ethnic groups.
workspace_premium 6. Notable University Alumni & Figures
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Attended Cornell University for her undergraduate studies, graduating with a B.A. in government.
Bill Nye
Graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, famously known as 'Bill Nye the Science Guy'.
Toni Morrison
Earned her M.A. in American Literature from Cornell University, becoming one of the most influential American writers.
directions_bus 7. Transportation & Getting Around
Ithaca has a public bus system, is walkable and bikeable in many areas, and is served by a regional airport.
Public Transit (Buses)
The Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) provides bus services throughout Ithaca and Tompkins County, with frequent routes serving Cornell University and downtown. Fares are affordable, and many students have free or subsidized passes.
Walking & Cycling
Ithaca is generally walkable, especially downtown and around the university campus. There are numerous trails and some bike lanes, making cycling a viable option for getting around the city and enjoying the natural surroundings. Walk Score: 50, Bike Score: 40 (Ithaca city average).
Regional Rail & Airport
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) offers regional flights to major hubs like Philadelphia and Detroit. For broader national and international travel, Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is about an hour's drive away. There is no direct passenger rail service in Ithaca; the closest Amtrak stations are in Syracuse or Rochester.
school 8. Education & Literacy Level
99% (Estimated for New York State)
58.6% (Ithaca city, much higher than state average due to university presence)
Ithaca boasts an exceptionally high educational attainment due to Cornell University and Ithaca College. The city and surrounding Tompkins County are centers of intellectual activity, contributing to a highly educated workforce and a strong emphasis on research and innovation. New York State as a whole also has a high literacy rate and a significant percentage of its population with higher education degrees.
trending_up 9. Main Source of Economy & Industries
The economy of Ithaca is heavily influenced by its educational institutions, particularly Cornell University, which acts as the largest employer and a significant driver of innovation and research.
Key Driving Industries
Major Corporate Employers
Popular Programs
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Admissions Info
Application Period
Main intake starts in September. Applications are typically accepted from October to January for the following academic year.
Fees & Living Costs
Tuition Fees / Year
$35,000.00 - $65,000.00
Living Expenses / Year
$12,000.00 - $20,000.00
* Costs are estimated. Actual fees may vary by course and lifestyle.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Need-Blind Admission
Financial need is not considered during the admission process for both domestic and international students.
Campus Life
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