Cornell University vs Columbia University (2024)

FAQs

Which is more prestigious, Columbia or Cornell? ›

As of the last report, Cornell was ranked the best university in New York State after Columbia University fell from No. 2 to No. 18.

The most selective schools at Cornell for admissions are:

College of Engineering. College of Architecture, Art & Planning.

Cornell is the easiest and youngest Ivy League school. It was established in 1865 and is situated in Ithaca, New York. Out of 49,114 candidates, Cornell accepted 5,330, for an admission percentage of around 10.9%.

Cornell University Rankings

Cornell University is ranked #12 out of 439 National Universities.

In 2021, Cornell admitted 10% of applicants; Dartmouth admitted 6%. Though both selective, Cornell and Dartmouth don't look for the same types of students. Here's what matters to each college based on an analysis of the 2021-22 Common Data Set.

Introduction to Wines is reputed to be the most failed course at Cornell.

Cornell University consistently ranks highly among the world's top universities. According to QS World University Rankings 2025, Cornell is #16 globally, and Times Higher Education World University ranked 2024 at #20.

Cornell University is one of the most prestigious colleges in the world, with laureled faculty and alumni and a powerful research presence. For student academics, Cornell excels in computer science and engineering.

Brown's open curriculum allows students more freedom to explore different paths and possibly combine disciplines, enabling creativity and innovation. Because Cornell is larger, though, it might provide more opportunities in terms of research, internships, and networks.

Even though Harvard and Cornell are both incredibly prestigious schools where you can receive a world-class education and become part of a successful alumni network, the general consensus is that Harvard is the better school. Matt Damon went to Harvard, but he left a little early to do the acting thing.

Why is Cornell so prestigious? ›

What Is So Special About Cornell University? Cornell is unique among Ivy League schools in that it's a land-grant university. This means that Cornell University receives state funding, though it's a private institution. The university has been at the forefront of innovation since the beginning.

The most popular majors at Cornell University include: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields; Social Sciences; Physical Sciences; Architecture and Related ...

Both are great institutions, but they do have some differences that might help you decide. In terms of academics, UPenn is known for having a more pre-professional vibe - while academic exploration is definitely possible, many students have a pretty clear idea of their interests going in.

In the 2022–2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking, five Ivies rank in the top 20: Harvard (#1), Columbia (#7), Yale (#11), Penn (#15), and Princeton (#16)—ranks that U.S. News says are based on "indicators that measure their academic research performance and their global and regional reputations. ...

While Harvard, Princeton, and Yale tend to rank near the top of most lists, Brown, Penn, and Cornell may rank highest for a particular major or program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell University

Cornell University is one of the most prestigious colleges in the world, with laureled faculty and alumni and a powerful research presence.