Choosing the right university is an important decision for prospective students. Cornell University and Brown University are both prestigious Ivy League institutions with strong academic programs and impressive reputations. In this comparison, we will explore the differences and similarities between these two universities in terms of costs, admissions, academics, and more, to help you make an informed decision about which school is the right choice for you.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is a private research university best known for its programs in engineering, business management, and veterinary medicine. Founded in 1865, the university’s mission is “to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge.” With its beautiful campus, diverse student body, and strong research focus, Cornell has earned a reputation as one of the top universities in the United States.
Cornell University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Cornell University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $59,331 for undergraduate students. Including room, board, and other fees, the total cost of attendance is estimated to be around $79,254 per year. However, Cornell is committed to making its education affordable for all students, offering financial aid packages based on family income.
Cornell University Admissions
Admission to Cornell University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 10.9% in the most recent admissions cycle. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a personal essay as part of their application. The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and demonstrated passion for their intended field of study.
Cornell University Degrees Offered
Cornell University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. The university’s most popular undergraduate majors include engineering, business management, and biological sciences. Graduate programs include medicine, veterinary medicine, law, business, and numerous other fields.
Cornell University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, Cornell offers a collaborative learning environment where students can work closely with their professors. The university has a strong commitment to research, with many students participating in research projects as early as their freshman year. Additionally, Cornell emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, such as study abroad programs, internships, and service-learning projects.
Cornell University Diversity
Cornell University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. The student body is made up of approximately 48% women and 52% men, with students representing all 50 states and over 120 countries. The university also has numerous resources in place to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, such as the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives.
Cornell University Students
The Cornell University student body is made up of around 15,000 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate students. Students have access to a vibrant campus life, with over 1,000 student clubs and organizations, as well as competitive athletics and a strong Greek life presence. The university also offers extensive support services, including tutoring, career counseling, and mental health resources.
Cornell University Campus
Cornell University’s picturesque campus spans 745 acres in Ithaca, New York. The campus is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring waterfalls, gorges, and a large botanical garden. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Cornell Tech campus in New York City and the university’s numerous research centers.
Cornell University Alumni
Cornell University boasts a strong alumni network of over 250,000 individuals. Notable alumni include business magnate Warren Buffett, author Kurt Vonnegut, and astronaut Mae Jemison. The university’s alumni association offers numerous resources for networking, career development, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Cornell University Rankings
Cornell University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and the world. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Cornell is ranked #17 among national universities and #6 for its engineering programs.
Cornell University Outcomes
Cornell University graduates enjoy strong outcomes in terms of job placement and graduate school admission. A survey of the class of 2020 found that 94% of respondents were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of around $70,000 per year.
Brown University Overview
Brown University is a private Ivy League research university located in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1764, Brown is known for its innovative curriculum, strong emphasis on undergraduate research, and commitment to social justice. With a diverse student body, collaborative learning environment, and top-notch academic programs, Brown consistently ranks among the best universities in the United States.
Brown University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Brown University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $60,696 for undergraduate students. Including room, board, and other fees, the total cost of attendance is estimated to be around $80,724 per year. Like Cornell, Brown is dedicated to making its education accessible to all students, offering need-based financial aid packages and a no-loan policy for families with an annual income of less than $100,000.
Brown University Admissions
Admission to Brown University is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 8.5% in the most recent admissions cycle. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a personal essay. Brown also evaluates factors such as leadership, extracurricular involvement, and intellectual curiosity during the admissions process.
Brown University Degrees Offered
Brown University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its College, School of Engineering, School of Public Health, and Alpert Medical School. Popular undergraduate majors at Brown include computer science, economics, and biology. Graduate programs cover a wide range of fields, such as public health, art, and neuroscience.
Brown University Academics
Brown’s unique open curriculum allows undergraduate students to design their own course of study, with no general education requirements. This promotes a highly interdisciplinary, student-driven approach to learning. The university’s 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small class sizes and personalized attention from professors. Additionally, Brown strongly emphasizes research opportunities for its undergraduate students.
Brown University Diversity
Brown University is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The student body is made up of approximately 52% women and 48% men, with students from all 50 states and over 115 countries. Brown also offers numerous resources to support underrepresented students, including the Undocumented, First-Generation College, and Low-Income Student Center and the Brown Center for Students of Color.
Brown University Students
Brown University has a student population of about 7,000 undergraduate students and 2,500 graduate students. Campus life at Brown is vibrant and varied, with over 500 student clubs and organizations, a strong arts scene, and competitive athletic programs. The university also provides comprehensive support services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and wellness resources.
Brown University Campus
Brown’s beautiful urban campus spans 143 acres in Providence, Rhode Island. The campus is known for its historic architecture, green spaces, and close proximity to downtown Providence. Students also have access to cutting-edge research facilities, such as the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts and the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs.
Brown University Alumni
Brown University’s alumni network comprises more than 100,000 individuals worldwide. Notable alumni include actress Emma Watson, former U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kennedy Jr., and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim. The Brown Alumni Association provides resources for networking, career development, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Brown University Rankings
Brown University consistently ranks highly in both national and global university rankings. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Brown is ranked #14 among national universities and #1 for undergraduate teaching.
Brown University Outcomes
Graduates of Brown University enjoy strong outcomes in terms of job placement and graduate school admission. The class of 2020 saw 95% of respondents employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Brown graduates is around $71,000 per year.
Cornell University vs Brown University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Cornell University and Brown University, both schools have similar tuition rates and total costs of attendance. For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition at Cornell is $59,331, while tuition at Brown is $60,696. Including room, board, and other fees, the total cost of attendance at Cornell is approximately $79,254, and at Brown, it is around $80,724.
Both universities are committed to making their education affordable for students, offering need-based financial aid packages and resources to help students manage their expenses. In general, the costs of attending either university will depend on your individual financial situation and the financial aid package you receive.
Cornell University vs Brown University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Cornell University and Brown University are highly competitive, reflecting their status as elite Ivy League institutions. Brown has a slightly lower acceptance rate at around 8.5%, compared to Cornell’s acceptance rate of 10.9%.
While both schools require similar application materials (high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and a personal essay), the admissions committees at each university will be looking for different qualities in their applicants. Brown may place greater emphasis on intellectual curiosity and a passion for interdisciplinary learning, while Cornell may prioritize applicants with strong backgrounds in their chosen fields of study.
Cornell University vs Brown University Academic Difficulty
Both Cornell University and Brown University offer rigorous and challenging academic programs. However, the overall academic experience at each school will vary depending on your choice of major and your individual learning style.
Brown’s unique open curriculum allows undergraduate students more freedom to design their own course of study, which may be appealing to students who prefer an interdisciplinary, self-directed approach to learning. On the other hand, Cornell’s more structured curriculum may be better suited for students seeking a focused, in-depth education in their chosen field.
In terms of student-faculty ratios, both schools offer small class sizes and opportunities for close interaction with professors. Brown has a slightly lower ratio at 7:1, compared to Cornell’s 9:1.
Cornell University vs Brown University Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes for graduates of Cornell University and Brown University, both schools have high rates of employment and graduate school admission. Cornell’s class of 2020 reported 94% of respondents being employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, while Brown’s class of 2020 had a rate of 95%.
The average starting salary for Cornell graduates is around $70,000 per year, compared to Brown graduates’ average starting salary of $71,000 per year.
Ultimately, the outcomes for graduates of either university will depend on factors such as major, industry, and individual career goals. However, it is clear that both Cornell University and Brown University provide their students with strong academic foundations and support services, leading to successful postgraduate outcomes.
