Cornell University Reviews

  • 362 Reviews
  • Ithaca (NY)
  • Annual Tuition: $66,014
99% of 362 students said this degree improved their career prospects
99% of 362 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student Reviews

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610835949b556d70924fd817
  • Reviewed: 12/9/2025
  • Degree: Environmental Science
"I know Cornell gets a bad reputation for the stress levels, but I found that my anxiety level decreased from high school to college. I felt supported by the Cornell community, including my professors, TAs, and peers. I found I could balance academics with a social life and loved my time at school. While it could get stressful at times, everyone was understanding and the challenges made the work feel much more rewarding."
RP
  • Reviewed: 12/6/2025
  • Degree: Animal Science
"My undergraduate experience as an Animal Science major at Cornell University was incredibly rewarding and intellectually challenging. The program blended rigorous science-based coursework with invaluable hands-on learning, from time spent in the teaching barns to research opportunities with passionate faculty. The small-program feel within a large university created a strong sense of community, and I always felt supported by advisors who genuinely cared about my goals. Cornell pushed me to think critically, work collaboratively, and explore diverse areas within veterinary and animal biology. It was demanding, but it prepared me exceptionally well for professional school and helped shape my confidence and direction in the veterinary field."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 12/15/2022
  • Degree: Hospitality Management
"I'm a student at Cornell University's Nolan School of Hotel Administration and attending this program has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life so far! The faculty are all hospitality professionals who have experience in their field before coming to teach here, the quality of information being taught is phenomenal, and the school has so many resources for you to take advantage of, like connecting with other alumni, especially ones working in your field of study. As for Cornell University itself, beautiful scenery, nice gothic-structured buildings in some areas, and has the best library to study in! Although, the student population is a bit large for me. I wish Cornell was a bit smaller in student numbers so it would be easier to schedule one-on-ones with professors. I chose this school over my acceptance to Princeton simply because Cornell is the only Ivy League school to offer undergraduate business programs and they had the one I was really wanting to get into. Definitely recommended!"
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 3/31/2019
  • Degree: Political Science
"Cornell University offers an incredibly diverse curriculum in an idyllic setting in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. Unlike the other Ivy League universities, Cornell features various specialty schools that focus on subjects like agriculture, hotel management, and human ecology that make it uniquely practical. It also features an incredibly renowned liberal arts program through its Arts and Sciences School. Now, with its New York City technology campus, Cornell truly has stayed on the cutting edge while maintaining its roots as a school that prepares students for the real-world economy. Cornell has often been referred to as the easiest Ivy League school to get into, but the hardest to stay in. Whether that is true or not, students who attend will receive a world class education in a picturesque college town."
TR
  • Reviewed: 2/10/2019
  • Degree: Biology
"My time at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York was one of the most rewarding years of my life. Cornell has a ton to offer; From Collegetown, Academics, Greek Life, Sports, it truly has it all. Anyone thinking of attending this school must visit during the winter because it gets cold!!!"
SoJu
  • Reviewed: 2/7/2019
  • Degree: Sociology
"Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League that definitely earns its reputation. The two years I spent at Cornell were jam-packed because I had to fulfill my graduation requirements and work multiple jobs to keep me afloat. Because of my crammed schedule, my undergraduate experience was difficult. When I look back and think of how it would have been if I decided to focus solely on my studies, I think it would have been much different. This is not to say however, that Cornell is not a hard institution. I think Cornell is probably the most difficult out of all the U.S. Ivy Leagues. However, Cornell has A LOT to offer with a wide range of course selections and most of the professors are willing to help you with networking and connections with other departments. You need to be smart about using your resources (if you're more focused on networking) and make the connections before your time is up. Attend all of your classes because even if the professor doesn't take attendance, you will probably miss something that he/she will be putting on the exam!"
MBR
  • Reviewed: 6/7/2018
  • Degree: Political Science
"Cornell was a very special place to spend four years. Its "any person, any study" motto can sound unsophisticated when compared to its peers, but it really gets to the heart of what makes the institution unique. Women and minorities have always been welcomed at the school, and its broad curriculum means you will have the opportunity to learn not just in the classroom but also through a class that represents all forms of diversity. After all this is the land of Carl Sagan, Vladimir Nabokov, Richard Feynman, and even the millennial favorite, the notorious RBG. There are so many people and academic opportunities that it is impossible to not find your niche."
CHC
  • Reviewed: 3/20/2018
  • Degree: Public Health
"I had an excellent undergraduate experience at Cornell. I found the faculty and graduate students to be approachable, supportive and actively involved in my learning. There were also ample opportunities for me to engage in research and hands-on learning outside of the typical classroom setting."
Erica S
  • Reviewed: 3/17/2018
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"The campus is beautiful and there are many resources to help you be a successful student. Academics can be quite challenging, but the course load and work prepares you for a successful future. Professors are invested in the courses they teach, and provide substantive materials to help their students succeed. Office hours are very helpful to boost your grades. Would highly recommend visiting campus before applying - getting to class can be a workout in itself!"
Jessica Ridella
  • Reviewed: 12/27/2017
  • Degree: Human Services
"I would highly recommend Cornell University for individuals that are self motivated, hard working, and interested in a large school with rigorous academics. The courses I took in the college of human ecology were some of the best classes I've experienced. The professors were engaged, and knew many of us by name, despite the size of the university. The material we covered was fascinating, and as a sales professional at IBM, I still use much of the understanding of human development that I learned from my courses in my daily work. The Cornell brand will carry you very far in life, I have had much success with job interviews, and have recently been accepted into the Kellogg school at Northwestern for my mba. Some things to look out for: Cornell is a large school who's social circle can be dominated by a very small group of Greek life. I was a part of a sorority, and while it was a fun experience, I do wish that I branched out to participate in many of the clubs and other activities on campus. Additionally, while I enjoyed my major, I have heard less positive things from my pre-med peers. Cornell's premed program is extremely difficult, and many students I know were not able to achieve high gpas in the program, thus causing them much difficulty in their med school acceptances. Overall, Cornell is a wonderful school with a challenging curriculum that will set you up to succeed both academically and professionally."
Andre
  • Reviewed: 12/24/2017
  • Degree: Business
"Cornell University's founder once said "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study," and in my experience, this is absolutely true. Cornell has a range of leading academic programs, from hotel administration to veterinary studies, from agricultural studies to engineering. Cornell is truly a place that empowers its students to learn about any subject he or she is interested in. Even if there is not a particular class that meets your criteria, Cornell allows students to conduct independent studies to accomplish what they would like. Cornell also has a very strong alumni network that has supported me throughout my professional career. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Cornell has a very generous financial aid package, particularly for low-income students."
Angela H.
  • Reviewed: 11/13/2017
  • Degree: MBA in Organizational Leadership
"The eCornell executive leadership program is a complete/not complete program with minimal time commitments. The courses are very short and succinct - you get a nice small package of information about the particular course topic along with very useful tool sheets to use throughout your career."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Physics
"A diverse group of students with different goals. You can get a very good education, or you can have a lot of fun, and everything in between."
Alyssa Holman
  • Reviewed: 6/19/2017
  • Degree: Biology
"Although I have only finished three out of four years at Cornell, I can confidently say that it is one of the best institutions in the United States. It is notoriously a difficult school and has been known for a high suicide rate, but when you meet the students, you do not see that what-so-ever. The students are intelligent, friendly, and driven. In terms of my major, choosing Biology was the best decision I could have made. Between the kind faculty and the stunning facilities, nowhere is better than Cornell."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Engineering
"I know I'll be pushing my kids to goto Cornell. Enough said. But for more details: One of the best engineering programs in the country (or world). Fantastic alumni connections. People know you are a serious candidate for employment. A huge variety of opportunities are presented to you at Cornell. Make the most of it!"
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Engineering
"Loved my college- beautiful campus and wonderful staff"
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Business
"Intense but does a good job preparing for the future."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Information Technology
"Cornell is an ivy league institution, highly prestigious and reputed. Having a Cornell degree is highly valuable in the job market. Professors are highly skilled and extremely helpful. Students are highly competitive as well."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Engineering
"It is a big place. It can be overwhelming, and is sometimes. There are many resources here."
Male graduate 2011
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Business
"Calm, peaceful and full of academic choices"