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College comparison
Cornell vs Northwestern
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Cornell Ithaca, NY |  Northwestern Evanston, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNorthwestern University is more selective | 9% | 8% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 15,995 | 9,201 |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $29,167 |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
| Location | Ithaca, NY | Evanston, IL |
Quick answers
- Is Cornell University or Northwestern University harder to get into?
- Northwestern University is more selective: Cornell University's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Northwestern University's is approximately 8% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Cornell University vs Northwestern University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1510–1570 at Northwestern University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.