Is Cornell University Good? An Introduction to Popular Departments and Rankings at Cornell University

Is studying at Cornell University a good choice? How does Cornell University rank? Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell University is located in Ithaca, New York, and is the only Ivy League university established after the American Revolutionary War. This article by Cyclopes will analyze this prestigious institution from multiple perspectives, including Cornell University's rankings and popular departments.

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Is Cornell University good? According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, Cornell University ranks 16th globally and 7th in the United States [3]. It holds the 20th position globally in the 2024 Times Higher Education rankings and the 13th in the United States [4]. In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report, Cornell University is ranked 12th in the nation [5]. Cornell's departments also perform exceptionally well, with its agriculture and veterinary programs ranked 3rd globally in the 2024 QS World University subject rankings, and its biological sciences, hotel management, and life sciences programs are all within the global top 15.

Cornell University's excellent ranking is attributed to its commitment to providing a diverse array of academic programs and its globally renowned educational quality. The most popular departments at Cornell include agriculture, architecture, hotel management, and veterinary medicine, with hotel management being the top program in the nation. Cornell was the first university globally to establish a hotel management department, creating the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, which offers courses in business and finance related to hotel management, accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The school is also ranked 1st in the "2022 Best Hotel Management Schools Worldwide" by CEOWORLD Magazine [1] and operates the Statler Hotel to enhance students' understanding of hotel operations.

Cornell's diverse academic offerings include the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has made significant research breakthroughs, with one entomologist discovering 14 new beetle species and a food scientist discovering the new antibiotic resistance gene mcr-9 [2]. The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning offers comprehensive programs in architecture, art, and city and regional planning, emphasizing the practical application of material, context, language, and image.

Source: Cornell University

Unique among Ivy League institutions, Cornell University operates under a mixed public-private system, with four publicly governed colleges and four private ones, integrating the benefits of both public and private educational systems. Therefore, tuition fees for local students vary by college, with public colleges costing $43,888 and private colleges $68,380 per year, while international students pay approximately $68,380 annually at any college [6].

Cornell promotes a philosophy of egalitarian education, rooted in founder Ezra Cornell's vision: "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." This principle guides Cornell's encouragement of personalized learning plans and interdisciplinary research, reflecting a commitment to academic freedom.

Cornell University is renowned for its academic atmosphere and encourages students to pursue studies aligned with their interests and potential. After this detailed introduction to Cornell University's rankings, departments, and unique features, you should have a clear answer to whether Cornell University is a good choice. For more information about studying in the United States, feel free to consult with Cyclopes' professional educational consultants, who are ready to provide detailed assistance.

Reference:

1. Cornell University: Nolan School of Hotel Administration

https://sha.cornell.edu/

2. Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Our Research Impact

https://cals.cornell.edu/research/our-research-impact

3. QS World University Rankings: Cornell University

https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/cornell-university

4. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/world-ranking

5. U.S. News & World Report 2024: Best National University Rankings

https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities

6. Cornell Financial Aid: Cost to Attend

https://finaid.cornell.edu/cost-to-attend