Admissions

Graduate study at Cornell defies easy categorization. Despite our enormously diverse academic offerings, a few common themes make the Cornell graduate experience unique.

What Sets Us Apart?

Our People:

Cornell attracts some of the world’s best researchers, thinkers, scholars, inventors, scientists, humanitarians, and overall idea leaders. A genuine sense of camaraderie – particularly between faculty and students – fosters collaborations and community, while supportive staff help guide students through their life at Cornell. Students develop cross-disciplinary friendships and partnerships that will last a lifetime.

Our Fields:

Many of our programs rank in the top ten on both the National Research Council (NRC) Report and the annual U.S. News and World Reports rankings. Our programs create innovative pathways to knowledge and understanding in research areas. All of our programs hone our student’s intellectual and creative leadership skills.

Our Research:

Cornell is one of the top research institutions in the world with more than $764 million devoted to research spending. In the most recent report, we ranked first in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Graduate School is committed to supporting graduate education and provides significant funding for the majority of our Ph.D. students.

Our Facilities:

Cornell has outstanding research and teaching facilities, including new buildings for life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, art, architecture, and planning. These facilities have numerous labs that foster research in nanotechnology, sustainability, energy, creativity, arts, social sciences, and human health.

Our Setting:

The Ithaca campus is set on a hill overlooking Cayuga Lake with waterfalls, lakes, botanical gardens, and historic buildings. Ithaca is small enough that it’s easy to find your way around, and large enough that we have more restaurants per capita than New York City.

Our Values:

Our philosophy of academic freedom with responsibility helps our students become flexible, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary thinkers. Our field structure is interdisciplinary by design, and truly unique.

As you consider the Graduate School, get to know the larger Cornell community and the many programs that support graduate education throughout the University.  Learn what students say about Cornell.  View our student spotlights or watch this video about Cornell, made by a former Cornell student.