Head-to-head · 2026
Brown University vs Cornell University
Compare average net price ($25,184 at Brown University; $28,690 at Cornell University), ROI score (9.28 vs 9.07), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($93,487 vs $104,043), and admissions selectivity (5.4% acceptance at Brown University; 8.8% at Cornell University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Brown University | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.28 ✓ | 9.07 |
| Avg net price | $25,184 ✓ | $28,690 |
| 4-year avg net price | $100,736 ✓ | $114,760 |
| In-state tuition | $71,412 | $69,314 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $71,412 | $69,314 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $93,487 | $104,043 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 8.8% |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% ✓ | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% ✓ | 98.4% |
| Median debt | $11,428 ✓ | $14,000 |
| Enrollment | 7,226 | 15,995 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1546 | 1535 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Brown University | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | -$420 ✓ | $1,776 |
| Family income $30–48k | $2,031 ✓ | $4,070 |
| Family income $48–75k | $5,858 ✓ | $6,796 |
| Family income $75–110k | $16,219 | $14,311 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $44,937 ✓ | $49,992 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Brown University | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 10.3% | 9.7% |
| Economics | 6.8% | 3.2% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 1.5% | 6.8% |
| Biology, General | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 1.4% | 4.5% |
| Applied Mathematics | 5.5% | 0.3% |
| Public Health | 4.8% | 0.8% |
| Engineering, General | 5% | 0.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Brown University reports the lower average net price by $3,506 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $14,024 difference over four years ($100,736 vs $114,760).
Cornell University reports $10,556 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($104,043 vs $93,487). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 98.8% at Brown University and 98.4% at Cornell University. Median federal debt among completers is $11,428 vs $14,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
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Frequently asked
Brown University vs Cornell University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Brown University is cheaper — average net price $25,184 per year vs $28,690 at Cornell University. The annual difference of $3,506 adds up to about $14,024 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Cornell University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $104,043 vs $93,487 at Brown University. The gap in the federal data is $10,556. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Brown University is more selective at 5.4% acceptance vs 8.8% at Cornell University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.