Cornell gives more aid to more students than any of the 20 top-ranked universities in the U.S. – $93.6 million a year for first-time, full-time undergraduates alone, over 30% more than the next most generous top U.S. private university.

“The university remains committed to making a Cornell education affordable for exceptional students with a wide array of experiences and perspectives,” said President Michael I. Kotlikoff. “That commitment, and the generosity of our donors, means we continue to welcome students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to join a vibrant global community of Cornellians who are leading and transforming the world for the better.”

Undergraduate tuition will rise between $1,954 and $2,886 due to inflationary, regulatory and risk management pressures causing increases in operating expenses.

Undergraduate tuition will be $71,266, a 4.22% increase, for out-of-state residents attending any of Cornell’s colleges and New York state residents attending the endowed colleges: the College of Architecture, Art and Planning, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and Cornell Engineering.

Undergraduate tuition will be $48,010, a 4.24% increase, for New York state residents attending state contract colleges: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Human Ecology and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Like other U.S. universities, the potential for deep cuts in federal research funding, as well as tax legislation affecting the endowment income, make this a time of financial uncertainty, said Provost Kavita Bala.

“We have initiated strategic budget adjustments to ensure that Cornell continues to thrive in the long term, and to maintain the excellence of a Cornell education,” Bala said.

Average undergraduate housing and dining costs will also rise by $1,146, a 5.9% increase. The increases will support Cornell’s commitment to the student residential experience. Since the completion of the North Campus Residential Housing Plan in 2022, all first- and second-year students are required to live on campus and have meal plans to support their transitions to college and ensure food security.

However, the approved 2025-26 tuition, housing and dining rates are not the price financial aid eligible undergraduates pay, thanks to Cornell grants and endowed scholarships, which do not need to be repaid. About 50% of all undergraduates receive need-based institutional grant or scholarship aid each academic year.

Cornell grant and endowed scholarship aid has almost doubled in the past decade, making Cornell affordable to more families today than ever before, reflecting the university’s founding principle of “… any person … any study” and aim “to do the greatest good.”

Cornell financial aid offers – including grants and scholarships from Cornell, from federal and state governments, and work-study – will cover tuition for most families making up to $125,000 annually, and cover tuition plus housing and food for most families making up to $75,000 annually, with typical assets. Many families making more than $125,000 annually also receive substantial grant or scholarship offers that do not need to be repaid. For example, 98% of families making $150,000 to $175,000 receive aid. And 96% of families making $175,000 to $200,000 also receive aid.

Financial aid eligible undergraduates whose family financial circumstances remain consistent from year-to-year typically receive increases in Cornell grant and scholarship aid to cover annual increases in tuition, housing and dining rates.

Students considering Cornell can use the university’s free financial aid calculators to estimate their likely cost.