First-Year and Transfer Students — U.S.
Intro
Let's Get Started
Starting your financial aid application early is a small step that can make a big difference.
How to Apply
All first-year or first-time undergraduate applicants seeking Cornell grant or scholarship aid must complete the CSS Profile. All eligible U.S. students* must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Cornell’s undergraduate admission process for U.S. students is "need-blind", meaning interest in or need for financial aid is not amongst the many factors considered when making admission decisions.
- Cornell meets 100 percent of admitted undergraduates’ demonstrated financial need with annual aid offers that include Cornell grants, an annual work-study award, and reasonable student loans depending on total family income.
*U.S. students include U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens with dual citizenship, and certain eligible non-citizens such as refugees or asylees. Undocumented students who attended and graduated from a U.S. high school, with or without DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status are considered eligible non-citizens for Cornell aid purposes but are not eligible for federal aid.
If you are a New York resident who is undocumented (with or without DACA status): Learn more about financial aid opportunities via the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act.
Financial Aid Application Priority Dates
Complete your financial aid application no later than applicable deadline and respond to all requests for documentation promptly to ensure your preliminary Cornell Aid Estimate and official Cornell Aid Offers are available prior to your admissions deposit deadline.
For applicants starting Fall 2025:
Complete the 2025-26 CSS Profile and FAFSA form as soon as possible after October 1, 2024 but no later than:
- Early Decision: November 15, 2024
- Regular Decision: February 15, 2025
- Transfer: March 15, 2025
Please respond promptly to all requests for documentation to ensure your preliminary Cornell Aid Estimate and official Cornell Aid Offers are available prior to your admissions deposit deadline.
Search for "Cornell University" or use code 2098, when prompted.
Additional resources:
CSS Profile Frequently Asked Questions
- U.S. students with family adjusted gross income up to $100,000 are automatically eligible for a CSS Profile fee waiver. Eligibility for a fee waiver is confirmed in the CSS Profile application.
- If your parents are divorced or separated, both of your biological/adoptive parents — your custodial parent and your noncustodial parent — are required to complete separate CSS Profile Applications. Learn more about completing the CSS Profile for noncustodial parents.
The 2025-26 FAFSA form opens December 1, 2024.
Search for "Cornell University" or use code 002711 when prompted.
Additional resources:
Getting Started and How Federal Aid Works
What happens after your FAFSA form is processed?
How do I view my FAFSA Submission Summary?
- If you are a New York resident: complete a New York State aid application at hesc.ny.gov — search for “Cornell University” or use codes 0174 for NYS contract colleges or 0175 for endowed colleges.
After receiving your CSS Profile or FAFSA applications, Cornell may request additional forms or documentation. Requests are initiated by Cornell, via the College Board's Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC).
If you receive an IDOC request:
- Upload signed copies of requested documents via your IDOC Student Dashboard.
- Avoid uploading documents that have not been requested - unnecessary submissions slow application review.
Have questions? We're here to help!
Contact us via email at finaid@cornell.edu to expedite your inquiry (include your name and Cornell admissions ID number).
All admitted first-year and transfer undergraduates will receive an estimate of your expected family contribution, cost of attendance, and the financial aid you may be eligible for in the upcoming academic year.
- Your personalized Cornell Aid Estimate is prepared using the information you submitted on your CSS Profile and current year cost of attendance information.
- Cornell Aid Estimates are available to admitted students only shortly after admission decisions are released.
- If your family financial circumstances have recently changed significantly, please use the appropriate appeal process.
After receiving your CSS Profile application and requested documentation, we will review your information carefully to confirm your expected family contribution, demonstrated need, and eligibility for financial aid.
- Monitor your email carefully — we may request additional information or ask for clarification.
- Respond promptly to all requests and continue to monitor your email carefully.
- To learn more about how Cornell determines eligibility for financial aid, please see Financial Aid Eligibility.
Official Cornell Aid Offers will be released as soon as possible in the Spring (tentatively, early-April), after 2024-25 tuition, fees, housing and dining rates are confirmed.
- Your official Cornell Aid Offer includes your confirmed expected family contribution, updated cost of attendance, and the financial aid you are eligible for in the upcoming academic year.
Have questions? We're here to help!
Please contact us via email at finaid@cornell.edu to expedite your inquiry (include your name and Cornell admissions ID number) or to request an appointment with a Cornell Financial Aid Counselor.
Try Cornell's Financial Aid Calculators
Tax Information for U.S. Students
Grant and scholarship aid that exceeds “qualified education expenses” (tuition and mandatory fees) is considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You will receive a 1098-T form each year for use in preparing your tax return. Cornell cannot provide individual tax advice; please contact your personal tax advisor with any questions or concerns.