First-Year and Transfer Students — International
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 and transfer undergraduate international applicants* seeking Cornell grant or scholarship aid at any point during their undergraduate course of study must complete the CSS Profile when they apply for admission.
- Cornell’s undergraduate admission process for international students* is "need-aware", meaning interest in or need for financial aid is one factor amongst many considered when making admission decisions.
- Cornell meets 100 percent of admitted international 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. citizens with dual citizenship, eligible non-citizens such as refugees or asylees, or undocumented students who attended and graduated from a U.S. high school, with or without DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) should follow the instructions for first-year or transfer U.S. students.
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 application as soon as possible after October 1, 2024, but no later than...
- Early Decision: November 1, 2024
- Regular Decision: January 2, 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
- You may request a fee waiver if the CSS Profile application fee is a significant financial burden – to request a waiver, email intl-finaid@cornell.edu and include “CSS Profile Fee Waiver Request” in the subject line.
- If you are unable to submit a CSS Profile, please contact us at intl-finaid@cornell.edu at least two weeks prior to your application deadline.
- 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.
After receiving your CSS Profile application, 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.
U.S. Tax Information for International Students
Grant and scholarship aid that exceeds “qualified education expenses” (tuition and mandatory fees) is considered taxable income by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Cornell is required to withhold 14 percent of any grant or scholarship aid greater than tuition and mandatory fees to pay U.S. tax, if you do not qualify for exemption under a tax treaty. Cornell cannot provide individual tax advice; please contact your personal tax advisor with any questions or concerns.