Cornell has implemented several financial initiatives as part of our commitment to provide need-based aid and make Cornell affordable for admitted students. 

Parent Contribution Initiative

Families with a total family income of less than $60,000, and total assets of less than $100,000 (including primary home equity), will have no parent contribution. Total family income equals adjusted gross income for the tax year that we are looking at for financial aid purposes, plus any business or other losses, as well as any untaxed income. In cases of divorce or separation, we calculate total family income for each parent and add them together.

Loan Initiative

Cornell is committed to keeping your student loans at a reasonable level. Need-based loans included in your aid package are capped based on total family income.

Please note that our loan policy refers to the amount of loan that students may be awarded to help meet their need. Students and parents may decide to take additional loan to help with the calculated family contribution or additional expenses such as health insurance or a computer.

Total family income equals adjusted gross income for the tax year we are looking at for financial aid purposes, plus any business or other losses, as well as any untaxed income. In cases of divorce or separation, we calculate total family income for each parent and add them together.

For students enrolling prior to Fall 2013, loan levels are listed here.

For students who will begin studies at Cornell before Fall 2018
 

For students who will begin studies at Cornell in Fall 2018

Award Match Initiative

To improve Cornell’s competitiveness in recruiting and enrolling undergraduate students, Cornell will strive to increase grant aid funds by matching the family contribution components and lower loan level of financial aid offers from other Ivy League schools, as well as from Stanford, Duke, and MIT.