Financial Aid, Tailored to Your Family’s Need

Our founding principles—“to do the greatest good” and “… any person … any study”—underpin Cornell University’s commitments to undergraduate financial aid. Cornell students come from culturally, geographically, and socio-economically diverse backgrounds and our financial aid programs are designed to ensure Cornell is accessible to all at an affordable cost.

For the 2024–25 academic year, we anticipate offering in excess of $400 million in need-based grant aid—which does not have to be repaid—to more than 7,500 undergraduate students.

Cornell grant aid—including scholarships provided by generous Cornell alumni and friends—puts Cornell’s transformative educational opportunities within reach. Most students receiving aid pay less to attend Cornell today than they would have 20 years ago.

Affordability Initiatives

We understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique, and our aid offers are purposefully designed with affordability in mind.  Cornell meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all eligible undergraduates with annual aid offers that include Cornell grants and endowed scholarships, Pell grants and NY State grants (when eligible), work-study, and zero or low student loans, depending on total family income.

The following initiatives are available to all admitted undergraduates, regardless of state residency or citizenship status:

Zero Student Loans and Zero Expected Family Contribution

For the 2024–25 academic year, most families with total annual income up to $75,000 and typical assets will receive aid offers that include grant aid and work-study only—no student loans.  A typical aid offer will include:

• $0 expected student and parent contributions (maximizes grant/scholarship aid)
• $5,000 work-study award* (and abundant work-study job opportunities)
• $0 student loans*

Low Student Loans

For the 2024–25 academic year, most families with total annual income above $75,000 and typical assets will receive aid offers that include grant aid, work-study, and reasonable student loan offers, depending on total family income.  A typical aid offer will include:

• reasonable student and parent contributions** (based on information from your CSS Profile and FAFSA forms)
• $5,000 work-study award* (and abundant work-study job opportunities)
• low student loans, depending on total family income (see table below)*

TOTAL FAMILY INCOME	MAXIMUM LOAN OFFER* (2023–24 AND 2024–25)
Under $75,000 annually	$0
Between $75,001 and $125,000 annually	$2,000
Between $125,001 and $175,000 annually	$4,000
Above $175,000 annually	$6,000

* work-study and student loans are both forms of “self-help” aid—students may choose to borrow in lieu of using work-study or earn work-study in lieu of student loans.

** student and parent loan options are available for families who wish to finance any portion of their expected student or parent contributions.  Additional student or parent loans are also available to finance optional increases in estimated cost of attendance such as course fees, study abroad fees, premium housing arrangements, or Cornell Student Health Insurance (SHP).

Comparing Aid Offers from Peer Institutions

Financial Aid offers may vary from one institution to another, and we understand affordability is a key factor in your college choice. If you receive an aid offer from one of Cornell's peers listed below, we will strive to make a comparable evaluation of your family's demonstrated financial need as well as re-evaluate initial offers of grant aid, loans, and work-study.

• other Ivy League institutions
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Duke University
• Stanford University

To request a review, please submit a copy of your official peer-institution aid offer using our secure document portal.