By Lauren Ward

A credit score of 611 does not qualify as good. That designation usually applies to scores between 670 and 739. A 611 score falls in the next lowest range known as fair, which is a notch above poor.

While you can still qualify for some forms of credit, such as credit cards and installment loans, with a 611 score, you will likely have to pay higher interest rates than people with higher scores. In addition, you may not have as flexible terms nor as rich rewards. Learn the details here.

What Does a 611 Credit Score Mean?

A credit score of 611 puts you in the fair category, which isn’t high enough to be considered good.

Credit scores commonly range from 300 (the lowest score possible) to 850 (the highest score). Here’s how the FICO® Score, a leading credit-scoring model, breaks down its credit categories:

•   Under 580: Poor

•   580-669: Fair

•   670-739: Good

•   740-799: Very good

•   800 or more: Exceptional or excellent

A 611 is on the lower end of the fair category. You would have to build your score to 670 to qualify as having good credit.

It’s also worth noting that the average American’s credit score is a 717 — over 100 points higher. This can be encouraging to know that many people have built their scores this high.

So what does this mean for people wondering if 611 is a bad credit score? The answer is that, while it’s better than a poor score, it’s below average, which means you may have a harder time qualifying for certain types of financing. And if you do qualify, you’ll pay a higher interest rate than if you had a higher score.

What Factors Cause a 611 Credit Score?

Credit scoring models look at five types of information on your credit report:

•   Payment history, meaning paying on-time

•   Amounts owed vs. credit limit

•   Length of credit history (being new to credit can negatively impact your score)

•   New credit requests (making numerous new credit inquiries over the past two years can pull your score down)

•   Credit mix, meaning if you have successfully managed different types of credit, such as both an installment loan and a line of credit, it can help build your score.

You can check your credit score for free on a regular basis. When you check your score with a credit service, you may also get personalized feedback on how to improve your number.

What Else Can You Get With a 611 Credit Score?

Different types of financing come with different types of credit score criteria. In general, you may face some challenges accessing credit with a fair score of 611. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of loans, as well as credit cards, to give you a sense of how you can qualify with a 611 credit score and what kind of tradeoffs to expect.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 611 Credit Score?

A 611 credit score could be enough to help you qualify for a credit card. However, a card you are approved for may have some drawbacks like a higher interest rate and a spending cap that’s below the average credit limit. What’s more, you likely won’t gain access to the perks that those with higher scores may enjoy, such as getting cash back and earning points.

When you apply for a credit card, your application is based on your credit score as well as a few other factors, including your income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit utilization. Using a credit card approval odds calculator can help you gauge what cards you might qualify for. That way, you don’t add extra inquiries to your credit report by applying for cards that are out of reach. Every hard inquiry takes about five points off your credit report for a few months or longer, and having too many can raise a red flag to creditors.

Here’s what you may qualify for:

•   An unsecured credit card, but you will likely have a less favorable interest rate and terms than would be offered to those with higher scores.

•   A secured card, which involves making a down payment that serves as the card’s credit limit. This can mean that you won’t be able to spend freely, but by paying your bill on time every month, you can build your credit score. In some cases, after paying bills by the deadline for a period of time, you may move up to an unsecured card.

•   A retail or store card. These only grant you credit at an individual store or chain of stores, but these cards give you the benefits of a card and, with responsible card use, can help you build credit (providing the issuer reports usage to the credit bureaus).

Keep in mind, however, that credit cards typically carry high interest charges, and with a fair credit score, you are probably going to face higher interest rates than those with better scores. Be sure you can repay what you owe: Paying the full balance monthly can allow you to avoid interest charges.

Another note: If you do access credit cards and then find that you are carrying significant credit card debt, you might consider a credit card consolidation loan. These allow you to transfer one or multiple lines of credit into an installment loan, often at a significantly lower interest rate.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 611 Credit Score?

Having a 611 credit score for a car loan shouldn’t stop you from financing your vehicle. This type of financing is secured by the vehicle itself, so there’s less risk to the lender. If a borrower defaults on payments, the lender can repossess the vehicle and sell it to cover the outstanding balance.

Even though you could qualify with a 611 credit score, you’ll have to pay a higher interest rate, which means you’ll pay more for the vehicle over time. An example: According to Experian, in a recent study, a person with a 611 credit score who was seeking a loan for a new car could expect to pay 9.83% interest rate, while a person with a 781 score would pay 5.25% interest.

The good news is that financing a car can help you build credit if you regularly make your payments on time. You also don’t have to worry about rate-shopping for an auto loan counting as multiple credit inquiries, which can lower your credit score. Lenders typically lump all auto loan inquiries from a 45-day period as a single item on your credit report. That’s because you’re probably not applying for several car loans at the same time; it’s more likely that you’re checking several options.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 611 Credit Score?

Every lender has its own credit score criteria for different types of home loans, but typically, for a conventional loan, you need a credit score of 620 or higher.

While a 611 score doesn’t meet this requirement, there are three programs designed for homebuyers with lower scores.

•   FHA loan: To qualify for an FHA home loan with a 3.5% down payment, you’ll need at least a 580 credit score. So you can likely qualify for this with a 611 score. Borrowers with a 500 to 579 score may also still qualify. They’ll need a 10% down payment on the home.

•   USDA loan: Used for homes in designated rural communities, a USDA loan doesn’t have a firm minimum credit score. According to USDA guidelines, a borrower with a 611 credit score may need to provide additional documents, like housing payment history and references, as compared to those with higher scores.

•   VA loans: It can be harder to qualify for a VA loan with a 611 credit score, but it’s not impossible. This program for veterans, active service members, and surviving spouses, usually has a minimum score of 620. But some lenders may still approve a borrower with a lower score if they provide extra documentation.

No matter what kind of home loan you consider, the minimum credit score to buy a house can vary by lender. It can be wise to ask up front about preapproval and prequalification options as you consider the mortgage process.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 611 Credit Score?

A personal loan can provide access to a lump sum of cash to be used for almost any purpose, such as funding a vacation or paying off a medical bill. This popular option typically offers a fixed interest rate, which is often significantly lower than what you’d pay if you charged a purchase to your credit card. The term of the loan is usually between two and seven years, and the principal can be flexible, ranging from, say, $1,000 up to $100,000.

You may qualify for a personal loan with a 611 credit score, but you’ll probably pay higher interest rates than someone who has a higher score. On top of that, you may not be eligible for a large loan amount with that score and other factors, such as if you have a high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Your DTI represents how your monthly debt payments compare to how much you earn a month. If you already have lots of credit card debt with a high monthly minimum, or other payments like auto loans, student loans, and even your mortgage, you may have a high DTI.

The overall cost of borrowing is key when you’re considering a personal loan. Credit cards are convenient and useful for smaller, everyday amounts or purchases that might earn points. But even unsecured personal loans tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards, which can make them a good choice for larger expenses. And knowing you’ll have a fixed payment to make every month can help you stay disciplined and on track.

A personal loan calculator can help you compare different terms from various lenders, including interest rate, length of repayment term, loan amount, and the total cost of financing. That way you can work to keep your payments and interest as low as possible while also looking for the right loan amount for your financial needs.

The Takeaway

A credit score of 611 isn’t good. Rather, it’s considered fair, which is the category below good. With that score, you may find that access to credit is somewhat limited. The loans and lines of credit that are available likely have higher interest rates and less favorable terms than those offered to people with higher scores. If that doesn’t suit you, an option is to delay accessing credit until you have built your score and only then apply for credit cards, personal loans, and the like.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Jackie Lam

A 617 credit score isn’t good or bad — it’s considered “fair” in the FICO® scoring system. While you can access a range of credit and loan products with a 617 score, you probably won’t qualify for a lender’s most competitive rates.

Your fair credit may be the result of financial missteps in the past or the fact that you’re just starting out and don’t have much credit history. Either way, building your credit profile can open doors to more lending options, at more affordable rates.

Let’s dive into what a 617 credit score means and explore the possibilities it opens for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans.

What Does a 617 Credit Score Mean?

Credit scores, which generally range between 300 and 850, are designed to represent how likely you are to pay your bills on time. Creditors and lenders consider your scores as one factor when deciding whether to approve you for new credit and also the rate and terms for which you qualify.

There are many different types of credit scores and scoring models but the FICO scoring model is the one most commonly used by lenders. Here’s how it breaks down:

•   300 to 579: Poor

•   580 to 669: Fair

•   670 to 739: Good

•   740 to 799: Very Good

•   800 to 850: Exceptional

A 617 score falls in the “fair” zone and is below the average score of U.S. consumers, which is 717.

Lenders generally consider consumers with fair credit to be higher-risk borrowers. According to consumer credit bureau Experian®, 28% of consumers with credit scores in the fair range are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future. Some lenders aren’t at ease with those odds and will only extend credit to consumers with “good” or better credit. Other lenders will work with fair credit borrowers but charge relatively high rates and fees to manage the risk.

While many people share your credit score, everyone gets there on their own unique path. Some reasons why you may have a 617 credit score include:

•   Missed payments: Lenders want borrowers to pay on time, which is why payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score.

•   High credit utilization: Using a significant percentage of your available credit (aka, maxing out your credit cards) can have a negative impact on your credit score.

•   Short credit history: The average age of all your credit accounts, along with the age of your oldest and newest accounts, is a factor in credit scoring. A shorter credit history often correlates with a lower score.

•   Derogatory marks: Events like charge-offs (when a creditor considers a debt a loss and closes an account) or collections negatively impact your score.

Recommended: 620 Credit Score: Is It Good or Bad?

What Can You Get With a 617 Credit Score?

Your credit score significantly affects your ability to secure financial products. While a 617 score presents some challenges, it doesn’t shut you out of the market. Here’s what you can expect across different credit products, including credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 617 Credit Score?

You can get a credit card with a 617 score, but your options may be limited. Some credit card options for fair credit borrowers include:

•   Secured credit cards: Secured cards can be a good choice for people who are working to establish or rebuild their credit. Unlike a traditional unsecured credit card, this type of card requires an upfront security deposit. The deposit then serves as collateral should you default on your debt. It also typically acts as your credit limit.

•   Unsecured credit cards for fair credit: Some lenders offer unsecured cards for fair credit, though they may include higher annual percentage rates (APRs).

•   Store credit cards: Retail credit cards usually have lower minimum credit scores and less stringent requirements than general credit cards. However, they might have higher interest rates and lower credit limits. And if it’s a closed-loop store card, it can only be used with that retailer and maybe with certain partners.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 617 Credit Score?

A 617 credit score can put you in the path of a car loan, but be prepared for higher interest rates. According to a third-quarter 2024 report from Experian, the average interest rate for borrowers in the 601-660 credit range was 9.73% for a new car loan and 14.07% for a used car loan. This was several points higher than rates for borrowers with the best credit scores (781-850), which were 5.08% and 7.41%, respectively.

Lenders may also cap the max loan amount (requiring a larger down payment) or offer shorter loan terms to minimize their risk exposure.

To get the best possible rate with a 617 credit score car loan, it’s a good idea to shop around. Compare offers from a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Also consider adding a cosigner with a higher credit score — this can improve your approval chances and reduce your interest rate.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 617 Credit Score?

Obtaining a mortgage with a 617 credit score is possible but can be challenging. Many lenders set minimum credit score requirements for specific mortgage products. For a conventional mortgage (which isn’t guaranteed by any government agency), you generally need a minimum credit score of 620.

However, some other mortgage options may be available to you, including:

•   FHA loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), these loans are designed for borrowers with lower credit scores. With a score of 617, you may qualify with as little as a 3.5% down payment. These loans require mandatory FHA mortgage insurance, but can be a great option for fair-credit borrowers looking to buy a home.

•   VA loans: If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, you could benefit from a VA loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These loans often have no minimum credit score or down payment requirement. However, you’ll need to pay a funding fee ranging from 1.25% to 3.3% at closing.

If you’re working toward buying a house with fair credit, it’s a good idea to pay down any debts you already owe. This can not only benefit your credit but also improve your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which could help you qualify for a bigger mortgage.

Recommended: Best Types of Loans for Home Improvement

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 617 Credit Score?

A personal loan gives you access to a lump sum of cash (anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $100,000) that can be used for virtually any purpose, including debt consolidation, a big-ticket purchase, emergency expenses, home repairs, or a wedding. These loans are typically unsecured (meaning no collateral is required) and have a fixed interest rate.

It’s possible to get approved for a personal loan with a 617 credit score, though you aren’t likely to get a lender’s best rates. Many personal loan lenders use a risk-based approach to pricing: If your credit score is fair, they may charge you a higher interest rate, along with an origination fee, to compensate for the added risk. Borrowers with fair credit may also qualify for smaller loan amounts and shorter loan terms compared to those with good or better credit.

To get the best possible deal on a personal loan for 617 credit, it’s a good idea to shop around. Many lenders allow you to prequalify online, which can give you an idea of what loans you are eligible for without hurting your credit.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

The Takeaway

A 617 credit score is not ideal, but it’s not the end of the road. With this score, you have access to a range of financial products, though often at higher costs. By focusing on improving your credit habits — such as paying bills on time, reducing debt, and avoiding unnecessary hard inquiries — you can build your credit profile and unlock better financial opportunities in the future. Whether you’re looking for a credit card, auto loan, mortgage, or personal loan, careful planning and research can help you find the best options for your situation.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Jackie Lam

A 770 credit score is something to be proud of. It’s not just good but considered “very good” in the FICO® scoring model. It lands comfortably in the second-to-highest credit tier, just 30 points shy of the highest FICO rating, which is “exceptional” credit.

A 770 score can net you lower interest rates and more favorable terms on financing, such as a credit card, mortgage, car loan, or personal loan. We’ll walk you through how a 770 credit score can boost your power as a consumer and how to reap the benefits of having solid credit.

What Does a 770 Credit Score Mean?

A credit score is a three-digit number, typically between 300 and 850, that estimates how likely you are to repay a loan and make payments on time. Lenders and creditors use your credit score to decide whether to approve you for a new account, and to set interest rates and other terms.

A credit score of 770 falls within the Very Good range on the FICO scoring model, which has five credit tiers: Here’s how they break down:

•   Poor: 300 to 579

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Very Good: 740 to 799

•   Exceptional: 800 to 850

According to FICO, scores in the Very Good range are above the average of U.S. consumers and demonstrate to lenders that someone is a “very dependable” borrower. A 770 score is typically the result of timely bill payment and good credit management.

While the majority of lenders use FICO scores, some opt to use their own credit scoring models or VantageScore, a FICO competitor. With VantageScore, a 770 is considered a Good credit score, which is their second-to-highest tier and includes scores between 661 to 780. Their highest tier is called Excellent, which includes scores from 781 to 850.

What Else Can You Get With a 770 Credit Score?

A 770 credit score opens up a world of financial possibilities. Whether you’re in the market for a new credit card, mortgage, car loan, or personal loan, your very good credit rating can result in strong approval odds and competitive terms.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 770 Credit Score?

Yes, a 770 credit score qualifies you for most credit cards. This includes rewards cards, cash-back cards, and even premium travel cards (with perks like access to airport lounges and travel insurance). In addition, you’re likely to receive a relatively high credit limit and favorable terms, enabling you to optimize your spending and earn more rewards. With a 770 score, you may also be able to snag a sign-up bonus or 0% introductory APR.

Note that some of the premium credit cards come with steep annual fees, so you’ll need to consider whether the benefits they offer are worth the cost. If you don’t travel often, you may be more than happy with a top rewards card with no annual fee.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 770 Credit Score?

The average credit score among Americans with car loans is 717. This means that if you have a score of 770, getting an auto loan shouldn’t be a problem. With your very good credit score, you should also have access to some of the lowest interest rates, reducing the overall cost of your loan.

Exactly what interest rate you can get with a 770 credit score will depend on the lender. According to Experian data, car buyers with scores between 661 and 780 paid, on average, 6.70% APR for a new-car loan and 9.63% APR for a used-car loan in the third quarter of 2024. Even better: Some auto manufacturers offer 0% financing for many new car models to “well-qualified” borrowers. While the definition of well-qualified varies by lender, it often includes those with a Very Good FICO score.

To find the best deal on a car loan, it’s a good idea to shop around for loan offers and compare rates from different lenders. Many lenders offer auto loan preapproval so you can lock in a rate before you shop for your car, which can be a useful bargaining chip with the dealer.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 770 Credit Score?

A credit score of 770 puts you in the path of most types of home loans. The most common type of mortgage, a conventional loan, typically requires a FICO score of at least 620. A 770 score puts you comfortably over this requirement and can help you score a competitive interest rate and attractive terms.

With a 770 credit score, you’ll also likely have access to a jumbo home loan, which is a larger-than-normal-size mortgage that typically requires a 20% minimum down payment. Since these loans pose a higher risk to a lender, they typically require a credit score of 700 or higher.

Keep in mind that mortgage lenders will look at more than just your credit score when you apply for a home loan. They typically consider a range of criteria, including your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and the size of your down payment.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 770 Credit Score?

The minimum credit score required for a personal loan varies by lender, but you typically need a score of 580 or higher to get approved. With a 770 credit score, you can likely qualify for a lender’s top interest rates, more flexible terms, and higher loan amounts. See if you can get preapproved online. That’ll give you an idea of your loan amount and interest rate with a particular lender and generally involves a soft credit check, which won’t impact your score.

Once you qualify, there’s a lot you can do with a personal loan. For example, you can use the proceeds from the loan (which can be anywhere from $1,000 and $100,000) to consolidate high-interest credit card debt, cover emergency expenses, pay for a wedding, fund a vacation, or cover home repairs or renovations.

The Takeaway

A 770 credit score is considered a very good score and should give you access to an array of credit and lending products. When a lender sees a 770 FICO score, they can feel confident that you are financially responsible and will make timely payments. As a result, you’re likely to get better credit and lending offers than someone with merely good or fair credit.

That said, a 770 credit score still lands below the highest credit tier (known as “exceptional” credit), indicating that there is still some room for improvement. Continuing to build your credit over time can open the door to lending products with even better terms in the future.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Dan Miller

A 400 FICO® credit score is considered “poor,” meaning you may find it difficult to be approved for most credit and lending products. When you are approved for a loan or credit card, you’ll likely be charged a higher interest rate than someone with a better credit score.

Let’s take a closer look at what a 400 credit score means and what kinds of credit cards and loans you may be able to get.

What Does a 400 Credit Score Mean?

A credit score is a three-digit number that lenders use to determine how much risk you pose as a borrower. It’s calculated using information found in your credit reports, including your history of on-time payments, how much available credit you’re using, and the length of your credit history. When you apply for personal loans or any other types of credit, the prospective lender will likely use your credit score as one factor in deciding whether to approve your application.

FICO’s scoring model, which is used in the vast majority of lending decisions, categorizes its scores as follows:

•   Poor: 300 to 579

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Very Good: 740 to 799

•   Exceptional: 800 to 850

As you can see, a 400 credit score falls at the low end of the FICO® credit score range and is considered “poor.” A borrower with this score may have had issues paying back their debt or lack a credit history. According to Experian, 12.6% of U.S. consumers have credit scores in the poor range.

What Else Can You Get with a 400 Credit Score?

A 400 credit score is likely to negatively impact your ability to get just about any type of credit. Because it’s on the low end of possible credit scores, lenders may see you as a risky borrower.

Here’s how a 400 FICO Score can affect your chances of getting different types of credit:

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 400 Credit Score?

With a 400 credit score, you’re unlikely to be approved for nearly any type of credit card. Credit cards are typically unsecured forms of debt, meaning they’re not backed by a deposit or asset. Because of this, banks generally prefer cardholders with a higher credit score, as it suggests responsible credit usage.

But all is not lost. If you have a 400 credit score, you can apply for a secured credit card. It’s similar to an unsecured card except that you may be required to make a deposit equal to your credit limit. Another option is to be added as an authorized user on someone else’s credit card.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 400 Credit Score?

Though difficult, you might be able to qualify for an auto loan with a lower credit score, though you’ll likely pay substantially higher interest compared to the average borrower. As of December 2024, the average borrower with a 661-780 credit score paid an APR of 5.82% for a new car and 7.83% for a used car. An average borrower with a credit score between 300-500 paid an APR of 13.42% for a new car and 20.62% for a used car.

If you are unable to come up with the full amount of the car’s price, you may choose to look into buying your car from a private party or from a “buy here, pay here” dealer that keeps their auto financing in-house. These types of auto dealers often issue loans to people with poor credit scores as long as they have sufficient income and down payment. However, these loans usually come with some drawbacks, including significantly higher interest rates and fees.

Recommended: Smarter Ways to Get a Car Loan

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 400 Credit Score?

It will almost certainly be impossible to be approved for a conventional mortgage with a credit score of 400. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both require a minimum credit score of 620 for a fixed-rate mortgage, along with a minimum 3% down payment and strong debt-to-income ratio.

If you’re able to raise your credit score and strengthen your finances, an FHA loan may be more within reach. It has a minimum credit score of 500 with a 10% down payment.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 400 Credit Score?

You may be able to get a personal loan or credit card consolidation loan with a 400 credit score, but as with other types of loan products, your options will likely be limited. Many lenders have a minimum credit score that is above 400, so you may have a smaller choice of available lenders and programs. Additionally, you may be charged a higher interest rate than those with better credit scores. Check out our personal loan calculator to see what options might make sense for your specific situation.

Recommended: Everything You Need to Know About No Credit Check Loans

The Takeaway

FICO credit scores are one of the most popular types of credit scores currently used, ranging from 300 to 850. A 400 credit score is at the low end of the “Poor” range and may make it difficult for you to get approved for any lending products, including credit cards, mortgages and other types of loans. Even if you are approved, you will almost certainly be charged a higher interest rate than borrowers with better credit scores. That could make the cost of borrowing higher than is financially feasible, and it may make better sense to work on improving your credit score first.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Cornell University is a private, not-for-profit Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. Degrees offered range from bachelor’s to doctorates. This post will guide you through Cornell tuition, admissions requirements, acceptance rate, financial aid statistics, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

Founded in 1865, Cornell University has a long list of “firsts”: It had the first professorships in the United States for American history, American literature, and musicology, and the first four-year schools for hotel administration and for industrial and labor relations. Cornell awarded students the first journalism degree, the first veterinary science degree, and much more.

Cornell University tuition for the 2023-24 academic year was $66,014. That’s up slightly from the year before, as you’ll see from these previous Cornell tuition figures:

•  2022-2023: $63,200

•  2021-2022: $61,015

•  2020-2021: $59,282

•  2019-2020: $57,222

Current on-campus room and board (2023-24): is $18,554 compared to:

•  2022-2023: $16,988

•  2021-2022: $16,396

•  2020-2021: $15,756

•  2019-2020: $15,246

For the 2022-2023 school year, additional expenses are:

•  Books and supplies: $1,354

•  Other expenses: $2,218

Total expenses, on campus, are $88,140, a 5.9% increase over the previous year.

Financial Aid

Cornell University is “need-blind” during the admissions process, which means that a student’s ability to pay is not considered as part of the acceptance process. This can help students from lower- and middle-income families who can’t otherwise afford the cost of Cornell.

In the 2022-23 academic year, 60% of full-time beginning undergraduates received some sort of financial aid. More specifically:

•   Grants or scholarship aid: 51% received these funds with the average award being $56,741

•   Federal grants: 19% received them with an average award of $7,540

•   Pell grants: 19% received them with an average award of $5,708

•   Other federal grants: 9% received them with an average award of $3,984

•   State or local: 14% received them with an average award of $3,557

•   Institutional: 55% received them with an average award of $55,091

•   Student loan aid: 29% received aid with an average award of $8,574

•   Federal student loans: 27% received aid with an average award of $4,122

•   Other student loans: 16% received aid with an average award of $8,260

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

Recommended: Scholarship Search – College Scholarships Finder Tool

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

Sixteen percent of Cornell University students received “other” student loans (not federal) with an average amount of $8,260. Cornell provides information about private student loans but does not provide specifics.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

At the 2023-24 tuition of $66,014, four years at Cornell equals $264,056. This does not account for increases in tuition. Total expenses for a student are $88,140 annually. The average cost of attendance for a four-year private institution is currently $60,420, making Cornell 46% more expensive.

Here’s some New York Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Cornell University tuition for the 2023-24 academic year was $66,014 plus:

•  Books and supplies: $1,354

•  Other on-campus expenses: $2,218

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In the 2023-24 academic year, graduate-level tuition was $29,500 with fees of $585.

The average private, nonprofit graduate school cost is $15,100 per year, making Cornell University almost twice as expensive. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

For the 2024-2025 academic year, those who want to earn college credit without enrolling in a degree program can study at Cornell part-time for a cost of $1,840 per credit hour.

Campus Housing Expenses

Cornell campus housing costs $18,544 in 2023-24. The university provides the names of neighborhoods to consider for apartment living, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,855. A two-bedroom apartment averages $2,082 per month and a studio apartment averages $1,671. It’s important to note that when renting an apartment, the lease will typically be for a full year instead of just the academic year.

Check out this resource to learn more about off-campus housing.

Cornell University Acceptance Rate

In fall 2023, 65,635 students applied, with 5,250 accepted. So the Cornell acceptance rate is 8%.

Admission Requirements

Along with an undergraduate application, Cornell University requires official transcripts, a counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and a mid-year report. Cornell suspended SAT/ACT requirements through 2024-25, but will require scores to enroll for fall 2026 and beyond.

Deadlines for first-year students are November 1 for Early Decision and January 2 for Regular Decision. You can apply to Cornell University here .

SAT and ACT Scores

Cornell University is ending its policy of having no SAT/ACT requirements with the fall 2026 application process. For fall 2023, 37% of first-time undergraduates submitted SAT scores, while 12% submitted ACT scores. These are the 25th and 75th percentile scores:

Popular Majors at Cornell University

In the 2022-23 academic year, the university conferred 3,791 bachelor’s degrees in more than two dozen areas of study. Here are some of the most popular majors.

1. Computer Science

Undergraduates study programming languages, algorithms, logic, data structures, and more. Electives range from artificial intelligence to cryptography, scientific computers, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 453

2. Hotel/Motel Administration

At Cornell, undergraduates receive a well-rounded education in hospitality that includes traditional coursework along with an immersive experience through hands-on learning opportunities.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 290

3. Labor and Industrial Relations

Cornell University has the country’s largest undergraduate program in this discipline, one that focuses on “people, policies and processes in organizations and the workplace.”

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 273

4. Agricultural Economics

Over the decades, the focus of this degree has evolved just as real-world agriculture has with students now focusing on theory as well as participating in outreach opportunities to help solve real-world problems.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 251

5. Biology

Students can choose between the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the College of Arts and Sciences for this degree and select among fourteen different concentrations.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 243

6. Biomedical Sciences

Students receive a broad education, taught by professors who research cell and developmental biology, stem cell biology, reproductive biology, comparative pathology/physiology and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 174

7. Information Technology

This degree focuses on information systems engineering in the place where information science, management, and technology intersect. Additional classes range from statistics to economics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 151

8. Mechanical Engineering

Students analyze the structure, dynamics, and control of mechanical systems while also studying computer aided design, vibrations, control systems, and more as well as fluids, energy, and heat transfer systems.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 132

9. Econometrics

In this field, students gain insights into econometric models and how theory can be translated into applications and frameworks for forecasting, measuring, testing, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 124

10. Political Science/Government

A political science/government degree can prepare undergraduates for multiple career choices: from business to law or public service. Students receive a broad education while also participating in nuanced discussions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 96

Learn more about the fields of study you can major in at Cornell here .

Graduation Rate

Cornell graduation rate for the fall 2017 cohort is follows:

•  6 years: 95%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Median earnings for Cornell graduates total $104,000. When compared to the national average of four-year educational institutions of $68,516, Cornell graduates’ earnings are 52% higher.