College Comparison
Cornell University vs The University of Alabama: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
School
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Cornell | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.2%wins | 75.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1480–1560wins | 1170–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 24–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,014 | $33,200wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,337 | $22,150wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $104,043wins | $59,221 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.1%wins | 73.7% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 86.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 15,935 | 32,323wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Cornell edges out Alabama on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Cornell Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 8.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1480–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $104,043
Alabama Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,200
- ✓Avg Net Price: $22,150
- ✓Total Enrollment: 32,323
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.