Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Total Enrollment

26,264

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

379

379 programs

Full-Time Students

15,899

152 part-time

Total FTE

27,438

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large

Major vocational institution

26,264

Total Students

Size compared to other colleges:

200 1K 2K 5K+

Program Diversity 379

High diversity

~69 students per program

Training Capacity

High

Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs

Market Position

Major Player

Among largest colleges nationally

Resource Level

Extensive

Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Cornell University operates as a large college with 26,264 students across 379 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 26,264 students, Cornell University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 379 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 15,899 (99.1%)

99.1%

Part-Time Students 152 (0.9%)

Total Students 16,051

Predominantly full-time students (99.1%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (60.5%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

53.0%

13,922 students

Men

47.0%

12,342 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

28.9%

7,586 students

White

28.9% (7,586)

International Students

25.7% (6,738)

Asian

18.9% (4,976)

Hispanic/Latino

11.2% (2,932)

Black/African American

5.9% (1,561)

Two or More Races

4.2% (1,103)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.2% (53)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (29)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 26,264 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 29% of the student body (7,586 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

16,051 students

45% Men, 55% Women

15,899 Full-time 152 Part-time

Diversity Index: 80% • Minority Students: 47%

Graduate students

10,213 students

49% Men, 51% Women

9,435 Full-time 778 Part-time

Diversity Index: 67% • Minority Students: 19%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

25,334

All full-time students

11,853 men, 13,481 women

Diversity: 80%

FT Undergraduate

15,899

Full-time undergraduate

7,235 men, 8,664 women

Diversity: 80%

FT Degree-Seeking

15,784

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

7,186 men, 8,598 women

Diversity: 80%

FT First-Time

3,537

Full-time first-time students

1,643 men, 1,894 women

Diversity: 80%

FT Continuing

12,247

Full-time continuing students

5,543 men, 6,704 women

Diversity: 79%

FT Transfer

634

Full-time transfer students

282 men, 352 women

Diversity: 74%

FT Continuing

11,613

Full-time other continuing

5,261 men, 6,352 women

Diversity: 80%

FT Non-Degree

115

Full-time non-degree seeking

49 men, 66 women

Diversity: 2%

FT Graduate

9,435

Full-time graduate students

4,618 men, 4,817 women

Diversity: 65%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

930

All part-time students

489 men, 441 women

Diversity: 76%

PT Undergraduate

152

Part-time undergraduate

65 men, 87 women

Diversity: 44%

PT Degree-Seeking

151

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

64 men, 87 women

Diversity: 43%

PT Continuing

151

Part-time continuing students

64 men, 87 women

Diversity: 43%

PT Continuing

151

Part-time other continuing

64 men, 87 women

Diversity: 43%

PT Non-Degree

Part-time non-degree seeking

Diversity: 0%

PT Graduate

778

Part-time graduate students

424 men, 354 women

Diversity: 75%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

5,007

White

1,192

Black/African American

2,328

Hispanic/Latino

4,006

Asian

1,642

International

Diversity Index: 80% Minority Students: 47%

Graduate students

2,579

White

369

Black/African American

604

Hispanic/Latino

970

Asian

5,096

International

Diversity Index: 67% Minority Students: 19%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Cornell University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Cornell University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 26,264 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (60.5%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.

• Academic Intensity: 27,438 FTE students indicates predominantly full-time academic commitment.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (9:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.

• Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

6072552000

Address

300 Day Hall

Ithaca, NY 14853

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials