Financial Aid

Our Commitment

Cornell University is committed to helping students and families understand and navigate the financial aid process. Through a combination of federal, state, and institutional programs, the university provides financial assistance to eligible students to help meet the cost of attendance. 

Financial aid eligibility is determined in accordance with federal and state regulations and university policy. Aid programs and eligibility may differ for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The Office of Financial Aid is available to guide students through each step of the process.

Visit finaid.cornell.edu for additional information on student financial aid.

Prospective undergraduate students and families can use the Net Price Calculator available on the Office of Financial Aid website to receive an early, personalized estimate of grant aid eligibility based on family financial information.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total cost to attend Cornell for a nine-month academic year. It includes:

  • Tuition and required fees
  • Housing and food
  • Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
  • Transportation
  • Personal and miscellaneous expenses

Some of these costs are billed directly by the university (such as tuition and on-campus housing), while others are estimated expenses that students may incur.

The COA is established annually and published on the Cost to Attend page on the Financial Aid website. The COA may vary by academic program, enrollment status, and housing choice.

Applying for Financial Aid

Undergraduate Students

Cornell meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduate students. Admitted students are considered for institutional grant aid, which does not need to be repaid, and the university is committed to minimizing student loan debt for families with the greatest financial need.

Undergraduate students apply for aid annually in 3 Steps:

(1) Submit the FAFSA (for federal aid) and CSS Profile (for institutional need‑based aid).

(2) Upload requested documents if selected for verification.

(3) Monitor your student portal for deadlines and updates.

Priority dates and current year forms are posted on the Apply for Aid page on the Financial Aid website. Continued eligibility is contingent upon demonstrated financial need and compliance with satisfactory academic progress and other applicable requirements.

New York State residents may also apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other state-administered programs.

Review of Special Circumstances

Undergraduate students who experience significant changes in financial circumstances that are not reflected in the standard application materials may request a review of their eligibility. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, loss of income, unusual medical expenses, or changes in family circumstances. Requests must be submitted with appropriate documentation and are evaluated in accordance with federal regulations and university policy. Approval of an adjustment is not guaranteed.

Graduate and Professional Students

Many graduate students are considered for scholarships and fellowships as part of the admission process and are notified at the time of admission; funding packages may include fellowships, tuition waivers, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. Students should consult their graduate field or school for information about available funding, eligibility criteria, and renewal conditions.

Graduate students relying on federal loans must submit the FAFSA annually to be evaluated for federal loan eligibility.

Students applying for admission to the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell Law School, the College of Veterinary Medicine, or Weill Cornell Medicine may have additional financial aid application requirements. Students should consult their school for program-specific information.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid packages may include a combination of:

  • Grants and scholarships (which do not need to be repaid)
  • Loans (which must be repaid according to loan terms)
  • Student employment opportunities

Federal Student Aid

Students who submit the FAFSA are considered for federal programs, which may include:

  • Federal Pell Grant (Undergraduates)
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) (Undergraduates)
  • Federal Work-Study
  • Federal Direct Loans
  • Federal Direct PLUS Loans

Federal loan borrowers are responsible for understanding repayment terms, interest rates, and borrower responsibilities. Federal loan borrowers must complete required counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Parent borrowers may apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan; additional requirements apply.

To remain eligible for federal financial aid, students must meet general federal eligibility requirements, including maintaining satisfactory academic progress and resolving any federal loan defaults or overpayments.

Additional information about federal student aid programs and borrower responsibilities is available at studentaid.gov.

Institutional Aid

Cornell provides institutional grant assistance to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. These grants are supported by university funds and generous donor contributions.

Institutional fellowships, scholarships, and funding packages for graduate and professional students are administered through individual graduate fields, schools, and colleges. Eligibility and award amounts vary by program. Graduate students should contact their graduate field coordinator or school financial aid office for program-specific information.

Institutional loan programs may also be available to eligible students.

New York State Aid 

Eligible New York State residents may qualify for assistance through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other state-administered programs.

Outside Scholarships

Students are encouraged to seek external scholarship opportunities. Any outside scholarships or educational benefits must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid, as they may affect overall financial aid eligibility. Cornell allows students to receive the maximum benefit possible from outside scholarships. Outside scholarships typically reduce self-help aid (student loans or work-study) dollar-for-dollar until no self-help aid remains. In rare circumstances, Cornell may be required to reduce federal, state, or other grants and scholarships to comply with applicable rules and regulations.

Staying Informed

The Office of Financial Aid communicates with students through official university email and student portals. Students are responsible for reviewing communications and submitting any requested documentation by the stated deadlines.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal regulations require universities to establish standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for students receiving federal financial aid.

At Cornell, SAP is designed to ensure that students are making steady progress toward completing their degree. Students must meet these standards to remain eligible for federal financial aid. In most cases, institutional grant eligibility follows the same standards unless otherwise specified.

Evaluation of Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated annually for programs longer than a year in length and each term for programs one year or less in length. To remain eligible for aid, students must:

  • Complete ≥ 67% of cumulative attempted credits
  • Maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required by their program
  • Complete their degree within a maximum timeframe. This is typically 150% of the published program length. For example, if a degree program requires 120 credits to graduate, the maximum timeframe for degree completion is 180 attempted credits. (120 x 150% = 180). Graduate maximum timeframe is defined by the school/program.

Minimum GPA Requirements

All students must maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required for the degree program in which they are enrolled. Additional information about financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements is available on the Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress page on the Financial Aid website.

Students Who Do Not Meet SAP

Students who do not meet SAP standards may lose eligibility for financial aid. However, options may be available.

Eligibility may be regained by:

  • Improving academic performance to meet cumulative standards, or
  • Submitting an appeal if significant extenuating circumstances affected academic progress.

Appeals

Students who experience serious or unexpected circumstances — such as illness, injury, or the loss of a family member — may submit a written appeal with supporting documentation.

If approved, students may be placed on financial aid probation and may be required to follow an academic plan. Continued eligibility depends on meeting the conditions outlined in the appeal decision.

The Office of Financial Aid works with students and academic units to support successful progress whenever possible.

Additional details regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, appeal procedures, and academic plan requirements are available on the Office of Financial Aid website.

Withdrawal and Financial Aid

Under federal ‘Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)’ rules, students who withdraw before completing 60% of the term earn only a prorated share of their federal aid; unearned funds must be returned by the school and/or student within federal timelines. After the 60% point, students are considered to have earned 100% of Title IV aid for that term.

Students who withdraw from the university may have their federal financial aid recalculated based on the portion of the term completed, in accordance with federal regulations and the university’s withdrawal and refund policies. Depending on the timing of the withdrawal, this recalculation may result in a balance owed.

Students considering withdrawal are encouraged to speak with the Office of Financial Aid to understand the potential financial impact.

Detailed information regarding the university’s withdrawal policy, institutional refund schedules, and the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation is available on the Leaves and Withdrawals page on the Financial Aid website.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Rights:

  • Understand available aid programs
  • Know how eligibility is determined
  • Receive clear information about awards
  • Understand requirements to maintain eligibility

Responsibilities:

  • Submit accurate and timely applications
  • Submit requested documents
  • Report outside scholarships
  • Maintain SAP
  • Read and respond to university communications

Providing false information may result in loss of eligibility and other consequences under federal law and university policy.

Consumer Information

Cornell University provides required consumer information disclosures regarding costs, financial aid programs, refund policies, graduation/retention data, security and fire safety and more.

This information is available through the Office of Financial Aid and on the university’s Consumer Information page.

Policy Updates

Financial aid policies may be updated to reflect changes in federal, state, or institutional requirements. In the event of changes to applicable federal or state laws and regulations, such changes will supersede policies described in this catalog. The university reserves the right to revise financial aid policies to remain in compliance with governing regulations. Updated information is available through the Office of Financial Aid.