Cost of attending Cornell in 2015-16 to increase 3 percent

For most undergraduate students living on campus, the cost of attending Cornell will rise 3 percent in 2015-16.

The proposed university budget, to be finalized by the Cornell University Board of Trustees in May, reflects the 3 percent increase for tuition, room, board and mandatory fees for endowed college and out-of-state contract college students.

Across the board, undergraduate tuition will increase $1,830, compared with $1,920 last year, for all undergraduates. This amounts to a 3.9 percent tuition increase for endowed college and out-of-state contract college students, and 5.9 percent for New York state resident contract college students. For the sixth consecutive year, graduate research tuition on the Ithaca campus will see no increase.

The 3.9 percent endowed tuition increase is the first time in 50 years that the tuition increase for the endowed colleges has been held under 4 percent, according to Paul Streeter, vice president for budget and planning.

Interim Provost Harry Katz said, “Keeping the rise in tuition to below 4 percent for most undergraduates reflects our best efforts to be fiscally responsible while assuring a rich and complex undergraduate education and experience.”

According to Streeter, Cornell spends approximately $242 million annually in Cornell grant aid that supports about half of all undergraduates.

For endowed and out-of-state contract college students, 2015-16 tuition will be $48,880, compared with this year’s $47,050. Adding in room, board and fees, the total cost of attendance will be $62,744, up from $60,914, or a 3 percent increase.

For New York state resident contract college students, tuition will be $32,740, compared with $30,910 this year. The cost of attendance for these students will be $46,604, compared with $44,774 this year, or a 4.1 percent increase.

Mandatory student activities fees – $236 for all undergraduates and $81 for all graduate and professional students – are remaining flat, as are undergraduate housing ($8,112) and dining ($5,516 for full meal plan).

Earlier this month the university announced it will implement a mandatory $350 student health fee beginning next fall for those students not enrolled in the Cornell Student Health Insurance Plan. The fee will impact approximately 70 percent of undergraduates, 30 percent of professional and 10 percent of graduate students.

All updated tuition rates and fees, including for professional degrees and MBA programs, will be available in mid-March on the bursar’s website.

Media Contact

Joe Schwartz