About Cornell

Scenic view of Cornell campus in fall.
Welcome to Cornell

Knowledge for the greater good

We have taken to heart the revolutionary spirit that founded our university and encourage each other to pursue unpredicted lines of thinking in order to effect change on local and international scales.

Cornell Campuses & Locations

Main Ithaca Campus
Main Campus
Ithaca, NY
Main Campus
Ithaca, NY

Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's main campus provides the experience of the traditional college campus: eateries, residence halls, academic buildings, libraries, and research facilities. But its natural beauty—the nearby lake, natural waterfalls, and gardens—set the campus apart from others in the Ivy League.

Explore Ithaca Campus
See All Locations

Quick Facts

Location
Ithaca, New York
Founded
1865
Identity
Private university, public mission
  • 16,071
    Undergraduate Students
  • 10,213
    Graduate and Professional Students
  • 2,950
    Faculty
  • 52
    Nobel Laureates
  • $459M
    undergraduate grant aid (FY25)
Cornell pennant See All University Facts

Our Profile

Cornell is a privately endowed research university and a partner of the State University of New York. As the federal land-grant institution in New York State, we have a responsibility—unique within the Ivy League—to make contributions in all fields of knowledge in a manner that prioritizes public engagement to help improve the quality of life in our state, the nation, the world.

Cornell Through the Years

More than 150 years of excellence in education, research and public engagement have given Cornell a unique history that is rich with innovation and tradition.

Composite image of the Cornell University Charter seal and Ezra Cornell.
1865

NY State Senate passes the bill that establishes Cornell University on April 27.

1868

The original set of nine bells first rings out at the university's opening ceremonies.

A metallic, green dragon with scales surrounded by students and staff.
1901

Inspired by an idea from Willard Dickerman Straight 1901, the first Dragon Day is held.

A man stands above a gathered crowd listening to him speak.
1915

The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology is established.

The etched golden record on a black background.
1977

Cornell astronomers and astrophysicists are extensively involved in the missions of Voyager 1 and 2 to explore the outer solar system.

grey background
Outline of McGraw Tower
Cornell History

Get to know Cornell by exploring the events that have shaped the university from 1865 to today.

   Explore More
Explore Cornell's History