Cornell Ranked Second Among New York Colleges

WalletHub evaluated hundreds of institutions to determine the top schools in New York state.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in College Applications

Cornell Ranked Second Among New York Colleges

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Cornell University secured the number two spot among New York colleges in a new study conducted by WalletHub. The ranking system assessed hundreds of institutions across the state using thirty different measures.

Why it matters

Understanding how local universities perform across academic and financial metrics helps students navigate the competitive college application process. These findings offer a comprehensive look at how top-tier schools in New York balance cost, diversity, and educational outcomes.

WalletHub evaluated 738 institutions as of Sept. 14, 2026, weighing admissions selectivity at 25 percent and educational outcomes at 20 percent of the total score. Cornell ranked first in median salary among New York schools and second in graduation rates.

The players

Cornell University

An Ivy League research institution located in Ithaca, New York, that is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.

WalletHub

A personal finance website that produces annual comparative studies and rankings on a variety of educational and economic topics.

The details

The analysis measured institutional quality by weighing several categories, including career outcomes and faculty resources. In addition to Cornell, the University of Rochester and Binghamton University also achieved rankings within the top 10 statewide.

Sept. 14, 2026: Data collection for the study was completed.
Nov. 1, 2026: The early decision application deadline for Cornell University occurred.
Jan. 2, 2027: The regular decision application deadline for Cornell University passed.

Culture Shift

This study follows a pattern set by the U.S. News & World Report college rankings methodology in its attempt to quantify the value of higher education. It reflects a broader shift toward data-driven consumerism where families increasingly rely on comparative scoring to assess institutional quality.

Prospective students may use these rankings to adjust their college lists or evaluate their potential return on investment. The study provides a pragmatic framework for weighing factors like net cost and post-attendance salary when deciding where to submit applications.

The takeaway

Students should evaluate multiple ranking sources to see which institutional values best align with their own personal and career goals. Using these metrics as a starting point rather than a definitive guide can help families make more informed decisions during the application process.