California State University-Sacramento vs Cornell University

Sacramento, CA — Ithaca, NY

Metric
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Location Sacramento, CA Ithaca, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 28,350 15,995
Acceptance Rate 94.0% 8.8%
SAT Average 1,535
In-State Tuition $8,018 $69,314
Out-of-State Tuition $20,618 $69,314
Avg Net Price $9,338 $28,690
Median Debt at Graduation $15,000 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 56.1% 95.3%
Retention Rate 81.9% 98.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $51,074 $87,830
Median Earnings (10 yr) $64,876 $104,043
Loan Repayment Rate 911700.0% 313700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
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Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-Sacramento and Cornell University compare?
California State University-Sacramento (Sacramento, CA) has an acceptance rate of 94.0%, in-state tuition of $8,018, and median 10-year earnings of $64,876. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) has an acceptance rate of 8.8%, in-state tuition of $69,314, and median 10-year earnings of $104,043.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-Sacramento or Cornell University?
Cornell University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $104,043 vs $64,876. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-Sacramento or Cornell University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Sacramento is the more affordable option at $9,338 per year versus $28,690.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.3% vs 56.1%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025