Cornell University Graduate Tuition Fees 2026: Master's & PhD Cost of Attendance
Planning to pursue a master's or doctoral degree at Cornell University? One of the most important factors to consider before applying is the total cost of attendance. Besides tuition, graduate students should budget for housing, meals, books, health insurance, transportation, and other personal expenses.
This guide provides an updated overview of Cornell University graduate tuition fees for 2026, including tuition rates for master's and PhD programs, graduate fee structure, estimated living expenses, and financial aid opportunities. While tuition varies by program and college, this article will help you estimate the amount you may need to complete your graduate studies at Cornell University.
Cornell University Graduate Tuition Fees 2026
Graduate tuition at Cornell University varies depending on your degree program, academic field, and college. Some programs charge a standard graduate tuition rate, while professional master's degrees have separate tuition schedules.
Estimated Graduate Tuition by Degree Type
| Graduate Program | Estimated Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Research Master's (M.A., M.S., M.F.A.) | $34,000 to $38,000 |
| Professional Master's Programs | $42,000 to $75,000+ |
| PhD Programs | Tuition varies, but many admitted PhD students receive full tuition support and a stipend |
Professional programs such as Business, Law, Engineering, Public Administration, and Health-related degrees generally have higher tuition than research-based graduate programs.
Graduate Tuition by Academic Field
Graduate tuition differs by department. Popular graduate fields include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Economics and Management
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Economics
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- English
- Government
- History
- Hotel Administration
- Information Science
- Law
- Management
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Plant Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Statistics
- Systems Engineering
Professional master's programs generally have higher tuition than research-focused graduate degrees.
Graduate Student Fees
In addition to tuition, graduate students may be responsible for mandatory university fees such as:
| Fee | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Graduate Student Activity Fee | Required each semester |
| Student Health Fee | Varies |
| Student Health Insurance | Required unless waived |
| Technology and Campus Fees | Program dependent |
The exact fees depend on your college and enrollment status.
Estimated Living Expenses
Graduate students should also budget for everyday living expenses while studying in Ithaca, New York.
| Expense | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing | $12,000 to $18,000 |
| Food | $5,500 to $7,500 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 to $1,800 |
| Transportation | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,500 to $4,000 |
| Health Insurance | Based on selected coverage |
The total cost varies depending on your lifestyle and housing choice.
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance
The overall annual cost of attending Cornell University as a graduate student typically includes tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Estimated annual costs are:
- Research Master's students: approximately $55,000 to $70,000
- Professional Master's students: approximately $65,000 to over $95,000
- PhD students: tuition is often fully funded, with many students receiving annual stipends for living expenses.
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
Cornell University offers several funding opportunities for graduate students, including:
- Graduate fellowships
- Teaching assistantships
- Research assistantships
- Departmental scholarships
- Federal student loans
- Private educational loans
- External scholarships
- Employer tuition assistance for eligible programs
Many doctoral students receive comprehensive funding packages that include tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.
Tips for Reducing Graduate School Costs
You can reduce your educational expenses by:
- Applying for departmental fellowships early.
- Seeking graduate assistantships.
- Living with roommates.
- Purchasing used textbooks or digital editions.
- Applying for external scholarships.
- Creating a realistic monthly budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Cornell University graduate tuition in 2026?
Graduate tuition varies by program, but most research master's programs cost approximately $34,000 to $38,000 annually, while professional master's degrees may exceed $70,000 per year.
Are PhD students fully funded?
Many full-time PhD students receive funding packages that include tuition, health insurance, and annual living stipends, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Does Cornell offer graduate scholarships?
Yes. Graduate students may qualify for fellowships, assistantships, grants, departmental awards, and external scholarship opportunities.
Is housing included in tuition?
No. Housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses are separate from tuition and should be included in your overall budget.
Conclusion
Understanding the Cornell University graduate tuition fees for 2026 can help you prepare financially before beginning your master's or doctoral program. Since tuition varies across academic departments and professional schools, prospective students should review the expected costs alongside housing, living expenses, and available financial aid. Proper financial planning will help you make informed decisions and successfully manage the cost of graduate education at Cornell University.
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