Understanding the Cost of the Cornell University MBA Program
The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, located on Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, New York, offers a renowned MBA program. For prospective students, understanding the full cost of the program is a crucial step in the decision-making process. This article breaks down the tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with the Cornell MBA, along with available financial aid options.
Overview of Cornell Johnson
The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management is known for its Two-Year MBA program, attracting students with its curriculum and career opportunities. The school's location in Ithaca provides a unique setting, while its connection to Cornell Tech in New York City offers a blend of traditional and innovative learning experiences.
Tuition Costs
Two-Year MBA Program
The tuition for Cornell Johnson’s Two-Year MBA program is a significant factor for prospective students. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the tuition is $86,596 per year. It's important to note that tuition is billed in four installments, with deadlines on August 7 for the fall semester and February 7 for the spring semester. Cornell offers online payment options through Cashnet, as well as a monthly installment plan to help manage payments.
Executive MBA Programs
Besides the Two-Year MBA, Cornell offers Executive MBA programs with different fee structures. The total tuition cost for the Cornell Executive MBA Metro NY program is $228,916. For the Executive MBA Americas program, the total tuition cost is $194,346. These programs also offer payment plans, with tuition billed in installments.
Additional Mandatory Fees and Living Expenses
Beyond tuition, students should budget for mandatory fees and living expenses. These costs cover student activities, health insurance, accommodation, meals, academic supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
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Estimated Living Expenses
Ithaca offers various housing options with differing costs based on location and amenities. On average, students might spend around $12,296 per academic year on housing. Meal expenses could amount to approximately $7,132 annually, depending on personal eating habits. Academic materials, including textbooks and supplies, are projected to cost around $2,650 per year. Transportation costs, including local travel, are estimated at $3,194 annually, and personal expenses could be around $2,398 per year.
Financial Aid Options
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management offers several financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships if they meet the criteria, and no supplemental application is required. Johnson grants up to 25 Two-Year MBA candidates the Roy H. Park Fellowship, which provides a full-tuition grant and additional leadership training.
Need-Based Aid and Loans
Cornell University does not offer need-based aid or scholarship support for graduate or professional students. EMBA students typically finance their education with private or federal loans. Students may borrow up to $20,500 each academic year through a Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan. Remaining tuition costs can be borrowed through a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan, which does not have an annual limit. Private loans are also available from various lending institutions, with interest rates varying based on credit history.
Executive MBA Program Financial Aid
There are a limited number of small and partial merit-based scholarships for the Executive MBA programs, granted at the discretion of the admissions committee. The Executive MBA programs also participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible Armed Forces members.
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Application Requirements and Deadlines
To apply to Cornell Johnson's MBA programs, applicants must submit a completed online application, including two essays, a résumé, a list of activities, GMAT/GRE scores (waivers available), and transcripts. A $250 non-refundable application fee is also required.
Essay and Recommendation Requirements
The Cornell MBA application requires a Goals Statement plus one of two core essays, with an optional essay for clarification or reapplicants. One recommendation is required, but up to two may be submitted for review. Recommendations should come from people capable of commenting on the candidate’s professional, leadership, and intellectual capabilities.
Interview Process
After submitting an application for the Two-Year MBA program, qualified applicants will be contacted for an invitation-only interview. These interviews are resume-based and often described as conversational, focusing on the applicant's experiences and goals.
Application Deadlines
For the Two-Year MBA program, the Round 1 application deadline is typically in September, with Round 2 in January. The Priority deadline for the Tech MBA program is in October, with the January Round deadline also in January. Decision days are typically in December for Round 1 and March for Round 2.
Student Profile and Class Composition
The Johnson Two-Year MBA Class of 2027 is comprised of 276 students. Students in the Class of 2027 had a median GMAT score of 710 and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.4. The class also had an average of 5.3 years of work experience. Thirty-eight percent of the first-year students are women. The one-year Tech MBA Class of 2025 is comprised of 96 students. The group has an average GMAT of 696 and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.47. The Tech MBA Class has an average age of 28 and 5 years of work experience.
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Career Opportunities and Outcomes
Earning a Cornell MBA is a valuable investment, with graduates experiencing strong career outcomes. Johnson’s Career Management Center works with students to craft their resumes, connect with recruiters, and negotiate job offers. The average starting salary for Cornell Johnson Two-Year MBA graduates is $161,967.
Campus Life and Community
Johnson's Two-Year MBA program is offered at Cornell University’s main campus in Ithaca, New York. Ithaca is known for its beautiful natural landscape, family-friendly community, and downtown area. Students can participate in and lead any of 80 student organizations. Johnson offers a unique, “two campus, one community” approach, which allows Ithaca-based residential students to take weekend courses or half-semester intensives at Cornell Tech in NYC.
Strategic Cost-Cutting Measures
Prospective students can consider various strategies to manage the cost of the Cornell MBA. Applying for scholarships and fellowships can significantly reduce tuition fees. On-campus jobs, such as graduate assistantships, provide stipends and tuition discounts. Choosing affordable housing options, like shared apartments or university housing, can also cut living costs.
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