Apply to Cornell Engineering

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Choosing Cornell Engineering

Cornell engineers are motivated, collaborative, compassionate, and intelligent. If these qualities resonate with you, consider joining our diverse community of passionate students and faculty. You will be emboldened to break the rules of conventional thought—to think independently and explore new ways to improve the quality of life on our planet. Together, we work to tackle problems great and small. How will you break the rules to do great things?

We encourage you to explore all that we have to offer.

How do I apply to Cornell Engineering?

Prospective undergraduate students apply directly to the College of Engineering using the Common Application or the Universal College Application and all applications are reviewed by the Engineering Undergraduate Admissions Office. When applying, prospective students may indicate an intended major, however, all admitted students will begin as general engineering students. Engineering students select their major during their sophomore year.

Learn about our application requirements for prospective first-year students.

Who is considered an international student?

We define international applicants as students who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, do not have refugee/asylee status, or who are undocumented residents without DACA status. U.S. undocumented residents with DACA status are considered domestic students. U.S. citizens who are living abroad or applicants who have dual U.S. citizenship are not considered international students.

In addition to the application requirements for prospective first-year students, international applicants need to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language.

Explore Cornell's global community.

Information on financial aid

Going to college is one of the most important investments of your life. Cornell is committed to making it affordable by removing financial barriers through a variety of financial aid programs. Cornell offers financial aid based solely on financial need. Cornell University practices need-blind admissions for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, which means your ability to pay is not factored into the admissions process. Eligible non-citizens include permanent residents, refugees and asylees, students who hold DACA status, and students who have been long-term green card applicants but have not yet achieved Legal Permanent Resident (green card) status.

For international studentsand undocumented applicants without DACA status, admissions decisions will be need-aware. This means they will be evaluated for admission with consideration of the ability of students or their parents to pay educational costs.

students working in Upson

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Is Cornell Engineering right for me?
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Undergraduates in the spotlight

Ashley Pekmezian

Ashley Pekmezian, B.S. 2019

Now attending medical school at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Ashley aspires to be a surgeon. Currently, her research focuses on a novel surgical operation to reduce lymphedema after axial lymph node dissection. Read more

Joanna Davis

Joanna Davis B.S., M.Eng. 2019

Joanna Davis says the on-the-spot problem solving she gained as a Cornell BME undergraduate has enabled her to bring nuanced solutions in a rapidly-changing world to both clients and patients in her current role as an Associate Consultant providing diverse solutions to life sciences clients. Read more

What type of advanced degrees are offered?

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

The M.Eng. program is typically a one-year project-based program and admissions in administered by the individual graduate fields. Cornell Engineering offers 15 M.Eng. graduate degree fields. Through flexible curriculum design, practical interdisciplinary study, advanced hands-on learning, and an array of concentrations and specializations, these M.Eng graduate programs can be tailored to suit your individual interests and professional goals.

Master of Science (M.S.)

The M.S. program is a two-year program with a rigorous research component. Cornell Engineering offers seven different fields of study for students interested in obtaining a master of science degree. The Cornell University Graduate School administers admissions to the M.S. programs.

Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Doctoral programs are typically completed in four to five years and are offered by 16 engineering-related graduate fields. The Cornell University Graduate School administers admissions to the Ph.D. programs.

Who is considered an international student?

We define international applicants as students who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, do not have refugee/asylee status, or who are undocumented residents without DACA status. U.S. undocumented residents with DACA status are considered domestic students. U.S. citizens who are living abroad or applicants who have dual U.S. citizenship are not considered international students.

Explore Cornell's global community.

M.Eng. students

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Research at Cornell Engineering
Graduate student experience
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Graduate Student Spotlights

Erica D. Pratt, Ph.D. 2015

Erica D. Pratt, Ph.D. 2015

Erica Pratt's doctoral work in Dr. Brian Kirby's lab focused on investigating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood system of patients with solid tumors and how these cells can be used as a noninvasive tumor surrogate, and as prognostic biomarkers for survival in advanced disease. Read more

Who is considered a transfer student?

You should apply as a transfer student if you have graduated from high school and subsequently earned over 12 credits at another accredited college or university. Learn more about applying as a transfer student.

What majors at Cornell Engineering accept transfer students?

When applying as a transfer student, prospective students must select which major they wish to join before applying. Each major will have slightly different course requirements for prospective students to complete. Please note the biomedical engineering major does not currently offer transfer admission. Prospective students should read through the individual program requirements to gauge whether or not you will be a competitive applicant.

We offer transfer admission into 12 different engineering major programs*.

Biological Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Computer Science

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Engineering Physics

Environmental Engineering

Information Science, Systems and Technology

Materials Science and Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Operations Research and Engineering

Learn more about applying as a transfer student.

Deadlines for applying to transfer

Cornell Engineering only accepts transfer students for fall entry.

The application deadline is March 15.

The deadline for applying for financial aid is March 15.

Learn more about applying as a transfer student.

student at robotic competition in Duffield Hall

What are the next steps?

What are the requirements for transferring?
Research at Cornell Engineering
Have questions or need help?

Undergraduate Student Spotlights

Ashley Pekmezian

Ashley Pekmezian, B.S. 2019

Now attending medical school at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Ashley aspires to be a surgeon. Currently, her research focuses on a novel surgical operation to reduce lymphedema after axial lymph node dissection. Read more

Joanna Davis

Joanna Davis B.S., M.Eng. 2019

Joanna Davis says the on-the-spot problem solving she gained as a Cornell BME undergraduate has enabled her to bring nuanced solutions in a rapidly-changing world to both clients and patients in her current role as an Associate Consultant providing diverse solutions to life sciences clients. Read more