If you’re exploring how to apply for Cornell financial aid for international undergraduates, this guide breaks down everything you need to know for the 2025 academic year. Cornell’s need-based program for international students is designed to identify and assist those who can convincingly demonstrate financial need — not merit alone — and the process requires careful preparation of financial documents and standardized test evidence. Understanding the Cornell University need-based financial aid for international students 2025 process early will dramatically improve your chances of receiving meaningful support to cover tuition and related costs.
Cornell evaluates applications through a combination of academic admission and a separate financial assessment, so applying for aid is a two-track effort: secure admission, then submit the required financial forms. If you want to compete for international undergraduate scholarships Ivy League need-based support, make sure you prepare a strong Common Application, complete the CSS Profile for Cornell financial aid application, and meet the testing and documentation requirements listed below.
Cornell University Financial Aid for International Students — Overview
Cornell University offers a need-based financial aid program for international undergraduates for the 2025 academic year. This assistance is awarded to admitted international students who submit a financial aid application and demonstrate genuine, documented financial need. The program is intended to help cover the cost of pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Cornell by supplementing family contributions with institutional aid.
Available Subjects (Colleges at Cornell)
- Architecture, Art, and Planning
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Arts and Sciences
- College of Business — Hotel Administration
- College of Business — Applied Economics and Management
- Engineering
- Human Ecology
- Industrial and Labor Relations
Benefits
Need-based financial assistance awarded to admitted international undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.
The aid package is tailored to each student based on the financial information submitted through the CSS Profile and any additional documentation requested by Cornell’s financial aid office.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students from all countries who apply for undergraduate admission at Cornell and complete the financial aid application process.
Eligibility Criteria — What Cornell Requires
To be considered for Cornell’s international need-based financial aid, applicants must meet the following requirements as part of their admission and aid applications:
English proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate strong English ability. The original criteria specify a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 or IELTS 7.0.
Standardized testing: All applicants follow Cornell’s general admission testing requirements; SAT or ACT is commonly required (confirm current testing policy for your college).
CSS Profile: Applicants must complete and submit the CSS Profile to document family finances and request institutional aid. This is the central form Cornell uses to calculate demonstrated need.
SAT Subject Tests (for some majors): For students applying to arts, sciences, and engineering, two SAT Subject Tests are required (mathematics is mandatory for engineering majors). Note that subject test requirements vary by major—check your college’s specific admissions page.
Academic records: Official high school transcripts covering at least three years must be provided, translated into English if necessary. All documents should be in official form.
Important: Policies and testing requirements can vary by college within Cornell and may be updated; always verify the latest admissions and aid instructions on Cornell’s official site.
Application Procedure — Step-by-Step
Submit your Cornell undergraduate application via the Common Application (create your Common App account and add Cornell under “My Colleges”).
Complete the Common App sections (Profile, Family, Education, Tests, Activities, Writing). Include your personal essay (up to 650 words).
Apply for admission to the college and major of your choice within Cornell through the Common App. Ensure you meet any college-specific testing or portfolio requirements.
Submit the CSS Profile (institutional aid application) to Cornell by the deadlines specified on Cornell’s financial aid pages. The CSS Profile provides the data Cornell uses to determine need.
Provide any additional documentation requested by Cornell’s Office of Financial Aid (tax forms, income statements, affidavits, etc.). Respond promptly to requests to avoid delays.
Pay the application fee ($80) or request a fee waiver if eligible. Fee waivers for admisssion may be available through the Common App for qualifying applicants.
Await admission and financial aid decision — admission and aid decisions are typically communicated through Cornell’s applicant portal and financial aid office.
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