Cornell Room and Board Expenses

Hi there! While I'm thinking about applying to Cornell, I'd like to know more about the housing and dining options. How much does the room and board cost at Cornell University, and are there any differences in pricing based on dormitories or meal plans?

Hello! Room and board costs at Cornell University can vary depending on the type of housing and meal plan you choose. Generally speaking, though, for the 2024-2025 academic year, standard room rates are around $12,296, and meal plans are about $7,132.

Housing rates at Cornell depend on the type of room you select. Rooms vary from traditional doubles and singles to suites or apartments. Generally, singles and suites/apartments come with higher costs than standard double rooms. It's important to note that not all housing options are available to all students, as some residence halls are reserved for specific class years or living-learning communities.

As for meal plans, Cornell offers a variety of options to accommodate different eating habits and preferences. The meal plans are based on a combination of meal swipes (used at dining halls), Big Red Bucks (BRBs - flexible dining dollars that can be used at campus cafes, eateries, etc.), and additional features such as guest meal swipes. The cost of your meal plan will depend on the number of meal swipes and BRBs you choose. Generally, plans with more meal swipes and BRBs will be more expensive.

Keep in mind that these costs are subject to change each year, and there might be additional fees associated with certain housing options or other services. It's always a good idea to consult Cornell's official website for the most up-to-date information on room and board costs and options. You can also reach out to their financial aid office, as some kinds of aid can be used to cover living expenses, in addition to tuition.

Finally, note that most students at Cornell live off-campus as early as their sophomore year, so if you're seriously considering applying to Cornell, you'll likely want to look into rent rates and overall cost of living in Ithaca, to get a clearer sense of what your expenses will look like over your full four years there.

On a separate note, if you do end up applying to Cornell and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-cornell-university-essays/. Good luck!