Difference between Princeton and Cornell
Princeton and Cornell are two of the most prestigious learning institutions in the United States–and in the world for that matter. In fact, a degree from either one will get you into just about any job, and it truly is an accomplishment to first be accepted there and finally to graduate. Which one is the better option? Let's take a look!
Profile
Princeton is a privately owned research university in Princeton, New Jersey. The university belongs to the Ivy League group, and is one of the few colleges still in existence that have been around since before the American revolution.
Cornell is also an Ivy League university, and it is located in Ithaca, New York. Much of Cornell’ s funding is drawn from the State of New York.
Scope/Coverage
Princeton offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, among others. In addition, the school also offers master’s degrees and doctoral programs, although it doesn't typically offer professional schooling options.
Cornell for its part provides degrees in engineering, agriculture, law, medicine, and city and regional planning among others. Cornell is comprised of seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions, with all of them being largely autonomous in terms of admission standards and academic scope.
Key Differences
For all its differences, Princeton and Cornell are most different in terms of size. Cornell has many more students spread out through more colleges, a larger number of professional programs, and generally just more organizations and activities available. Not that Princeton is a tiny university, mind you; it is just that Cornell simply has a much larger area and a correspondingly larger student population. There are a lot more courses offered, and the larger population means that there are many more opportunities for interaction with a wider and more varied group of people.
Things aren't so different in terms of academics, with both Cornell and Princeton largely being equal in terms of academic excellence and in the quality of instruction.
One thing that Princeton does have going for it is that it is located closer to large urban centers such as New York and Philadelphia. For students who want the option to go to town on occasion, this gives Princeton a slight edge.
Similarities and Differences
Princeton
- A privately owned research university in Princeton, New Jersey
- Belongs to the Ivy League group
- One of the few colleges still in existence that have been around since before the American Revolution
- Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, among others
Cornell
- Also an Ivy League university
- Located in Ithaca, New York
- Provides degrees in engineering, agriculture, law, medicine, and city and regional planning among others
- Is located closer to large urban centers
