Organizer Information
Cornell University is a private research university in Ithaca, New York, United States. For students interested in art, design, architecture, visual media, and related interdisciplinary fields, relevant study is offered through the College of Architecture, Art and Planning (AAP) and other Cornell academic units. AAP includes undergraduate programs in architecture, fine arts, and urban and regional studies, as well as graduate programs in architecture, art, planning, design technology, and related fields.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Cornell University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate / Doctoral
- Degrees Offered: B.Arch., B.F.A., B.S., M.Arch., M.F.A., M.S., M.R.P., Ph.D.
- Academic Fields: Architecture / Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Image Text / Design Technology / Urban & Regional Studies / Architectural History & Urban Development
- Relevant Programs: Architecture (B.Arch.); Fine Arts (B.F.A.); Master of Architecture; M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts; M.F.A. Image Text; M.S. Design Technology; M.S. Advanced Architectural Design; M.S. Advanced Urban Design; Ph.D. History of Architecture and Urban Development.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes; eligibility varies by program.
- Application Period: Fall 2027 applications are open for undergraduate applicants; graduate AAP applications opened 15 September 2026.
- Application Deadline: Varies by program and application plan
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
- Application Fee: $85 undergraduate; $105 graduate
- Tuition: 2026–27 published undergraduate AAP tuition: $73,946/year; M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts: $32,450/year.
- Funding: Cornell scholarships, grants, financial aid, and program-specific graduate tuition support are available subject to eligibility.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Cornell AAP accepts applicants into architecture, fine arts, urban and regional studies, and related graduate disciplines. The M.F.A. Image Text program specifically welcomes applicants with backgrounds in writing, photography, film/video, digital and studio arts, while the M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts does not require the bachelor's degree to be in art.
- The M.Arch. accepts applicants with a bachelor's degree in any field, including applicants without previous design experience who demonstrate talent and promise in a design-related activity or interest.
General Eligibility
- Eligibility is program-specific. Undergraduate applicants apply directly to a Cornell college or school. First-year applicants must meet Cornell's general undergraduate requirements and the additional requirements of their selected college or program.
- For graduate study, requirements vary by field. The M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts requires a bachelor's degree, but the degree does not have to be related to art. The M.Arch. requires a bachelor's degree in any field. The M.F.A. Image Text requires a four-year bachelor's degree and is currently restricted to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with valid U.S. immigration status; applicants requiring new U.S. immigration sponsorship are not eligible.
Language Requirements
- Undergraduate applicants who do not qualify for Cornell's English-proficiency exemptions must demonstrate English proficiency. Cornell accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge English examinations, with published minimum competitive scores including IELTS 7.5 and Duolingo 130.
- Graduate applicants must meet Cornell Graduate School's English-language requirement. For research degrees, the published IELTS threshold is at least 7.0 overall, with additional speaking thresholds for the relevant proficiency tier; professional master's applicants generally require at least IELTS 7.0. Program-specific requirements may be higher.
Application Fee
| Applicant Level | Application Fee | Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $85 | Fee waivers available to eligible applicants |
| Graduate | $105 | Financial-hardship waivers available for select programs |
Tuition
| Study Level / Program | Published 2026–27 Tuition | Billing Structure |
|---|---|---|
| AAP undergraduate programs | $73,946 | Per year |
| M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts | $32,450 | Per year |
| M.F.A. Image Text | $10,563 | Per semester |
| M.S. Design Technology | $36,973 | Per semester |
| M.S. Advanced Architectural Design | $36,973 | Per semester |
| M.S. Advanced Urban Design | $36,973 | Per semester |
An undergraduate student activity fee of $424 per year and graduate student activity fee of $101 per year are also published for 2026–27. Housing, dining, health benefits, and other costs are additional.
Funding & Financial Support
- Cornell provides need-based undergraduate financial aid and states that it meets 100% of demonstrated need for eligible admitted undergraduates. International undergraduate admission is need-aware.
- AAP considers outstanding applicants to the M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts and M.F.A. Image Text for scholarships providing partial tuition assistance. M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts students may also access paid hourly work within the department, college, or university, subject to Cornell's employment limits.
University Services & Academic Support
AAP provides access to college production facilities, including facilities in Rand, Sibley, and Tjaden Halls for MFA students. Cornell also provides academic advising, graduate-field support, research resources, library and archival resources, and international-student services.
Application Requirements
- Requirements vary by program. Undergraduate applicants submit the Common Application, Cornell Writing Supplement, academic records, required recommendations, and standardized-test results. Architecture and art applicants must also satisfy their program-specific creative submission requirements; B.F.A. applicants must submit an online portfolio through Cornell AAP SlideRoom.
- Graduate requirements can include transcripts, recommendations, CV/resume, statements, English-language evidence, and program-specific portfolios. The M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts requires a portfolio of creative work. The M.F.A. Image Text requires a visual portfolio and CV/resume.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Fall 2027 Graduate Applications Open: 15 September 2026
- Undergraduate Early Decision Application: 1 November 2026
- Undergraduate Early Decision Required Materials: 13 November 2026
- Undergraduate Regular Decision Application: 2 January 2027
- Undergraduate Regular Decision Required Materials: 19 January 2027
- M.Arch. Application Deadline: 4 January 2027
- M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts Application Deadline: 18 January 2027
- M.F.A. Image Text Priority Review Deadline: 1 February 2027
- M.S. Design Technology Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
- Undergraduate Early Decision Admission Results: mid-December 2026
- Undergraduate Regular Decision Admission Results: late March 2027
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
Location
Cornell University — Ithaca, New York, United States
Additional Details
- Cornell's application structure differs substantially between undergraduate and graduate study. AAP's M.F.A. Image Text is not currently open to applicants who require new U.S. immigration sponsorship, making its international eligibility materially different from the M.F.A. Creative Visual Arts and other AAP programs.
- The tuition figures currently published by Cornell are for 2026–27; Cornell's official 2027–28 tuition schedule should be checked when released rather than treating the 2026–27 figures as confirmed 2027–28 rates.