Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Students engaged with Cornell Atkinson join a vibrant community of sustainability-minded scholars and activists within the broader Cornell campus environment. The Center's physical home in Fernow Hall serves as a gathering space for affiliated students, faculty, and staff, featuring sustainable design elements and collaborative workspaces. Student organizations connected to sustainability themes abound at Cornell, including the Student Environmental Finance Center, Green Greeks, and the Cornell chapter of Net Impact, providing numerous opportunities for leadership and engagement beyond academic work. Cornell's Ithaca campus offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation and direct engagement with environmental systems, from the gorges and waterfalls traversing campus to surrounding state parks and the Finger Lakes region. The university's organic farm, student-run farmers market, and commitment to sustainable dining provide hands-on learning opportunities and access to local, sustainable food. Housing options include the Eco-House cooperative and numerous apartments with sustainability-focused residents. The broader Cornell community includes approximately 24,000 students from all 50 states and over 120 countries, creating a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment. Sustainability-focused students often find community through shared research interests rather than traditional social structures, collaborating across disciplines in ways that preview professional sustainability careers. The Center hosts regular social events including research showcases, networking receptions, and field trips that bring together students with common interests. However, Ithaca's remote location and cold winters present adjustment challenges for some students, and the intense academic environment demands significant time commitment.
Location & Surroundings
Cornell Atkinson operates from Cornell University's main campus in Ithaca, New York, a small city of approximately 32,000 residents (with another 70,000 in the surrounding county) nestled in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. The campus occupies a stunning setting above Cayuga Lake, with dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and natural areas integrated throughout. Ithaca's famous motto "Ithaca is Gorges" captures both the geological features and the community's environmental consciousness, which makes it an ideal setting for sustainability research and education. The climate features warm summers with average temperatures around 22°C, long autumns with spectacular foliage, and cold, snowy winters with temperatures frequently below freezing from November through March. The region receives significant snowfall, and students should prepare for winter conditions. Spring arrives late but brings beautiful wildflower displays in the gorges and surrounding forests. The campus itself spans over 2,000 acres, with additional university-owned agricultural lands and natural areas extending across the region. Ithaca's isolation is both a strength and challenge: the closest major cities are Syracuse (60 miles) and Rochester (90 miles), while New York City lies 250 miles south. The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport offers limited commercial service; most long-distance travel requires driving to Syracuse or Rochester. However, the local community strongly supports sustainability, with excellent cycling infrastructure, local food systems, and environmental organizations. The Finger Lakes wine region, state parks, and ski areas provide recreational opportunities. Housing costs are moderate by East Coast standards but can be competitive given limited supply, and a car is helpful though not essential for campus life.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Cornell undergraduate tuition for 2024-25 totals approximately $65,000 annually including room, board, and fees, though the university's generous financial aid program meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students. Approximately 60% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, with average packages exceeding $55,000. Graduate students in PhD programs typically receive full tuition coverage plus stipends averaging $35,000-42,000 annually, depending on program and funding source. Career outcomes for Cornell graduates with sustainability focus are diverse and strong, reflecting both the university's overall reputation and growing demand for sustainability expertise. Recent graduates have joined organizations including the Environmental Defense Fund, World Resources Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and major consulting firms' sustainability practices. Corporate sustainability roles at companies like Patagonia, Google, and Unilever attract Cornell graduates, as do positions in renewable energy companies, impact investing firms, and government agencies including EPA and state environmental departments. The Cornell Career Services office, combined with Center-specific career programming, provides comprehensive support including sustainability career fairs, alumni networking events, and one-on-one advising. The Center's extensive alumni network opens doors across sectors, with former students now leading sustainability initiatives in corporations, nonprofits, and government worldwide. Average starting salaries vary widely by field, from $45,000 in nonprofit positions to $80,000+ in corporate sustainability or consulting roles. Graduate school placement is strong for undergraduates pursuing advanced degrees, with Cornell graduates admitted to leading law, business, and doctoral programs at Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and peer institutions.
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