Understanding Cornell ILR School Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) is a distinguished Ivy League institution dedicated to the study of work, labor, and employment relations. Founded in 1945, Cornell ILR operates as a statutory college within Cornell, receiving funding from New York State while maintaining its commitment to improving workplace conditions through education, research, and outreach. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition costs, fees, living expenses, and financial aid options available to students at Cornell ILR.

Cornell ILR: An Overview

Cornell ILR distinguishes itself as a leading institution in the field of industrial relations. It was established in 1945 by the state legislature, based on the recommendations of the New York State Joint Legislative Committee on Industrial and Labor Conditions. The school's founding principle revolves around the exploration of human behavior within the workplace, aiming to improve industrial and labor conditions through teaching, research, and outreach.

The ILR School enrolls approximately 980 undergraduates and 180 graduate students, fostering a network of over 13,000 alumni. Undergraduates pursue a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations, gaining a strong liberal arts foundation through courses in economics, sociology, psychology, history, law, and statistics. The curriculum also includes specialized courses in labor law, organizational behavior, economics, and human resources, providing students with the technical skills and competencies needed for professional expertise.

Tuition and Fees

Understanding the costs associated with attending Cornell ILR is crucial for prospective students and their families. Here's a breakdown of the tuition and fees for the 2025-26 academic year:

Undergraduate Tuition

Endowed and Statutory (per year): \$71,266
Endowed and Statutory (per semester): \$35,633

It's important to note that international undergraduates in F-1 or J-1 status are not eligible for in-state tuition reduction.

Read also: Cornell's Tuition Expenses

Graduate School Tuition

Research Doctoral

Per Year: \$20,800
Per Semester: \$10,400

Endowed

Per Year: \$29,500
Per Semester: \$14,750

Statutory

Per Year: \$20,800
Per Semester: \$10,400

Professional Degrees Tuition

JGSM: MBA (2-year program) per Year: \$86,596
JGSM: MBA (2-year program) per Semester: \$43,298
JGSM: AMBA (1-year program): \$118,758
LAW: LLM per Year: \$84,722
LAW: LLM per Semester: \$42,361
LAW: JD per Year: \$84,722
LAW: JD per Semester: \$42,361
MEng, MArch per Year: \$71,266
MEng, MArch per Semester: \$35,633
MMH per Year: \$71,266
MMH per Semester: \$35,633
MILR, Brooks MPA per Year: \$46,658
MILR, Brooks MPA per Semester: \$23,329

Living Expenses

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for living expenses, which can vary depending on their lifestyle and choices. Here are the estimated living expenses for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Undergraduate: \$26,986
Graduate: \$31,913

To calculate expenses for less than an academic year:

Undergraduate: Expenses = \$2,382/month x number of months + \$212/semester (activity fee) + \$682/semester (books and supplies) + \$3,976 (one year of health insurance).
Graduate: Expenses = \$2,331/month x number of months + \$55/semester (activity fee) + \$3,828 (one year of health insurance).

Family Expenses

Students with families should also consider the following expenses:

Spouse: \$14,880 per year
One child: \$13,320 per year
Each additional child: \$3,450 per year

Spouse expenses are calculated as \$921/month x 12 months + \$3,828 (one year of health insurance). Children's expenses are \$791/month x 12 months per child + health insurance for one year: \$3,828 for one child, \$6,900 total for two or more children.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Cornell University offers various financial aid options to help students manage the cost of education. These include need-based scholarships, grants, and self-help aid (federal loans and work-study).

Read also: Immersive Pre-College Experience

Need-Based Aid

Average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students: \$57,947
Percentage of first-year students receiving need-based financial aid: 47%
Average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students: \$5,553
Percentage of need met by Cornell University: 100%

Scholarships

Scholarships are a form of funding that doesn't require repayment. They can be need-based (considering a student's financial status) or merit-based (awarded for academic or athletic achievements). Students may also qualify for scholarships based on community service, unique hobbies, personal background, or a parent's employer or military affiliation.

Student Loan Debt

Median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree: \$14,000
Median monthly federal loan payment (assuming a 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest): \$148
Percentage of graduating students at Cornell University who took out private loans: 6%
Average private loan debt at graduation: \$74,516
Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: \$29,441
Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024): 31%

Jobs

Working while in school can help reduce the burden of student loans. Cornell offers work-study programs to eligible students and campus jobs for those seeking to earn money during their free time. Students can find job opportunities through in-person or online job boards. MILR students may serve as Course Assistants (CA) by application. Any available CA positions may be found on Workday. Course assistants are paid an hourly rate rather than a stipend. MILR students may be appointed as Graduate Teaching/Research Specialists (GTRS) for a specific course or project. GTRS appointments are not assistantships and are limited to 10 hours per week. GTRS appointments provide a stipend but not tuition or health insurance. These positions are typically offered at the time of admission, but eligible students may apply for any remaining openings.. In very rare cases, students in the MILR program may be eligible to apply for assistantships starting in their second semester. These positions, which support the ILR School’s academic programs, are extremely limited and highly competitive.

Additional Expenses and Considerations

Beyond the direct costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses, students should also factor in other potential costs:

Books and Supplies: These can vary depending on the courses taken but are generally around \$682 per semester for undergraduates.
Health Insurance: A crucial expense, estimated at \$3,976 per year for undergraduates and \$3,828 per year for graduates.
Activity Fee: A small fee charged per semester (\$212 for undergraduates and \$55 for graduates) to support student activities.
Transportation: Depending on whether a student lives on or off-campus, transportation costs can vary significantly.
Personal Expenses: These include items such as clothing, entertainment, and other personal needs.

Gaining Admission to Cornell ILR

Cornell ILR has a competitive admissions process. The ILR school received 1,384 applications in 2025, with only 217 students being accepted. This puts the Cornell ILR acceptance rate around 15%, nearly double the general Cornell acceptance rate!

Tips for Admission

Review Course Offerings: Spend time exploring the ILR department pages and course listings to understand what you’ll be learning.
Commit to Test-Prep: Cornell has reinstated its standardized testing requirements, so submit strong SAT or ACT scores.
Craft a Stellar Essay: Explain your specific interests within ILR and why they matter to you in the school-specific essay.

Read also: Cornell University Semester Guide

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