How do I compare affordability between Stanford and Cornell for my family?

The biggest practical difference is that Stanford’s undergraduate aid is structured as grant-based, with no student loans expected in its standard need-based packages, while Cornell’s final cost can vary more by the particular undergraduate college and, for New York residents, by whether it is a state-supported contract college. Both institutions say they meet demonstrated financial need for eligible undergraduates, but their formulas can assess parent income, assets, home equity, businesses, and noncustodial-parent information differently.

Start by running each school’s official net price calculator using identical, conservative figures from your family’s tax return, current assets, and expected income. Record not just the estimated net price, but the breakdown: parent contribution, grants, student work expectation, and any suggested borrowing.

At Cornell, identify the school or college you would apply to before comparing estimates. New York residents in Cornell’s contract colleges, such as Agriculture and Life Sciences, Human Ecology, or Industrial and Labor Relations, may have a different tuition structure from students in Cornell’s privately endowed colleges. Add realistic annual travel between home and California or Ithaca, winter clothing and transportation in Ithaca if relevant, and health-insurance costs if you will not remain on a family plan. Multiply the estimated annual family cost by four rather than comparing only first-year bills.

Cornell could be equally affordable or less expensive in a New York contract-college situation, so the two official calculators, followed by actual aid offers, should drive the decision.