Cornell Johnson vs NYU Stern
Which MBA program is right for you?
Cornell Johnson
NYU Stern
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Cornell Johnson | NYU Stern |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #15 | #10 |
| Acceptance Rate | 27% | 23% |
| Avg. GMAT | 710 | 723 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.45 | 3.55 |
| Class Size | 300 | 400 |
| Avg. Salary | $165,000 | $170,000 |
| Employment Rate | 93% | 93% |
| Annual Tuition | $74,480 | $76,780 |
The Verdict
Choose Cornell Johnson if…
you want a top-15 program in a college-town setting with strong tech and real estate programs.
Full Cornell Johnson Profile →Choose NYU Stern if…
you want NYC immersion, Wall Street proximity, and the luxury/media/entertainment specialties that only New York provides.
Full NYU Stern Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Johnson (#15) and Stern (#10) are both New York state programs that attract candidates who want strong career outcomes from an Ivy League or near-Ivy platform. The comparison centers on Ithaca vs Manhattan. Johnson's Cornell Tech campus in NYC has blurred this divide somewhat, but the core experience is still different.
Location Impact
Stern puts you in Greenwich Village, walking distance from Wall Street, Midtown, and every major employer in the world's largest business market. Johnson puts you in Ithaca, a beautiful college town three hours from NYC. Johnson's Cornell Tech MBA (NYC campus) offers a tech-focused alternative, but most Johnson students are in Ithaca for the majority of their program.
Career Outcomes
Stern sends 30% into finance and benefits from NYC recruiting pipelines that simply don't exist elsewhere. Johnson places strongly in tech (20%+) and has built real strength in real estate through Cornell's broader programs. Both place well into consulting. Stern's median salary is slightly higher, driven by NYC finance compensation.
The Honest Take
If NYC is where you want to be during and after business school, Stern is the obvious pick. If you want a residential MBA experience with strong tech and real estate placement, Johnson in Ithaca delivers that with the added credential of the Cornell name. Johnson's total cost is usually lower when you factor in Ithaca's affordable living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stern better than Johnson for finance?
Stern has an edge for NYC-based finance roles due to location alone. Walking to Goldman Sachs for a coffee chat isn't possible from Ithaca. Johnson still places well into finance, and its real estate program is among the best in the country.
What about Cornell Tech?
The Cornell Tech MBA is a one-year, NYC-based tech MBA that's separate from the traditional Johnson two-year program. It's an excellent option for tech-focused candidates who want the Cornell brand in a NYC setting. It doesn't compete with Stern for finance careers.
Which is more selective?
Stern's acceptance rate is approximately 22% and Johnson's is approximately 27% for the class of 2026. Stern receives more applications due to its NYC location. Both are selective programs.