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Cornell University

Students

Cornell welcomes all military and veteran scholars.

Student Snapshots

Portrait of Chris Brunkhorst

Chris Brunkhorst ’26, College of Engineering, Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical Engineering

U.S. Air Force, Staff Sergeant, Security Forces and Geospatial Analyst

“Your college community matters as much, if not more, than your academic pursuits. I’m grateful for my support system at Cornell; it’s kept me in grad school. You deserve comfort, appreciation, respect, work-life balance, and fulfillment of your needs. Don’t settle. Demand these from your institution.”

portrait of Rachelle Davenport

Rachelle Davenport ’24, CALS, Ph.D. Candidate in Soil and Crop Sciences

U.S. Marine Corp Reserves, Corporal, Air Traffic Control 

“Over the past five years I have watched the veteran and military community at Cornell grow to a thriving and active group of individuals who are there to support one another while also connecting with the larger Cornell community.” 

Davenport’s current research focuses on organic carbon within soils. She plans to work as a research scientist within the field of soil biogeochemistry. 

portrait of Matthew Garcia

Matthew Garcia ’25, College of Arts and Sciences

U.S. Navy, E-4 Petty Officer Third Class, Hospital Corpsman/Surgical Technologist 

“As a Cornell student veteran, I find motivation in the shared determination of my military peers, encouraging me to excel in academics, fitness, and personal growth.”  

Garcia plans to pursue a dual MD/MPH degree. 

portrait of Jennifer Ross

Jennifer Ross ’25, Johnson Graduate School of Management

U.S. Air Force, Retired E-7, Intelligence Specialist 

“Since retiring from the military and beginning my studies at Cornell, I feel like I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to find another strong community that supports and uplifts each other.” 

Future plans: Hopes to start a nonprofit to support veterans.

portrait of Andy Shin with American flag

Andy Shin ’23, CALS; ’25, Brooks School of Public Policy

U.S. Army Reserve, Specialist, Logistics 

“Finding my place at Cornell, I discovered a family in the military community – a bond of shared experiences, respect, and a profound sense of belonging that forever shapes my journey.” 

Admissions

Financial Aid

military family at ceremony

Cornell meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduate* students. ROTC and veteran applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid, regardless of their benefits eligibility. Learn more about Veterans Education Benefits. 

*Graduate students can apply for research or teaching assistantships and fellowships but not institutional aid. 

Other Financial Aid Resources

University Resources

Individual College and School Resources

Government Resources

student and advisor walking and talking with a play button overlaid

Breaking Barriers: Peer Outreach Boosts Student Veterans

The number of undergraduate veterans enrolled at Cornell has nearly quadrupled over the past five years, thanks in part to outreach by a team of student veteran peer counselors.

Housing

Military students from all over the world live and learn at Cornell — both on and off campus. Each community offers support and convenience, plus plenty of opportunities for personal growth and cultural exploration.

Current Students

Get Involved

Find Support

The undergraduate student veteran program director provides support, advocacy, programming, and referral to our undergraduate student veterans while serving as a point of contact and direct link between Cornell, the VA Regional Office, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local veterans’ agencies and organizations. Email or visit the website

Other Support Resources

Cornell Health logo

Cornell Health

Cornell Health provides medical care, mental health care, physical therapy, and support services for students on Cornell’s Ithaca campus.

Group of people arm in arm in a circle

University Student Support and Advocacy Services 

The Student Support and Advocacy Services team provides emotional support, connections to campus or local resources, and assistance navigating the complexities of university life.

Careers

Cornell Career Services (CCS) is part of Cornell’s Division of Student and Campus Life. At CCS, students receive guidance and career development services; explore the wealth of career assistance available to undergraduates, graduate students; and network with alumni.

Individual College and School Career Services Offices University Career Services Veterans Resources from Career Services