IN DATA | The Class of 2026 In Numbers

Cornell University’s student newspaper, *The Sun*, released findings from its inaugural Senior Sunset Survey, polling 103 Class of 2026 seniors from April 20 to May 5. The survey, which covered backgrounds, academics, campus experiences, and post-graduate plans, found that 39.3% of respondents had at least one family member attend Cornell, with the School of Industrial Labor Relations (ILR) having the highest legacy student percentage at 30%. The survey also revealed demographic trends: 58.3% of respondents identified as female, 37.9% as male, and 4.9% as non-binary. Most respondents (60.1%) were White, followed by 24.2% Asian and 10% Hispanic or Latino. New York was the most represented home state (34%), while respondents from the College of Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Dyson School of Applied Economics were predominantly out-of-state or international students. Academically, respondents from the South reported the highest GPAs, and Mann Library was identified as the most popular study space. The survey also noted that 18.2% of respondents were involved in Greek Life, while 8.9% had previously disaffiliated. The School of Hotel Administration was the only Cornell school not represented in the survey. The findings come amid ongoing discussions about legacy admissions, following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action and a 2024 Student Assembly resolution urging Cornell to end legacy preferencing. New York and New Jersey were the only states with both legacy and first-generation students, though New York had a significantly higher legacy presence (22% more than first-generation students).