Cornell University

Cornell University maintains strong financial health with consistent revenue and asset growth, reporting 0% officer compensation.

EIN: 150532082 · Ithaca, NY · NTEE: B430 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$11.5BRevenue

$18.6BAssets

85/100Mission Score (Excellent)

B430

About Cornell University

Cornell University (EIN: 150532082) is a nonprofit organization based in Ithaca, NY, classified under NTEE code B430. The organization reported total revenue of $11.5B and total assets of $18.6B according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Cornell University's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

Cornell University demonstrates robust financial health, consistently reporting significant revenues and assets. In the latest available period (202306), the organization reported revenues of $5.88 billion against expenses of $5.85 billion, indicating a near break-even operational year. Over the past decade, assets have grown substantially from $12.49 billion in 201406 to $17.34 billion in 202306, reflecting strong financial management and investment. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings suggests that executive compensation is either not reported in this section or is structured differently, which could be a point for further inquiry regarding transparency in leadership remuneration.

The organization's spending efficiency appears sound, with expenses generally tracking closely to revenues, indicating that resources are being deployed to support its educational mission. While a detailed breakdown of program, administrative, and fundraising expenses isn't directly provided in the summary data, the overall financial stability and growth in assets suggest effective resource allocation. The consistent positive net assets, even after accounting for liabilities, further underscores its long-term financial viability.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Cornell University with a Mission Score of 85 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.

Spending Breakdown

admin: 15%
programs: 80%
fundraising: 5%

According to IRS 990 filings, Cornell University allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

The IRS 990 filings consistently report 0% officer compensation, which is unusual for an organization of Cornell University's size and complexity. This suggests that executive compensation details may be reported in other sections of the 990 or through different mechanisms, warranting further investigation for complete transparency.

Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.

Red Flags

The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Cornell University's IRS 990 filings:

Unclear executive compensation reporting (0% officer comp consistently reported)

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for Cornell University:

Strong and consistent revenue generation (e.g., $5.88 billion in 202306)
Significant and growing asset base (e.g., $17.34 billion in 202306, up from $12.49 billion in 201406)
Positive net assets after liabilities, indicating financial stability
Consistent operational balance (expenses generally track closely to revenues)

Frequently Asked Questions about Cornell University

Is Cornell University a good charity?

Based on its financial health, consistent revenue generation, and significant asset growth, Cornell University appears to be a financially sound institution. Its ability to manage billions in revenue and expenses while maintaining a strong asset base suggests effective financial stewardship. The NTEE code B430 indicates its primary mission is higher education, and the financial data supports its capacity to fulfill this mission.

How does Cornell University manage its executive compensation?

The provided IRS 990 data consistently shows 0% for officer compensation. This is highly unusual for an organization of this scale and suggests that executive compensation is either reported elsewhere in the full 990 filing, or the term 'officer compensation' as defined in this summary does not capture the full scope of executive remuneration. Further review of the complete 990 is needed for clarity.

What is the trend in Cornell University's financial growth?

Cornell University has demonstrated consistent financial growth over the past decade. Revenues have increased from $4.37 billion in 201406 to $5.88 billion in 202306 (latest period), and total assets have grown from $12.49 billion to $17.34 billion in the same timeframe. This indicates a strong and expanding financial base.

Are Cornell University's liabilities a concern?

While Cornell University carries significant liabilities (e.g., $3.99 billion in 202306), these are well-covered by its substantial assets ($17.34 billion in 202306). The asset-to-liability ratio remains healthy, indicating that the organization is not overleveraged and can meet its financial obligations.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for Cornell University showing financial trends over 12 years of public records:

Over 12 years of IRS 990 filings (2012–2023), Cornell University's revenue has grown by 73.9%, moving from $3.4B to $5.9B. Total assets increased by 59% over the same period, from $10.9B to $17.3B. Total functional expenses rose by 90.5%, from $3.1B to $5.8B. In its most recent filing year (2023), Cornell University reported a surplus of $31.2M, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $4.0B in liabilities against $17.3B in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 23.1%), resulting in net assets of $13.3B.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$5.9B	$5.8B	$17.3B	$4.0B	—	—
2022	$6.5B	$5.5B	$17.4B	$4.1B	—	View 990
2021	$6.1B	$5.4B	$17.4B	$4.4B	—	—
2020	$5.1B	$5.2B	$14.4B	$4.4B	—	View 990
2019	$5.0B	$4.9B	$13.6B	$3.2B	—	View 990
2018	$5.0B	$4.6B	$13.3B	$3.0B	—	View 990
2017	$4.7B	$4.4B	$12.8B	$3.1B	—	View 990
2016	$4.4B	$4.2B	$12.4B	$3.5B	—	View 990
2015	$4.4B	$4.0B	$12.7B	$3.3B	—	View 990
2014	$4.4B	$3.7B	$12.5B	$3.3B	—	View 990
2013	$3.4B	$3.2B	$11.5B	$3.4B	—	View 990
2012	$3.4B	$3.1B	$10.9B	$3.4B	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $5.9B, expenses of $5.8B, and assets of $17.3B (revenue -9.6% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $6.5B, expenses of $5.5B, and assets of $17.4B (revenue +6.5% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $6.1B, expenses of $5.4B, and assets of $17.4B (revenue +19.1% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $5.1B, expenses of $5.2B, and assets of $14.4B (revenue +2.5% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $5.0B, expenses of $4.9B, and assets of $13.6B (revenue -0.4% year-over-year).
2018: Revenue of $5.0B, expenses of $4.6B, and assets of $13.3B (revenue +6.9% year-over-year).
2017: Revenue of $4.7B, expenses of $4.4B, and assets of $12.8B (revenue +7.6% year-over-year).
2016: Revenue of $4.4B, expenses of $4.2B, and assets of $12.4B (revenue +0.4% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $4.4B, expenses of $4.0B, and assets of $12.7B (revenue -0.4% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $4.4B, expenses of $3.7B, and assets of $12.5B (revenue +29.5% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $3.4B, expenses of $3.2B, and assets of $11.5B (revenue -0.2% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $3.4B, expenses of $3.1B, and assets of $10.9B.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for Cornell University is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.

IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.