Cornell University

Search Intent Cockpit

Cornell University Form 990, Revenue, CEO Pay, and IRS Filing Signals

Cornell University is surfaced here as a decision-ready nonprofit financial profile, not just a charity listing. The page consolidates IRS Form 990 revenue, expenses, assets, tax-exempt classification, executive compensation, mission score, red flags, and year-by-year filing history so donors, researchers, journalists, and grant teams can answer the common search questions around Cornell University in one place.

Is Cornell University Legit?

Some Concerns

Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →

IRS 990 Data Cockpit

Where the Money Comes From and Where It Goes

Across stored filings, Cornell University shows contribution history pending. Next enrichment targets: revenue-source fields, IRS BMF classification.

Decision Cockpit

One-Stop Donor, Research, and Peer Context Hub

Donation Decision Flow

From Trust Check to Better Alternatives

Alternative Shopping

Similar Nonprofits Donors Should Compare

Browse the full Education peer market in New York →

Next Best Actions

Keep the Investigation Moving

Cornell University directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.

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.

Organization Overview

Cornell University is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 75 years, with 12 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2012–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 5.2%.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

Financial Health Grade: A

In 2023, Cornell University reported a surplus of $31.2M with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 35.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 23.1% (moderate leverage).

Financial Trends

Over 12 years of filings (2012–2023), Cornell University's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%.

IRS Tax-Exempt Classification

Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.

AI Transparency Report

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.

Key Financial Metrics (2023)

From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:

• The organization reported a surplus of $31.2M, with revenue exceeding expenses.
• Debt-to-asset ratio: 23.1%.

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

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-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.

View Individual Filing Years

Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Cornell University:

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.