The application process, including essays and references, is done online through a secure application website. Payments for the program are made by credit card or by check*. For more information about how to apply, please visit our Application page.
*Due to COVID-19, many Cornell staff are working remotely. For this reason, we strongly discourage mailing in checks, unless absolutely necessary. Check payments must be sent with an invoice. If you need to pay by check, please contact our office (after submitting your application) and we will email you an invoice that must be printed and mailed along with your payment.
Admission
Acceptance to the program is limited and based on experience and qualifications. Due to high demand for the course, we urge students to send in their application forms as soon as possible. We also urge applicants to read every question carefully and answer them completely. This is an extremely competitive program, and your acceptance is based solely on your application, essays, and references. The closing date for applications is Wednesday, May 1, 2024, and acceptance letters will be sent by Friday, May 17, 2024.
Application and Tuition Fees
A tuition application fee covers application processing and books. The payment of the $100 application fee is non-refundable and required for all applicants no later than Wednesday, May 1, 2024. We will not consider applicants who submit applications after May 1, and your deposit will not be refunded. Payment can be made HERE.
Regular Track Course Fee
- Individual Rate: $420
- Institutional Rate: $1300
Advanced Track Course Fee
- Individual Rate: $690
- Institutional Rate: $1700
Those who work for a union, NGO, or other employers should have their fee paid by their sponsoring employer at the Institutional Rate and are not eligible to apply for the advanced track before their supervisor speaks with the director of the program, Kate Bronfenbrenner, about the tuition rate and the summer paper requirements.
Upon admission, tuition fees are due by Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Tuition fees can be paid by credit card (by phone: 1-866-470-1922) or by mailing a check* to:
Accounts Receivable Dept.
PO Box 6838
Ithaca, NY 14851-6838
*Due to COVID-19, many Cornell staff are working remotely. For this reason, we strongly discourage mailing in checks, unless absolutely necessary. Check payments must be sent with an invoice. If you need to pay by check, please contact our office (after submitting your application) and we will email you an invoice that must be printed and mailed along with your payment.
Scholarships
The AFL-CIO is able to provide a limited number of partial and full scholarships to further reduce the cost of tuition. THESE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE ONLY FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS WHO DEMONSTRATE SIGNIFICANT NEED FOR ASSISTANCE AND HAVE A CLEAR COMMITMENT TO WORK IN THE FIELD OF STRATEGIC CORPORATE RESEARCH UPON COMPLETING THE PROGRAM. EMPLOYER-PAID STUDENTS DO NOT QUALIFY. The deposit will be reimbursed for students who receive a scholarship.
To apply for a scholarship, you will need to upload an additional two-page essay outlining your personal reasons for applying for the scholarship and whether you plan to pursue a career in strategic corporate research after completion of the course.
Refund Policy
To withdraw from this special program, you must notify the Special Programs office. Your refund amount will be determined by the date on which you notify the director. All $100 deposits are non-refundable after the registration deadline of Wednesday, May 1, 2024, and your application is under consideration.