What are the most challenging courses at Cornell University?

Based on student ratings aggregated from across the web, the most challenging courses at Cornell University include CS 3780 (Introduction to Machine Learning), CHEM2090 (Engineering General Chemistry), ECE315. Courses with the highest reported challenge levels. See the full ranked list above and open any course for the detailed breakdown.

How are the most challenging courses at Cornell determined?

Each course is scored on difficulty, a 0–100 measure built from student ratings and sentiment aggregated across the web, and ranked accordingly. Courses with the highest reported challenge levels. Students can also add their own reviews on each course page.

Is this ranking based on real student feedback?

Yes. The ratings aggregate real student feedback, so each score reflects many data points rather than one opinion. We show how many ratings back each course so you can gauge confidence, and written student reviews add firsthand detail on top.

Hardest Classes at Cornell: Most Challenging Courses

The hardest classes at Cornell University, ranked by student-reported difficulty. Plan your schedule around the most challenging courses before registration.

Course enrollment for Spring 2027 at Cornell opens Wed, Nov 11. Registrar dates

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Most Challenging Courses

Top 25 · courses with the highest reported challenge levels

1
CS 3780Introduction to Machine LearningComputer Science
85/100 difficulty1.6 out of 5 stars1.6· 18 ratings
85/100
2
CHEM2090Engineering General ChemistryChemistry
84/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 245 ratings
84/100
3
ECE315Engineering
83/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 37 ratings
83/100
4
HADM165Hotel & Restaurant Management
82/100 difficulty4.0 out of 5 stars4.0· 33 ratings
82/100
5
CHEM3890Honors Physical Chemistry IChemistry
82/100 difficulty3.9 out of 5 stars3.9· 33 ratings
82/100
6
ILRCB201Law
82/100 difficulty3.6 out of 5 stars3.6· 18 ratings
82/100
7
CHEM2071General Chemistry I LaboratoryChemistry
82/100 difficulty1.1 out of 5 stars1.1· 13 ratings
82/100
8
CS5414Distributed Computing PrinciplesComputer Science
82/100 difficulty4.1 out of 5 stars4.1· 13 ratings
82/100
9
BIOG2000Special Studies in BiologyBiology
82/100 difficulty4.8 out of 5 stars4.8· 12 ratings
82/100
10
BEE2510Engineering Processes for Environmental SustainabilityEngineering
82/100 difficulty1.2 out of 5 stars1.2· 11 ratings
82/100
11
HADM2430Marketing Management for ServicesHospitality
81/100 difficulty2.0 out of 5 stars2.0· 43 ratings
81/100
12
MATH2230Theoretical Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus IMathematics
81/100 difficulty4.5 out of 5 stars4.5· 24 ratings
81/100
13
HIST1321History
81/100 difficulty2.4 out of 5 stars2.4· 12 ratings
81/100
14
DEA3350Design & Environmental Sciences
81/100 difficulty5.0 out of 5 stars5.0· 8 ratings
81/100
15
CHEM2510Introduction to Experimental Organic ChemistryChemistry
80/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 58 ratings
80/100
16
ORIE4580Simulation Modeling and AnalysisOperations amp Information Mgmt.
80/100 difficulty1.6 out of 5 stars1.6· 15 ratings
80/100
17
HADM2221Principles of Hospitality Real EstateBusiness
80/100 difficulty2.2 out of 5 stars2.2· 14 ratings
80/100
18
MAE4700Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical and Aerospace DesignAerospace Eng. & Mechanics
80/100 difficulty3.4 out of 5 stars3.4· 14 ratings
80/100
19
ECE4070Physics of Semiconductors and NanostructuresEngineering
80/100 difficulty3.1 out of 5 stars3.1· 13 ratings
80/100
20
HADM4200Principles of Real EstateHospitality
80/100 difficulty2.0 out of 5 stars2.0· 11 ratings
80/100
21
SHUM110Humanities
80/100 difficulty1.6 out of 5 stars1.6· 11 ratings
80/100
22
BIOGD281Science
79/100 difficulty3.3 out of 5 stars3.3· 71 ratings
79/100
23
BIO101Science
79/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 61 ratings
79/100
24
ECE336Engineering
79/100 difficulty2.0 out of 5 stars2.0· 45 ratings
79/100
25
CS 2112Object-Oriented Design and Data Structures - HonorsComputer Science
79/100 difficulty4.8 out of 5 stars4.8· 30 ratings
79/100

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Most Challenging Courses