⚠ Editorial Disclaimer: This page is an independent color reference resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the brand listed above or any of its parent companies. All color values are documented for educational and design reference purposes only. Trademarks and brand identities belong to their respective owners.

Cornell University Color Palette

Behind every Cornell University interface and product lies this precise Red color strategy. Examine the technical specifications that maintain brand consistency in university.

Cornell University Primary

HEX#B31B1B
RGB179, 27, 27

Cornell University Accent

HEX#FFFFFF
RGB255, 255, 255

The Visual Identity of Cornell University

Color Systems & Brand Psychology

Primary Hue

Cornell University's primary color #B31B1B sits in the red spectrum — a spectrum that design research links to feelings of energy and bold action among global audiences.

Industry Psychology

Color research in their industry consistently shows that red hues perform well for conveying energy. By anchoring its identity in this spectrum, Cornell University aligns itself with values its global audiences already trust.

Strategic Usage

Consistent deployment of these hex codes across digital and print media is what turns a color into a brand asset. Cornell University enforces precise color governance so that global audiences experience the same visual signal whether they encounter the brand online, in print, or in a physical space.

UI Design & Application Guide

Thinking of using the Cornell University color palette in your next project? Here is a professional guide on how to apply these colors effectively for web and mobile interfaces.

Aa
Header One
HEX: #B31B1B Primary Brand Color

When using #B31B1B as a background, strict accessibility standards (WCAG) recommend using #FFFFFF for your typeface to ensure maximum readability.

Call to Action
Get Started
Button Component
Accent Usage
Use Cornell University Red as a high-visibility accent color on clean white surfaces to draw attention.
Dark/Brand Background
Professional Tip: Designers using Figma or Adobe XD should create a specific color style named Cornell University Primary to ensure consistency across all university mockups.

Technical Color Data Table

For developers and designers, accuracy is non-negotiable. Below are the precise conversions.

Color Name HEX Code RGB Values CSS Variable
Cornell University Primary #B31B1B rgb(179, 27, 27) var(--cornell-university-primary)
Cornell University Accent 1 #FFFFFF rgb(255, 255, 255) var(--cornell-university-color-2)

CSS Implementation

Copy this CSS snippet to your :root to instantly implement the Cornell University brand styles.

:root {
  --cornell-university-primary: #B31B1B;
  --cornell-university-color-2: #FFFFFF;
}

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary HEX color code for Cornell University?
The primary color in the Cornell University palette is #B31B1B. This value is documented here for reference purposes. For official brand implementation, always consult Cornell University's own brand guidelines.
Does #B31B1B meet WCAG accessibility contrast requirements?
WCAG 2.1 AA requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text. When using #B31B1B as a background, white (#FFFFFF) text typically achieves the required ratio. Always verify with a contrast checker tool before production use, as contrast depends on your exact background color.
Why does Cornell University use red as its primary color?
Red tones are widely associated with energy in color psychology research. For a brand operating in their industry, this association helps communicate the right emotional signal to global audiences — though the final palette decision reflects many factors including competitive differentiation and historical brand equity.
Can I use the Cornell University color palette in my design project?
The colors documented on this page (RGB values, HEX codes) are factual technical specifications and may be referenced for editorial, educational, or personal design inspiration. However, using Cornell University's colors in a way that implies endorsement, affiliation, or commercial association with Cornell University may raise trademark concerns. For commercial projects, review Cornell University's brand guidelines and, if needed, consult a legal advisor.