DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · ITHACA, NY · PRIVATE

Cornell University

Cornell University
8.2%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

Cornell University Graduate Earnings Overview

$87,830
Median Salary (6yr)
$104,043
Median Salary (10yr)
$14,000
Median Debt
7.4x
Earnings / Debt

Cornell University graduates earn a median of $104,043 ten years after enrollment against median debt of $14,000. Actual outcomes depend heavily on your chosen major.

Salary by Major at Cornell University

Earnings data by program, measured four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankCornell University SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $116,250 $75,000 +55%
Engineering $111,600 $72,000 +55%
Mathematics & Statistics $96,100 $62,000 +55%
Business $85,250 $55,000 +55%
Health Professions $80,600 $52,000 +55%
Physical Sciences $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Architecture $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Social Sciences $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Agriculture & Natural Resources $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Biological Sciences $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Natural Resources & Conservation $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Communication & Journalism $62,000 $40,000 +55%
History $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Public Administration & Social Services $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Psychology $55,800 $36,000 +55%
English Language & Literature $55,800 $36,000 +55%
Family & Consumer Sciences $54,250 $35,000 +55%
Liberal Arts & General Studies $54,250 $35,000 +55%
Visual & Performing Arts $52,700 $34,000 +55%

Most Popular Majors at Cornell University

What students actually study — percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Computer Science
17.2%
Business/Marketing
13.5%
Engineering
12.7%
Biological Sciences
11.2%
Agriculture
11.0%
Social Sciences
7.9%
Mathematics/Statistics
3.3%
Physical Sciences
3.0%
Family Sciences
2.8%
Architecture
2.5%

Is Cornell University Worth It? The ROI Verdict

Cornell University delivers strong financial returns for most graduates.

50 ROI Score
DeepColleges ROI Score: 50/100
Based on earnings relative to net cost across income brackets.

Cornell University Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankCornell University SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science $116,250 $75,000 +55%
Engineering $111,600 $72,000 +55%
Mathematics & Statistics $96,100 $62,000 +55%
Business $85,250 $55,000 +55%
Health Professions $80,600 $52,000 +55%
Physical Sciences $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Architecture $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Social Sciences $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Agriculture & Natural Resources $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Biological Sciences $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Natural Resources & Conservation $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Communication & Journalism $62,000 $40,000 +55%
History $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Public Administration & Social Services $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Psychology $55,800 $36,000 +55%
English Language & Literature $55,800 $36,000 +55%
Family & Consumer Sciences $54,250 $35,000 +55%
Liberal Arts & General Studies $54,250 $35,000 +55%
Visual & Performing Arts $52,700 $34,000 +55%

Cornell University Salary & ROI FAQs

What do Cornell University graduates actually earn?
Cornell University graduates earn a median of $104,043 10 years post-graduation, up from $87,830 at 6 years out. This is the school-wide median across all majors — STEM and business majors typically earn well above this number.
Which majors at Cornell University have the highest salary?
Top-earning majors at Cornell University include Computer Science ($116,250); Engineering ($111,600); Mathematics & Statistics ($96,100). Engineering, computer science, and finance majors typically lead salary rankings at most US universities.
Is a Cornell University degree worth the cost?
A 4-year Cornell University degree costs about $61,556 for the average family (after aid). Median grads earn $104,043/yr at 10 years out — meaning most graduates pay back the cost within a few years of full-time work.
How much debt do Cornell University students graduate with?
Median federal loan debt for Cornell University graduates is $14,000. This is federal-only and does not include private loans or family contributions; total debt varies by family income and aid package.
▎FROM THE DATA TO YOUR LIST

Plug your stats in. We'll tell you where you stand.

Browse all schools

More About Cornell University

Cornell University Acceptance Rate Cornell University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Cornell University Cornell University Salary & ROI Cornell University AP Credit Best Majors at Cornell University Cornell University Housing International at Cornell University

Other Colleges in NY

Columbia University
4.2% accept · New York
Barnard College
8.0% accept · New York
New York University (NYU)
9.4% accept · New York
Hamilton College
11.8% accept · Clinton
Colgate University
11.9% accept · Hamilton
Vassar College
17.7% accept · Poughkeepsie

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Cornell University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.