Cornell graduates achieve extraordinary earnings that place the university among the very best institutions in the country for long-term financial outcomes.
Students from all backgrounds, including those from low-income families, see exceptional career results that consistently rank in the top 1% nationally.
Cornell University stands among the most elite institutions in the country for long-term financial outcomes, ranking in the top 0.4% nationally for earnings after graduation. What makes Cornell exceptional is not just its prestige, but how consistently it delivers transformative career results across all student backgrounds. Graduates earn a median of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, with even students from low-income families achieving median earnings of $114,500 — outcomes that place Cornell in the top 1% nationally for low-income student success.
As an Ivy League research university, Cornell combines academic excellence with remarkable economic mobility. Despite serving a relatively selective student body, with about 18% of students receiving Pell Grants and 15% being first-generation college students, the university delivers some of the strongest earnings outcomes in higher education. The institution's 95% six-year graduation rate and near-zero default rate reflect both the caliber of students it attracts and the support systems that help them succeed.
Cornell's strength spans multiple high-return fields, from computer science and engineering to business and the sciences. Located in Ithaca, New York, this large private research university offers the resources and network of an elite institution while maintaining strong outcomes across diverse academic programs. For families who can access Cornell — whether through need-based aid or family resources — it represents one of the most reliable paths to exceptional long-term financial success in American higher education.
Cornell's program portfolio demonstrates exceptional breadth and depth across high-return fields. Computer Science leads in both scale and outcomes, graduating 396 students annually with median 10-year earnings of $122,485, creating the highest aggregate economic return of any program. This combination of substantial enrollment and elite-level pay makes computer science a cornerstone of Cornell's economic impact for graduates.
Engineering programs consistently deliver strong outcomes, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $92,277 despite smaller cohort sizes of around 100 students. Biology represents Cornell's largest single program with 294 graduates, though the modest $27,784 median earnings reflect the pre-professional nature of many biology majors who use their Cornell degree as a foundation for medical school, graduate study, or research careers that develop higher earning potential over time.
The variation in early-career earnings across programs — from over $120,000 in computer science to around $26,000 in analytical chemistry — reflects Cornell's comprehensive academic mission spanning both immediately lucrative fields and foundational disciplines that serve as pathways to advanced study. As a large research university graduating substantial cohorts annually, Cornell provides extensive employer visibility and recruitment opportunities across diverse industries, from technology and finance to healthcare and academia.
Cornell University delivers exceptional long-term earnings that rank among the very best in the nation. Graduates earn a median of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, placing Cornell in the top 0.4% of all institutions for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects both the caliber of students Cornell attracts and the university's ability to connect them with high-paying career opportunities across multiple industries. The earnings advantage is substantial and sustained, with graduates consistently outperforming peers from similar backgrounds at other elite institutions.
Program-level outcomes show Cornell's breadth of excellence. Computer Science stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, graduating 396 students annually with median 10-year earnings of $122,485, creating nearly $49 million in total economic value. Biology represents the largest program by enrollment with 294 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $27,784, reflecting the pre-professional nature of many biology majors who continue to medical or graduate school. Engineering programs like Electrical and Electronics Engineering deliver strong outcomes with graduates earning $92,277, while even lower-earning fields like Analytical Chemistry at $26,353 often serve as stepping stones to advanced degrees and specialized careers.
The university's location in upstate New York provides a moderate cost-of-living environment where graduate earnings stretch further than in major metropolitan areas, enhancing the real purchasing power of Cornell's already exceptional salary outcomes. This combination of elite-level earnings and reasonable living costs creates particularly strong long-term financial value for graduates.
Cornell University's affordability story varies dramatically by family income, reflecting the institution's commitment to need-based financial aid alongside its premium pricing structure. Low-income families pay remarkably little — just $4,079 annually on average — thanks to Cornell's generous aid programs that make this Ivy League education accessible to Pell-eligible students. Middle-income families face moderate costs around $8,129 per year, still well below the sticker price and competitive with many public flagship universities when considering the long-term return on investment.
High-income families encounter the full weight of Cornell's premium pricing, with annual costs reaching $51,735, reflecting the true cost of an elite private education. However, even at these price points, the investment often pays for itself given Cornell's exceptional earnings outcomes. The university's financial aid philosophy prioritizes need-based support, ensuring that family income, rather than merit alone, determines affordability. This approach helps maintain economic diversity within Cornell's student body while preserving the institution's financial sustainability.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Cornell students, with typical federal loan debt of just $14,000 — remarkably low for such an expensive institution. This reflects both the university's strong aid programs and the financial capacity of families who can access Cornell. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $35,000, higher than at most institutions but reasonable given Cornell's outcomes and the family income levels typically required for admission.
Cornell University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
