Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Cornell University vary significantly by field of study, reflecting both market demand and program quality differences. The analysis below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or selectivity.
Use these outcome-focused comparisons to understand how different academic paths perform in the labor market after graduation.
Analyzing 50 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment scale.
#6 nationally
$114K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by median earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Cornell University.
Cornell's engineering programs rank among the top nationally with exceptional earning potential. Computer Science leads with $185,679 median earnings and #6 national ranking, while Artificial Intelligence delivers $118,342 and ranks #15 nationally.
Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering both demonstrate strong outcomes with graduates earning $97,093 and $118,743 respectively. These programs consistently rank #1 in New York state, reflecting Cornell's engineering excellence and industry connections that translate into outstanding career prospects.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #6 |
Program outcomes at the same institution vary significantly because different fields of study lead to different career paths with varying market demand and compensation levels. These rankings reflect actual labor market results based on federal College Scorecard data, not institutional reputation or program prestige. Earnings and debt figures represent outcomes for graduates who entered the workforce rather than continuing immediately to graduate school, though some graduates in each cohort may pursue advanced degrees after initial employment. Programs with smaller cohort sizes may show more variable outcomes year-to-year, while larger programs provide more stable outcome predictions. Students should consider both program-specific outcomes and their own career interests when evaluating academic options, recognizing that individual results may vary based on career choices, geographic location, and economic conditions. Azimuth's analysis includes programs with sufficient enrollment data to ensure reliable outcome reporting, typically requiring minimum cohort sizes for federal reporting requirements.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $185,679★ |
| $34,964 |
| 396 |
| Operations Research. | #1 🏆 | $129,529 | — | 89 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #9 | $118,743 | — | 100 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #15 | $118,342 | — | 179 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #8 | $105,514 | — | 61 |
| Applied Engineering.Small sample | #4 | $105,470 | — | 10 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #12 | $97,093 | — | 156 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #12 | $95,056 | — | 37 |
| Materials Engineering. | #6 | $90,216 | — | 21 |
| Agricultural Engineering. | #2 | $88,538 | — | 32 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | #5 | $76,992 | — | 25 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #84 | $61,397 | — | 48 |
Business programs at Cornell show remarkable diversity in specialization and outcomes. Applied Economics ranks #18 nationally with graduates earning $107,248, demonstrating strong quantitative preparation for finance and consulting careers.
Executive/Career Coaching and Brewery Operations both rank #1 nationally with perfect value scores, showcasing Cornell's innovation in specialized business applications. Agribusiness combines Cornell's agricultural heritage with business acumen, ranking #1 nationally with graduates earning $113,850, making it ideal for students interested in sustainable business models.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #1 🏆 | $94,446★ | $52,226 | 270 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #1 🏆 | $81,947 | $89,562 | 238 |
Behavioral Aspects of Health. leads health with 45K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #63 | $44,516 | — | 40 |
Science and mathematics programs at Cornell demonstrate notable variation in post-graduation outcomes. Algebra and Number Theory leads with exceptional earnings of $127,962 and ranks #3 nationally, reflecting strong demand for quantitative expertise in finance and technology.
Biological Sciences programs show more modest earnings, with General Biology graduates earning $49,786, though specialized tracks in Biological and Biomedical Sciences perform better at $66,043. These programs serve students pursuing research careers, medical school preparation, or industry applications with different financial trajectories.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #4 | $127,962★ | — | 93 |
| Bioinformatics. | #1 🏆 | $119,329 | — | 37 |
| Mathematical Statistics and Probability. | #15 | $82,531 | — | 41 |
| Acoustics. | #16 | $74,531 | — | 52 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | #3 | $66,043 | $59,627 | 172 |
| Biology, General. | #164 | $49,786 | $52,510 | 294 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #187 | $26,353 | — | 54 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #111 | $25,194 | — | 13 |
Social sciences programs at Cornell combine liberal arts preparation with practical career applications. Applied Economics ranks #18 nationally with strong earnings of $107,248, reflecting quantitative training valuable in policy analysis and business consulting.
American Government and Politics ranks #20 nationally with graduates earning $72,438, providing preparation for public service, law school, and policy careers. These programs serve students prioritizing intellectual development alongside career preparation, with outcomes varying based on post-graduation pathway choices including graduate school continuation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #18 | $107,248★ | $54,995 | 169 |
| Education Policy Analysis. | #3 | $88,830 | — | 58 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #22 | $72,438 | $37,648 | 153 |
| Psychology, General. | #7 | $64,146 | — | 78 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #133 | $47,518 | — | 67 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #116 | $34,526 | — | 13 |
Communication and Media Studies at Cornell ranks #3 nationally with graduates earning $80,616, demonstrating exceptional performance relative to communications programs nationwide. This program reflects Cornell's strength in combining theoretical understanding with practical application, preparing students for media, marketing, and strategic communication roles.
The high national ranking and strong earnings outcomes distinguish Cornell's approach from traditional communications programs, making it well-suited for students seeking analytical and creative career pathways in media and corporate communications.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #3 | $80,616 | — | 90 |
Humanities & Arts graduates earn 51K on average, with 4 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American History (United States). | #6 | $72,818★ | — | 51 |
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #6 | $69,029 | — | 36 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #5 | $63,028 | — | 32 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #76 | $48,481 | — | 45 |
| General Studies.Small sample | #125 | $46,072 | — | 14 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #45 | $41,193 | — | 26 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics. | #58 | $37,208 | — | 22 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other.Small sample | #8 | $27,439 | — | 12 |
Cornell's agricultural programs reflect the university's land-grant heritage while adapting to modern market demands. Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations ranks #1 nationally with graduates earning $113,850, demonstrating how traditional agriculture intersects with business strategy and sustainability concerns.
Environmental Science ranks #8 nationally with graduates earning $58,440, serving students interested in conservation, policy, and environmental consulting. Agricultural Animal Breeding shows more modest outcomes at $39,634, typically serving students pursuing research or specialized veterinary preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | #1 🏆 | $113,850★ | $39,964 | 194 |
| Brewing Science. | #5 | $70,212 | — | 35 |
| Environmental Science. | #9 | $58,440 | — | 89 |
| Agriculture, General. | #12 | $48,476 | — | 77 |
| Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding. | #31 | $40,438 | — | 28 |
| Agricultural Animal Breeding. | #38 | $39,634 | — | 100 |
| International Agriculture. | #2 | $31,839 | — | 20 |
Specialized and interdisciplinary programs at Cornell demonstrate the university's innovation in emerging fields. Operations Research ranks #1 nationally with graduates earning $129,529, reflecting high demand for optimization and analytical skills across industries.
These programs typically serve students with specific career objectives or those seeking to combine multiple academic interests, often requiring careful consideration of post-graduation pathways and market demand for specialized expertise.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Studies. | #3 | $75,147★ | — | 54 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #1 🏆 | $61,634 | — | 69 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | #4 | $58,713 | — | 45 |
| City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. | #4 | $58,532 | — | 35 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other. | #10 | $50,428 | — | 77 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
