Cornell University
Ithaca, New York · Private Nonprofit · 8.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 96/100 · Exceptional Value
Cornell University
Exceptional ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $69,314/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $69,314/yr |
| Average net price | $28,690/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $114,760 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $104,043 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $76,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $14,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $148 |
| Estimated payback period | 3.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 95.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,995 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,776 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,070 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,796 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,311 |
| $110,001+ | $49,992 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Cornell University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $223,309 | A |
| Hospitality Administration | $112,289 | A |
| Human Resources Management | $112,713 | A |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $145,218 | A |
| Biology | $69,083 | C+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $144,389 | A |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | $85,883 | B+ |
| Economics | $137,935 | A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $112,212 | A |
| International Relations | $95,391 | A |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Cornell University is $69,314/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $28,690/year, or roughly $114,760 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $1,776/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $49,992/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $14,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $148 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $104,043 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.18 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 88.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 90.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 88.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 90.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 770-800 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 730-770 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 33-35 |
| Enrollment | 15,995 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $17,953 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University (this school) | 96 | $28,690 | $104,043 |
| Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | 94 | $29,882 | $131,426 |
| University of Southern California | 91 | $32,740 | $92,498 |
| Northeastern University | 91 | $30,915 | $92,538 |
| Boston University | 90 | $24,402 | $83,238 |
| Adelphi University | 75 | $30,783 | $75,482 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Cornell University is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $114,760 and median graduate earnings of $104,043 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 3.7 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 95.4% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $14,000 is very manageable against $104,043 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.