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Computer Science at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
80 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
81
Optimistic
80
Base Case
75
Pessimistic
Earnings $152,656/yr (107% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 7.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #142 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $2,009K $1,871K $1,219K
Earnings Multiple 7.6x 7.1x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 81 80 75

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,750
1.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$219,827
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Cornell University Computer Science graduates command $152,656/yr out of the gate, well above the $73,713 national median. That 107% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 7.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI exposure is significant at 72% of job tasks, producing a 39% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $14,750 in median debt clears quickly against $152,656 in annual earnings.

Ranked #142 out of 345 programs, Cornell University's Computer Science offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $152,656 to $219,827 shows 44% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Cornell University

Only 8% of applicants gain admission to Cornell University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 15,935 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624) Pomona College ($143,084)

Other Majors at Cornell University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($103,650) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($100,516) Operations Research ($96,377) Agricultural Business and Management ($92,163) Mathematics ($87,251) Chemical Engineering ($85,578) Mechanical Engineering ($85,440) Economics ($84,967)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cornell University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 80/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Cornell University's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at Cornell University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $264,056, but the average net cost is $129,348 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →