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Liberal Arts and Sciences at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,072/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #241 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $509K $509K $484K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 34

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

Program Analysis

Cornell University's Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates start at $46,072/yr — above the $37,172 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 1.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 5%. Career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

At #241 out of 424 programs, Cornell University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Cornell University

Only 8% of applicants gain admission to Cornell University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 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

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 424 schools offering Liberal Arts and Sciences →

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($103,135) DePaul University ($84,066) Molloy College ($74,868) Bentley University ($72,333) Champlain College ($71,207) Georgetown University ($66,719) Thomas More University ($62,607) Drexel University ($62,470)

Other Majors at Cornell University

Computer Science ($152,656) 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)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Liberal Arts and Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cornell University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Liberal Arts and Sciences 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 →