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Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

At #241 out of 424 programs, Cornell University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities →

Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 →