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Public Health at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,516/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #128 of 213 Public Health programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Health graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $502K $502K $470K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 40

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
$12,133
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,516 at Cornell University come in 14% above the national median of $38,916 for Public Health programs.

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.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $44,516 far exceeding the $12,133 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #128 out of 213 programs, Cornell University's financial outcomes for Public Health trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Cornell University

Cornell University's 8% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with a mid-sized student body of 15,935 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

Physicists $166,290/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 213 schools offering Public Health →

Public Health at Other Schools

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center ($99,671) Utah State University ($76,451) Brown University ($75,909) Montana Technological University ($74,771) Oakland University ($59,330) Illinois State University ($59,207) North Carolina A & T State University ($58,660) Tufts University ($53,372)

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)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Public Health 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 Public Health program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Public Health. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Public Health to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Public Health careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Public Health 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 →