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Public Policy Analysis at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $77,906/yr (68% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)

ROI 3.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #3 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$849K	$819K	$698K
Earnings Multiple	3.2x	3.1x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	50%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	61	60	57

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

$15,125

2.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$107,508

38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $77,906 per year, Public Policy Analysis graduates from Cornell University significantly outpace the $46,424 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Policy Analysis career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $15,125 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #3 of 40 programs, this Public Policy Analysis program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 38% earnings increase from $77,906 to $107,508 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Cornell University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Cornell University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, 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

Political scientists $139,380/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Policy Analysis at Cornell University?

At 60/100, Cornell University's Public Policy Analysis program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Policy Analysis at Cornell University?

The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

What do students actually pay for Public Policy Analysis at Cornell University?

The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →