Cornell University

What are the graduation rates for students at Cornell University?

Cornell University exhibits exceptionally high graduation rates, positioning it among the top institutions in the nation. The overall graduation rate is 95%, indicating that nearly all students who enroll eventually complete their degrees. This outstanding performance places the university within the top 5% nationally.

The graduation success is consistently high across genders. Men at Cornell graduate at a rate of 95%, while women graduate slightly higher at 96%. These figures demonstrate a balanced and effective support system for all students, regardless of gender.

When examining the four-year graduation rate, Cornell maintains a strong showing with 87% of students completing their degree within this timeframe. The six-year graduation rate rises back to 95%, aligning closely with the overall completion rate and underscoring the university's ability to retain and graduate its students.

Retention rates further reinforce Cornell's commitment to student success, as 98% of first-time, full-time undergraduates return for their second year. This retention is another indicator of a positive academic environment that fosters persistence toward degree completion.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Cornell University?

Graduates from Cornell University experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in Computer Science, reporting an average salary of $127,764. Other strong performers include graduates in the field of Computer and Information Sciences, earning around $90,735, and Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, with average earnings of $88,459.

Engineering disciplines generally offer solid financial returns. For instance, Chemical Engineering graduates earn about $74,126, Mechanical Engineering alumni average $72,114, and Materials Engineering attracts earnings near $74,526. Operations Research and Mathematics also stand out with average salaries of $78,243 and $77,827 respectively, reflecting the demand for quantitative expertise.

Fields related to environmental and architectural studies tend to have moderate earnings. Environmental Design graduates earn an average salary of $58,069, closely followed by Architectural Sciences and Technology at $57,023 and Architecture at $52,794. Similarly, Public Policy Analysis and Hospitality Administration/Management provide respectable incomes near $65,965 and $66,090.

Those pursuing degrees in Agricultural Business and Management benefit from earnings averaging $78,005, higher than some traditional agricultural programs like Agriculture, General, where the typical post-graduate salary is $41,224. Food Science and Technology graduates also see a reasonably favorable return, earning about $51,489.

In the social sciences and humanities, earning potential varies. Economics graduates average $69,416, while Sociology majors earn approximately $32,205. Fields like Communication and Media Studies report earnings near $44,071. Linguistic Studies, such as Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services, represent some of the lower salary averages with $17,890.

Biological sciences offer mixed results. Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology graduates average $69,641, whereas general Biology majors tend to earn around $29,066. Nutrition Sciences, on the lower end of the scale within life sciences, report an average of $13,820.

Graduates in Statistics achieve an average salary of $83,338, underpinning the value of data and statistical skills in today's job market. Apparel and Textiles graduates see average earnings of $55,049, which is comparatively strong among arts and design-related programs.

Overall, students aiming for careers in computer-related fields, engineering, mathematics, and certain applied sciences at Cornell University have access to the most lucrative earnings post-graduation. Prospective students should consider these trends when selecting their majors, as they reflect significant variations in financial outcomes tied closely to their areas of study.