Analysis
Cornell's civil engineering program combines Ivy League prestige with unusually manageable debt—just $12,750 at graduation, roughly half the state median and well below the national average. That low debt burden paired with strong first-year earnings of $80,261 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in under two months of work.
The earnings picture tells an interesting story. At $80,261, Cornell graduates earn more than those from every other New York program except Manhattan University, placing Cornell in the 60th percentile statewide. Nationally, it ranks in the 95th percentile—suggesting New York's civil engineering market is particularly competitive. Four-year earnings grow to $95,056, a healthy 18% increase that shows graduates aren't just starting strong but continuing to advance.
For a family facing Cornell's selective 8% admission rate and demanding academic environment, this represents a solid return. The combination of top-tier starting salaries, minimal debt, and steady earnings growth makes this one of the stronger engineering investments in New York. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests reliable data without statistical noise, and the outcomes confirm that Cornell's engineering reputation translates to real-world value for civil engineering majors.
Where Cornell University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Cornell University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | $80,261 | $95,056 | +18% |
| Manhattan University | $75,290 | $90,904 | +21% |
| New York University | $72,628 | $85,133 | +17% |
| Syracuse University | $74,748 | $84,685 | +13% |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $71,790 | $82,696 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cornell UniversityIthaca | $66,014 | $80,261 | $95,056 | $12,750 | 0.16 |
 Manhattan UniversityRiverdale | $50,850 | $75,290 | $90,904 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 Syracuse UniversitySyracuse | $63,061 | $74,748 | $84,685 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $72,628 | $85,133 | $21,905 | 0.30 |
 Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook | $10,560 | $71,856 | — | $17,250 | 0.24 |
 Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy | $61,884 | $71,790 | $82,696 | $26,979 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $69,574 | — | $24,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Petroleum Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cornell University, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.