Civil Engineering at Cornell University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Cornell University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Cornell University graduates earn $81k, placing them in the 56th percentile of all civil engineering masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Civil Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in New York (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | $81,361 | $90,175 | — | — |
| New York University | $91,660 | $95,084 | — | — |
| Manhattan University | $91,351 | $110,610 | — | — |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $88,198 | $97,732 | — | — |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $76,280 | $90,588 | — | — |
| University at Buffalo | $67,809 | $87,526 | — | — |
| National Median | $79,898 | — | — | — |
Other Civil Engineering Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York University New York | $60,438 | $91,660 | — |
| Manhattan University Riverdale | $50,850 | $91,351 | — |
| Columbia University in the City of New York New York | $69,045 | $88,198 | — |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy | $61,884 | $76,280 | — |
| University at Buffalo Buffalo | $10,782 | $67,809 | — |
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.