Economics at Cornell University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cornell's economics program outperforms nearly every benchmark available. First-year graduates earn $85,000—a full 70% more than the typical economics graduate nationally and 68% more than New York's state median. Among the 74 economics programs in New York, this ranks at the 95th percentile, trailing only Barnard and Columbia. That premium holds at the national level too, where Cornell sits in the top 5% of all 808 economics programs.
The debt picture strengthens the value case considerably. At $15,500, graduates carry about 30% less debt than both state and national medians for economics majors, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.18—meaning most graduates could theoretically pay off loans with less than three months' salary. The 26% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates aren't just securing high-paying entry positions but building momentum in their careers.
For families who can navigate Cornell's 8% acceptance rate, this program delivers elite outcomes without the debt burden often associated with highly selective institutions. The combination of top-tier earnings and below-average debt makes this one of the strongest economics programs in the state from a pure return-on-investment perspective.
Where Cornell University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Cornell University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Cornell University graduates earn $85k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all economics bachelors 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
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (74 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | $84,967 | $107,248 | $15,500 | 0.18 |
| Barnard College | $85,860 | $103,309 | $16,750 | 0.20 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $83,135 | $117,355 | $25,000 | 0.30 |
| Vassar College | $79,845 | $81,561 | $19,000 | 0.24 |
| Colgate University | $77,274 | $103,456 | $17,500 | 0.23 |
| Hamilton College | $71,350 | $94,218 | $18,250 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard College New York | $66,246 | $85,860 | $16,750 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York New York | $69,045 | $83,135 | $25,000 |
| Vassar College Poughkeepsie | $67,805 | $79,845 | $19,000 |
| Colgate University Hamilton | $67,024 | $77,274 | $17,500 |
| Hamilton College Clinton | $65,740 | $71,350 | $18,250 |
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 127 graduates with reported earnings and 100 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.