History at Cornell University

Cornell's History program defies typical liberal arts economics, with graduates earning $72,818 just four years out—more than double both the national median ($31,220) and New York state median ($30,192). That 80th percentile ranking among New York programs is notable, though it trails Columbia and Barnard in immediate earning power. More impressive is the 63% earnings jump from year one to year four, suggesting Cornell's network and credential open doors that compound over time.

The debt picture reinforces the value. At $16,884, borrowing here runs about $7,000 below both state and national medians for history majors, giving graduates a 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable even in year one. This combination—Ivy League outcomes without Ivy League debt levels—matters for families weighing whether a selective private school justifies the sticker price for humanities degrees.

The moderate sample size means some year-to-year variation is possible, but the pattern is clear: Cornell history graduates access career paths that most history majors don't, whether through graduate school placement, competitive employment, or both. For families already comfortable with Cornell's admission odds and price tag, this program delivers measurably stronger outcomes than nearly any alternative in the state.