Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University

Cornell's mechanical engineering program produces outcomes that soundly beat national benchmarks—graduates earn $85,440 in their first year, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally—but the more interesting story emerges when you zoom into New York. Despite Cornell's elite reputation and 8% admission rate, its mechanical engineering graduates earn less than those from SUNY Maritime, RIT, and several other less selective New York schools. At the 60th percentile statewide, Cornell sits comfortably above the state median but trails programs you might not expect.

That said, Cornell graduates carry just $15,500 in debt versus $25,000 statewide, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 that few programs can match. The financial risk here is minimal—graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about two months. Strong earnings growth to $97,093 by year four suggests Cornell's network and brand value compound over time, even if the starting salary premium isn't as dramatic as you might anticipate given the school's selectivity.

For families who can afford Cornell or qualify for its need-based aid (only 18% receive Pell grants), this remains a solid engineering path with exceptional job security. Just recognize you're paying for the Cornell credential and long-term trajectory rather than maximizing early earnings—several public and technical colleges in New York deliver stronger immediate returns.