Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Cornell University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Cornell University graduates earn $100k, placing them in the 78th percentile of all mechanical 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
Mechanical Engineering masters's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | $99,587 | $105,827 | — | — |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $104,503 | $96,972 | — | — |
| Clarkson University | $93,595 | $89,205 | — | — |
| Syracuse University | $87,250 | — | — | — |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $87,056 | $93,165 | — | — |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $85,723 | $95,477 | — | — |
| National Median | $92,510 | — | — | — |
Other Mechanical Engineering Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York New York | $69,045 | $104,503 | — |
| Clarkson University Potsdam | $57,950 | $93,595 | — |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $87,250 | — |
| Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester | $57,016 | $87,056 | — |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy | $61,884 | $85,723 | — |
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.