Operations Research at Cornell University

Cornell's Operations Research program launches graduates into six-figure careers immediately, with median earnings of $96,377 in year one climbing to nearly $130,000 by year four—a 34% jump that reflects strong career momentum. The $15,000 median debt means graduates carry just 16 cents of debt for every dollar earned, one of the most favorable ratios you'll find for any bachelor's program. That debt burden is remarkably light for an Ivy League education.

The complication is New York context. While Cornell beats the national median for this program, it ranks in just the 40th percentile among New York's four Operations Research programs, trailing Columbia by about $14,000 in first-year earnings. That said, this gap matters far less than it might appear—Cornell graduates are still earning well above the national average, and the debt load is identical across New York programs. You're comparing excellent to slightly-more-excellent.

For families who can navigate Cornell's 8% admission rate, this program delivers strong financial returns without burdening graduates with debt. The earnings trajectory suggests these students develop increasingly valuable skills in their early careers. If your child is comparing this to Columbia, the difference may come down to factors beyond salary—fit, campus culture, or specific faculty. Either way, they're choosing between two solid options.