Cornell University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$264,056
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$52,830/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
300%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Cornell University's in-state tuition is $66,014. One year after graduation, alumni earn $70,710, increasing to $87,830 after five years, and $104,043 after ten years. The median student debt is $14,000, and 24.1% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio is not directly calculable from the provided data. However, the one-year earnings of $70,710 are more than five times the median debt of $14,000.
The break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the tuition cost, is not directly calculable from the provided data. However, the one-year earnings of $70,710 exceed the tuition cost of $66,014.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$66,014
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$87,830
Graduation Rate
95%
Receive Financial Aid
24%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $187,757 | 1057% |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $120,636 | 549% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $118,342 | 531% |
| Biology, General | $49,786 | 12% |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $113,850 | 497% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $124,755 | 580% |
| Operations Research | $169,908 | 922% |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $81,947 | 256% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $105,827 | 436% |
| Economics | $107,248 | 447% |
| Law | $249,283 | 1523% |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | $66,043 | 135% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.