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Agricultural Engineering at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,435/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #18 of 21 Agricultural Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Agricultural Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,025K $988K $838K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.7x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 68% 51%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,814
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$102,051
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $54,435/yr fall 16% below the $64,972 national median for Agricultural Engineering. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Agricultural Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $14,814 in median debt against $54,435 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #18 ranking among 21 Agricultural Engineering programs places Cornell University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $54,435-to-$102,051 earnings arc over five years reflects a 87% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Cornell University

Cornell University admits 8% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 15,935 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
Agricultural engineers $84,630/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 21 schools offering Agricultural Engineering →

Agricultural Engineering at Other Schools

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($75,434) Texas A & M University-College Station ($74,655) University of Nebraska-Lincoln ($73,907) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($72,713) Iowa State University ($72,376) Purdue University-Main Campus ($72,168) University of Maryland-College Park ($69,848) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($67,746)

Other Majors at Cornell University

Computer Science ($152,656) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($103,650) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($100,516) Operations Research ($96,377) Agricultural Business and Management ($92,163) Mathematics ($87,251) Chemical Engineering ($85,578) Mechanical Engineering ($85,440)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Agricultural Engineering at Cornell University?
At 53/100, the score looks reasonable — but Agricultural Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Agricultural Engineering at Cornell University?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Cornell University a good choice for Agricultural Engineering despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Cornell University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Agricultural Engineering at Cornell University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →