Agricultureat Cornell University
Graduates earn $53,465/yr in their first year — about 32.0% above the national Agriculture average. Base-case 10-year earnings $524K; scenarios range from $484K to $527K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cornell University
Cornell’s status as New York's land-grant university gives its agriculture programs a unique mission and deep regional connections. You aren't just studying theory; you're immersed in an ecosystem tied directly to the state's vibrant food and farming industries, from Finger Lakes wineries to dairy science innovators. This creates a powerful pipeline to careers in agribusiness, food tech, and environmental policy, with employers like the USDA, PepsiCo, and major ag-tech startups actively recruiting on campus. The program's true value lies in its flexibility—you can pivot from plant science research to a business role at a global food company.
To maximize this degree’s potential, don’t just focus on the core science. Actively seek out courses or a minor in applied economics, business, or data science to position yourself for the higher-paying management and technology tracks within the industry.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Cornell University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Agriculture
How Cornell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cornell University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cornell University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Agriculture offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Agriculture trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Agriculture at Cornell University
What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Agriculture at Cornell University?
At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Agriculture programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Agriculture at Cornell University?
The 47% 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.
What do students actually pay for Agriculture 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.