Mathematics at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
71
Optimistic
69
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $87,251/yr (72% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 5.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #22 of 253 Mathematics programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,555K $1,430K $1,050K
Earnings Multiple 5.9x 5.4x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 69 63

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
$13,500
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$162,763
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Cornell University Mathematics graduates command $87,251/yr out of the gate, well above the $50,797 national median. That 72% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

A 5.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

Career paths for Mathematics carry above-average AI exposure (65% of tasks). The 32% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,500 in median debt clears quickly against $87,251 in annual earnings.

At #22 of 253 programs, this Mathematics program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $87,251-to-$162,763 earnings arc over five years reflects a 87% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Cornell University

Only 8% of applicants gain admission to Cornell University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Cornell University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mathematics at Cornell University?
At 69/100, Cornell University's Mathematics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mathematics at Cornell University?
The 65% 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 Mathematics 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 →