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Mathematics · Mathematics Rank #22 of 253

Mathematicsat Cornell University

Graduates earn $87,251/yr in their first year — about 72.0% above the national Mathematics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,430K; scenarios range from $1,050K to $1,555K depending on AI disruption.

Ithaca, NY Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
69 SOLID
71
Optimistic
63
Pessimistic
Earnings
$87,251
1-year post-graduation
ROI
5.2x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$1,430K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
63% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Cornell University

Your Cornell Mathematics degree signifies a deep dive into quantitative reasoning, a skillset highly valued across numerous competitive industries. The program's rigor, combined with the university's strong reputation and extensive recruiting pipelines, means graduates are uniquely positioned for high-impact roles. You'll find yourself pursued by top-tier financial institutions, tech giants seeking data scientists and machine learning engineers, and elite consulting firms, all eager for your analytical horsepower. While the "Very High" AI risk might seem concerning, for a Cornell math graduate, it often represents profound opportunity. Your advanced mathematical foundation is precisely what's needed to *develop* and *innovate* within AI and machine learning, rather than being displaced by it. To truly capitalize, actively seek internships that apply your skills to real-world problems and explore complementary coursework in computer science or statistics.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$1,050K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score63/100
Earnings Multiple4.0x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$1,430K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score69/100
Earnings Multiple5.4x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,555K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score71/100
Earnings Multiple5.9x
Earnings Trajectory

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.

Career Paths

Where Mathematics graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Mathematicians
-0.7% 10-yr growth · 100 openings/yr
$121,680/yr
Very High
3
Data scientists
+33.5% 10-yr growth · 23,400 openings/yr
$112,590/yr
High
4
Statisticians
+8.5% 10-yr growth · 2,000 openings/yr
$103,300/yr
High
5
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 4,400 openings/yr
$79,350/yr
High
6
Mathematical science occupations, all other
+4.0% 10-yr growth · 300 openings/yr
$71,490/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Mathematics

How Cornell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Duke University
NC · Private nonprofit
69
DW Score
$121K
1-yr earn
4.0x
ROI
Tufts University
MA · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$111K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MA · Private nonprofit
72
DW Score
$109K
1-yr earn
8.4x
ROI
Dartmouth College
NH · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$108K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Vanderbilt University
TN · Private nonprofit
69
DW Score
$104K
1-yr earn
4.5x
ROI
Also at Cornell University

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 Mathematics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Mathematics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Mathematics at Cornell University

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.