10 Best Majors at Cornell University

Thinking about Cornell University? With so many incredible programs to choose from, it can be tough to decide on a major. Whether you’re passionate about engineering, business, or even hotel management, Cornell has some of the best academic majors in the country. As an Ivy League school known for innovation and excellence, it offers top-tier opportunities that can set you up for success.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the 10 best majors at Cornell, what makes them stand out, and why students love them.

• What Are the Best Majors at Cornell University?
• How Do You Decide on Your Major?
• What Are Your Chances of Getting into Cornell?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Majors at Cornell University?

Here are the best majors at Cornell, based on US News & World Report’s ranking of the ten most popular majors for 2023 graduates:

1. Computer and information sciences

If you’re into computer and information sciences, Cornell has everything you need. Whether you’re interested in AI, cybersecurity, or data science, you’ll get hands-on experience with courses like Machine Learning Techniques and Cyber Defense Strategies.

Plus, with an average salary of around $145,000, you’re setting yourself up for a solid career right out of the gate. You will most likely land internships and jobs at tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta.

Famous alumni include Thomas P. Leighton (co-founder of Akamai Technologies), Steve Witkoff (real estate mogul with a tech background), and Robert Tappan Morris (creator of the first computer worm).

2. Business and management

Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business is home to some of the most prestigious business programs in the Ivy League. The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, one of the most selective undergraduate business schools in the country, is known for its emphasis on leadership, sustainability, and global business strategies. The Nolan School of Hotel Administration, another gem, sets the standard for hospitality management worldwide.

The school’s commitment to experiential learning ensures that graduates enter the workforce ready to lead. Courses like Global Strategy and Entrepreneurship in Action will help you develop the skills to run companies, launch startups, or lead teams in major corporations. And let’s talk about earning potential—graduates from this program often land salaries well over $79,000 a year.

For inspiration, Ginni Rometty (former CEO of IBM), Howard Milstein (real estate and banking leader), and Rohit Deshpande (professor at Harvard Business School) are all Cornell alumni!

3. Engineering

If you love problem-solving and innovation, engineering at Cornell is where you want to be.  Cornell’s College of Engineering is renowned for innovation and problem-solving, consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. With 14 majors ranging from Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering to Operations Research, the program attracts students who want to tackle global challenges through technology and design.

You’ll get to work on exciting, hands-on projects in courses like Advanced Robotics and Sustainable Infrastructure Design, tackling real-world challenges in technology and sustainability. You’ll also have access to top-notch facilities and cutting-edge projects like the Cornell NanoScale Science & Technology Facility.

Bill Nye (scientist and TV personality), Thomas Overbye (power grid innovator), and David Duffield (co-founder of PeopleSoft and Workday) are all from Cornell!

4. Agricultural, animal, plant, and veterinary services

For those passionate about the environment, farming, or animals, Cornell’s agriculture, plant, and animal sciences program is one of the best in the country. You’ll learn everything from Food Production Systems to Animal Health Management, giving you the skills to work in sustainable agriculture, veterinary medicine, or even agribusiness.

The veterinary industry is worth over $110 billion, and graduates have an average salary of $124,295—so you’ll be making an impact and a solid income. The school’s Veterinary Medicine program is also consistently ranked among the best in the country.

Cornell’s deep ties to New York’s agricultural sector provide hands-on learning through farms, greenhouses, and research stations. Notable alumni include Temple Grandin (renowned animal behaviorist), Robert C. Baker (inventor of chicken nuggets), and Barbara McClintock (Nobel Prize-winning geneticist).

5. Biological and biomedical sciences

If biology and medicine are more your thing, Cornell’s biological and biomedical sciences program is packed with opportunities for research and discovery. Whether you’re fascinated by genetics, neuroscience, or biotech, you’ll find courses like Genomics and Biotechnology and Neuroscience and Behavior that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

The program’s strong research focus allows undergraduates to work alongside leading scientists, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in human health and disease. Many students go on to medical school, graduate studies, or biotech startups.

Notable alumni include Barbara McClintock (again, a pioneer in genetics), Bruce Ames (biochemist and inventor of the Ames Test for mutagenicity), and Robert S. Langer (biomedical engineer known for drug delivery innovations).

6. Social sciences

If you’re fascinated by people, societies, and how the world operates, Cornell’s Social Sciences programs offer a deep dive into everything from economics to public policy. You’ll explore courses like Behavioral Economics, Race and Public Policy, and International Human Rights, giving you insight into how human behavior shapes our world.

Plus, with access to top-tier research centers like the Cornell Population Center and the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, you’ll be working with real data that influences policy and decision-making. Graduates from this field land roles in government, consulting, and nonprofit sectors, with an average salary of $70,000 per year.

Famous alumni are Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Supreme Court Justice and advocate for gender equality), Bill Maher (political commentator and comedian), and Janet Reno (first female U.S. Attorney General).

7. Family, consumer, and human sciences

For those interested in improving everyday life, Cornell’s Family, Consumer, and Human Sciences program focuses on well-being, education, and consumer behavior. If you’re looking at financial literacy, childhood development, or public health, courses like Consumer Behavior, Human Development Across the Lifespan, and Family Policy and Social Justice will give you a strong foundation.

The College of Human Ecology is at the forefront of research in these fields, helping students make a real impact in their careers. Graduates often pursue roles in education, social work, and public policy, with an average salary of $48,000 per year.

Famous alumni include Mae C. Jemison (first Black woman in space and advocate for STEM education), Barbara Liskov (pioneering computer scientist in software development), and Christopher Kimball (founder of America’s Test Kitchen).

8. Physical sciences

If physics, chemistry, or astronomy excites you, Cornell’s Physical Sciences programs will put you at the center of groundbreaking discoveries. You’ll get hands-on experience with courses like Quantum Mechanics, Astrophysics of Galaxies, and Materials Science for Engineers, all while working with cutting-edge research facilities like the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS).

With over $22 million in research funding, you’ll have opportunities to contribute to major scientific advancements. Whether you want to go into academia, work for NASA, or join a tech company, graduates in this field earn salaries around $76,000.

Renowned alumni include Carl Sagan (renowned astrophysicist and science communicator), Kip Thorne (Nobel Prize-winning physicist in gravitational waves), and Steven Squyres (lead scientist for NASA’s Mars rovers).

9. Architecture

If you’ve ever dreamed of designing buildings, cities, or innovative spaces, Cornell’s Architecture program is one of the best in the country. Ranked consistently among the top three architecture programs in the U.S., it offers an immersive experience with courses like Environmental Systems in Architecture, Advanced Digital Fabrication, and Urban Design Studio.

You’ll also get hands-on experience through the AAP NYC program and the Cornell in Rome studio. Graduates go on to work in prestigious architecture firms, with an average salary of $93,000 per year with significant growth as you gain experience.

Richard Meier (Pritzker Prize-winning architect), Rem Koolhaas (influential Dutch architect and theorist), and Peter Eisenman (pioneer of deconstructivist architecture) are all from Cornell.

10. Mathematics and statistics

If you love numbers, patterns, and problem-solving, Cornell’s Mathematics and Statistics programs will challenge and prepare you for high-demand careers. You’ll tackle math courses like Machine Learning and Statistical Modeling, Abstract Algebra, and Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes, which open doors to fields like quantitative finance, AI, and data science.

With Cornell’s strong ties to major tech and finance companies, you’ll have opportunities to network and land internships that turn into full-time offers. The payoff? Graduates in math and statistics earn median salaries of $100,000+, with even higher earning potential in specialized roles.

John Guckenheimer (expert in dynamical systems), William Thurston (Fields Medal-winning mathematician), and Jon Kleinberg (pioneer in network science and algorithms) all graduated from Cornell!

How Do You Decide on Your Major?

Choosing a major is a big deal. It shapes your academic experience and can influence your career path. With so many incredible programs at Cornell to choose from, it’s important to find the one that aligns with your interests, strengths, and future goals.

To make the decision a little easier, here’s a quick guide to help you figure out your options and pick the right path:

1. Reflect on your interests and strengths.

Start by thinking about the subjects you enjoy most. Do you love solving complex problems? Majors like Computer Science or Mathematics could be a great fit. Passionate about human behavior? Psychology or Sociology might be the way to go. Cornell’s diverse offerings mean you can find a major that aligns with both your interests and skills.

2. Explore Cornell’s unique programs.

Cornell stands out for its specialized majors. If you’re interested in hospitality, the Nolan School of Hotel Administration is world-renowned. For future entrepreneurs, Applied Economics and Management at the Dyson School is a top-ranked business program. If sustainability and agriculture excite you, Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) offers majors like Plant Sciences and Animal Science.

3. Consider career opportunities.

While passion is important, it’s also helpful to think about your future career. Cornell has strong programs in fields that lead to high-paying and in-demand jobs. Engineering, for example, is one of the most rigorous and rewarding fields at Cornell, with alumni working at companies like Google, NASA, and Tesla.

Graduates from Cornell’s College of Engineering earn an average starting salary of $104,574. Top employers included:

• Google
• Amazon
• Meta
• Microsoft
• Goldman Sachs
• Capital One
• Apple
• Stripe
• SpaceX
• Deloitte Consulting

If law or public service interests you, a government major could set you up for success. Many Cornell government graduates go on to work in policy, public administration, and law, with median salaries around $60,000–$80,000 for early-career professionals.

If you’re thinking about law school, Cornell’s government and policy programs have an impressive law school placement rate, with many students attending top institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Cornell Law.

4. Take advantage of Cornell’s flexibility.

One of the best things about Cornell is its flexibility. You can double major, minor in a different field, or even design your own major through the College Scholar Program. If you’re torn between two interests—like business and technology—Cornell allows you to tailor your education to fit your goals.

5. Use Cornell’s resources.

Cornell offers tons of resources to help you decide on a major. You can speak with academic advisors, take exploratory classes, or join clubs related to your potential major. Research opportunities, internships, and study-abroad programs can also help you see what fits best.

What Are Your Chances of Getting into Cornell?

Getting into Cornell isn’t easy. If you’ve got your sights set on this Ivy League school, you’ll want to go in with a solid game plan.

With its acceptance rate often dipping into the single digits, competition is fierce. In fact, for the Class of 2028, Cornell hit a record-low acceptance rate of just 8.4%. If you’re serious about securing a spot, standing out with top grades, impressive extracurriculars, and strong test scores (if you choose to submit them) is key.

It’s worth noting that acceptance rates can vary widely between different programs. For example, the College of Engineering might have a lower acceptance rate of 7% in 2023 while the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has an acceptance rate of 14.7%.

It really depends on the competitiveness and the number of applicants in each program. So, if you’re applying, it’s a good idea to check specific program acceptance rates to get a clearer picture of your chances.

If you’re applying to Cornell for fall 2025, some colleges—like the College of Arts & Sciences, Cornell Engineering, the College of Human Ecology, the Brooks School of Public Policy, and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations—recommend submitting SAT or ACT scores, but they’re not required.

On the other hand, if you’re applying to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, or the SC Johnson College of Business, you don’t have to worry about test scores at all since they’ll remain score-free for fall 2025 applicants.

Starting with fall 2026 applications, though, standardized test scores will be required for all undergraduate colleges and schools at Cornell. That said, your application won’t be judged on scores alone—Cornell looks at your full profile, including your high school, personal background, and everything else that makes you unique.

Application tips

So, how do you increase your chances of getting into Cornell? Start early, challenge yourself with rigorous coursework, and make your application stand out with a compelling essay. Beyond that, think about how Cornell’s academic offerings align with your interests. With so many strong programs, finding the right fit can make your application even stronger.

Here’s what you’ll need to focus on:

• Target GPA. Aim for a 3.9+ unweighted GPA or a 4.3+ weighted GPA to stay competitive. Cornell looks for students who have taken challenging coursework, including AP, IB, or honors classes.
• Target test scores. If you’re submitting SAT or ACT scores, aim for an SAT of 1500+ or an ACT of 33+ to be in the top range of admitted students. Strong test scores can give you an edge, especially if your GPA isn’t perfect.
• Essays. Cornell requires one main Common App essay plus school-specific supplemental essays. These essays are a crucial part of your application, so make sure you showcase your academic interests and personal story. Need help? Check out our Cornell Supplemental Essay Guide for tips.
• Recommendation letters. You’ll need two teacher recommendations and one from your school counselor. It’s best to get letters from teachers in subjects related to your intended major, as they can speak to your strengths in that field.
• Extracurriculars. Cornell values students who are deeply involved in activities that align with their academic interests. If you’re applying to Engineering, participate in robotics, coding competitions, or science fairs. For Business, investment clubs, DECA, or entrepreneurial ventures stand out. If you’re interested in Social Sciences, debate, Model UN, or community service can strengthen your application. Leadership roles and national-level achievements can give you an extra boost.

Cornell attracts tens of thousands of applicants each year, but only a fraction get in. That said, the effort you put into preparing for Cornell can also set you up for success at other top-tier schools. Stay focused, work hard, and keep your goal in sight—because the payoff is worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What major at Cornell has the highest acceptance rate?

The Nolan School of Hotel Administration has the highest acceptance rate at about 30%.

2.  What subject is Cornell best for?

Cornell’s Engineering program is one of the best in the country, ranking #12 in the U.S.

3. What are the least popular majors at Cornell?

Majors like Performing Arts, Classical Studies, or Near Eastern Studies attract fewer students.

Takeaways

• Some of the best majors at Cornell include computer and information Sciences, engineering, and business, agricultural sciences, and biological and biomedical Sciences.
• Choosing the right major is about what excites you and prepares you for the future. With so many options among the best majors at Cornell, you’re sure to find a path that fits your passion and career aspirations.
• Whether you’re targeting the best majors at Cornell or looking to craft a standout application, we provide personalized strategies to maximize your chances of acceptance.