Understand Your Benefits

Working at Cornell comes with rich benefits.

Cornell understands that different individuals have different needs and concerns regarding salary, benefits, and rewards. That's why we’ve created a comprehensive and flexible program to meet your needs.

Cornell takes pride in our people and our total rewards. Check out the top reasons Cornell University is an award-winning employer of choice.

Total Rewards Add Up! 

1. Time off

   • Generous time-off benefits, including a paid winter break
   • Leave to care for loved ones or for your own medical condition 

2. High-quality healthcare plans

   • Affordable cost-sharing:  Cornell pays for approximately 90% of the cost of individual plan premiums and 75% of family plan premiums
   • Comprehensive health, prescription, dental, vision, and mental health benefits to suit your personal needs
   • Access to a variety of fertility and family planning benefits
   • Cost-free counseling through both an internal and an external employee assistance program

3. Retirement contribution

   • In many Cornell retirement plans, you control the investments for your future with free professional consultations.
   • Endowed employees: Cornell contributes 10% of your annual pay into retirement savings
   • Contract College employees: Choose between the NYS ERS pension plan or the SUNY Optional Retirement Program, where Cornell matches 8-10% of salary with the required contribution by an individual

4. Continuing Education

   • Up to $74,000/year in taxable free tuition toward a degree at Cornell through the Employee Degree Program
   • Financial aid for coursework at Cornell or elsewhere while you work
   • Online courses and certificates through eCornell for just $100/course

5. Well-being and flexibility

   • Flexible work arrangements incorporating scheduling, remote, hybrid, and other options (as appropriate to the job)
   • Free individual fitness, nutritional, and general health consultations, plus free wellness programs
   • Workplace accommodations for disabilities and other temporary and permanent needs
   • Access to Cornell's six campus fitness facilities for a nominal fee

6. Career growth

   • Mentoring, coaching, and hands-on learning programs and opportunities
   • Professional development workshops and skills training
   • Free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning and Skillsoft, as well as eCornell on-demand courses

7. Community

   • A caring, friendly on-campus and local community
   • Colleague Network Groups for men & women of color, LGBTQ+, disabilities, veterans,  and young professional
   • Ongoing employee events, activities, and appreciation throughout the year, plus employee support groups
   • Numerous volunteer opportunities, including employee assembly and committees

8. Family support

   • Onsite childcare and lactation/breastfeeding support
   • Grants for childcare (up to $5,000/year based on income) and adoption assistance (up to $5,000/adoption)
   • Children's tuition scholarship: 50% of tuition/admin fees at Cornell or 30% at other universities for children of Cornell employees (waiting period may apply)

9. Perks

   • Free TCAT bus service and free parking lot (A-Lot)
   • Library borrowing privileges, including free audiobooks and streaming video services
   • Discounted meals at on-campus dining facilities
   • Discounted pet care at the world-class Cornell University Hospital for Animals
   • Corporate discounts including cell phone service, car rentals, and other personal purchases

10. Security

    • Free basic life insurance coverage provided by Cornell; ability to purchase additional coverage for self, spouse, or children
    • Discounted rates for optional insurance coverage including personal accident, house, auto, pet, and legal
    • Over 150 years of institutional stability, providing employment through wars, recessions, pandemics, and more