Total Rewards

Total rewards can add up to thousands of dollars in addition to your salary and basic benefits. Check out the Top 10 favorite benefits enjoyed by Cornell employees!

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 consultation with professionals
• Endowed employees: Cornell contributes 10% of your annual pay into retirement savings
• Contract College employees: Choose between the NYS 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 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 online 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