• On March 11, Cornell made a highly-competitive, generous and fair contract offer, including considerable enhancements to compensation for graduate student workers:
• In this offer, minimum 12-month stipends will increase to $47,367 (4.7%) this fall and to $48,538 (2.5%) in fall 2026. Included in this increase is a $544 stipend benefits adjustment each year to cover the cost of dental and vision self-insurance and access to fitness centers.
• Minimum stipend rates will be even higher for Cornell Tech graduate student workers to account for a higher cost of living ($58,805 in fall 2025 and $60,257 in fall 2026).
• In addition to stipend increases, the offer includes a $750 ratification payment to all current graduate student workers to ensure May 2025 graduates receive money now.
• Cornell’s stipend offer covers 89.8% of the cost of living in Ithaca, according to the frequently-cited MIT cost of living calculator. This tool assumes that workers cover the full costs of healthcare, childcare, public transportation, and other expenses with their salaries, but Cornell fully covers or subsidizes many of these life expenses for graduate student workers. 

Competitive with Peer Universities and Getting Better

• Cornell’s current stipend rate of $45,240 already exceeds many of our peers, including Columbia, MIT, Stanford and Harvard, when adjusted for cost of living. 
• Under the university’s proposal, in fall 2025, Cornell’s stipend will increase to 89.8% of the local cost of living in Ithaca, putting us well ahead of other universities with United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) contracts, including Stanford, MIT and University of Chicago.

UE Contract stipend comparison AY 2025-2026

Guaranteed Stipend Increases for the Life of the Contract

In the first year of the contract, Cornell is offering a minimum $47,367 12-month stipend – a 4.7% increase. In fall 2026, that number would increase to $48,538 – an additional 2.5% increase.

Cornell Subsidizes Many Costs for Grad Student Workers

Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric that the 89.8% of the local living wage number means that graduate student workers are being underpaid for their services. Context is critical. Cost of living calculators assume that workers have to cover costs like healthcare, childcare, public transportation, and other expenses with their salaries, but Cornell subsidizes many of these life expenses for graduate student workers. 

Cornell is offering a stipend that covers 89.8% of the local living wage PLUS:

• Free platinum-level health insurance and funds to cover dental and vision insurance
• Guaranteed funding for childcare grants 
• Free bus passes
• Funding that can be used for relocating to Cornell and visa fees

These benefits mean that a stipend covering 89.8% of the cost of living in Ithaca is more than reasonable — especially considering that assistantships are part-time appointments. Cost of living calculators are also based on full-time employment. But graduate student workers must only devote an average of 15 hours per week in service to Cornell, so a 12-month stipend of $47,367 works out to $60 per hour. That’s fair and generous!

Compensation Beyond Stipends

In addition to stipend increases, Cornell’s offer includes:

• A one-time $750 ratification payment to current members of the bargaining unit
• A $750 matriculation payment to new graduate students beginning fall 2025 to cover costs like visas, relocation, travel and laptops
• Platinum health insurance self-coverage at no cost

Check out the Bargaining Tracker for more information.