Recommended escalation rates for use in sponsored project proposal budgets.
Project costs increase over time as a result of inflation. The university, as part of its institutional budgeting process, makes estimates of these changes. To assist in sponsored project budgeting, we have obtained institutional projections from the University Budget Office, Division of Financial Services, Cornell University Student Health Benefits, and Graduate School and recommend that these are incorporated into funding proposals. These are estimates. Actual costs in future years will be based on various factors, including actions by the University Trustees.
Salary
| Category | FY26 | FY27 | FY28 and Beyond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty | 3.75% | 3.50% | 3.25 |
| Others | 3.50% | 3.30% | 3.00 |
Employee Benefits
Endowed College Rates
| Category | FY25 | FY26 | FY27 | FY28 and Beyond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endowed (rate, no escalation) | 35.00% | 35.00% | 35.50 | 37.00% |
Contract College Rates
| Category | FY24 | FY25 | FY26 | FY27 | FY28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contract: Federal (rate, no escalation) | 67.10% | 67.60% Proposed | 67.00% Estimated | 69.00% Estimated | 71.50% Estimated |
| Contract: Non-Federal (rate, no escalation) | 71.25% | 70.22% Proposed | 70.00% Estimated | 72.00% Estimated | 74.50% Estimated |
Graduate Research Assistants
| Category | FY26 | FY27 | FY28 and Beyond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Stipend | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% |
| Health Fees | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% |
All Other Items
| Category | FY25 and Beyond |
|---|---|
| All other items | 3.00% |
The escalation estimates on this page are developed by the university and recommended for all proposals. Items not listed should be escalated at 3% annually.