At $5,115/yr net price, College of Staten Island CUNY graduates earn $53,501/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,501/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,115 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,501/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,501/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,350 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,243/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,835/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,696/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,515/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,557/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $109,286 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $94,579 | $20,084 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $66,104 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $61,888 | $18,524 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,948 | $17,750 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,350 | |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $56,776 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,713 | $17,148 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $53,775 | $31,000 |
The Risk Factor
32.8% of students at College of Staten Island CUNY graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
College of Staten Island CUNY offers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs while presenting significant risks for students in other majors. Your annual net cost of roughly $5,100 makes this one of the most affordable four-year options in the New York area, but the 33% graduation rate means two-thirds of students never finish their degrees.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $94,579 annually against typical debt of just over $20,000. Educational administration delivers strong returns at $109,286, though this requires graduate study. Teacher preparation programs also perform well, with special education and subject-specific teaching both producing graduates earning above $60,000.
The major financial risk centers on completion. If you struggle with academic persistence or need extensive support services, the low graduation rate suggests many students accumulate debt without earning degrees. The 76% retention rate indicates about one in four students leave after freshman year alone.
This school works best for career-focused students who know they want healthcare, education, or laboratory science careers and can handle the independence that comes with a large commuter campus. The location limits your job market primarily to the New York metropolitan area, which helps explain the strong nursing and teaching salaries.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the low sticker price means most graduate with manageable debt loads under $15,000. If you can successfully complete a high-earning program like nursing, your return on investment will be excellent. However, students unsure about their major or needing extensive academic support should consider schools with stronger graduation rates, even at higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Staten Island CUNY worth the cost?
At $5,115 per year with graduates earning $53,501 after 10 years, CSI offers solid value for the price. However, the 33% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces ROI for those who leave without a degree.
What are the best paying programs at College of Staten Island CUNY?
Educational Administration graduates earn around $109,286 annually, while nursing programs lead to $94,579 salaries. These programs justify the investment, unlike general education or liberal arts tracks that may not provide strong financial returns.
How much debt do College of Staten Island CUNY graduates have?
CSI graduates typically leave with $14,350 in debt, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. This debt level is reasonable for most career paths, especially in higher-paying fields like nursing or education administration.
Should I attend College of Staten Island CUNY for teacher education?
CSI's teacher education programs lead to starting salaries around $66,104, which provides decent ROI given the low cost. However, the school's low graduation rate suggests you need strong self-discipline to complete the program successfully.