At $2,978/yr net price, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates earn $75,971/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,971/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,978 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,971/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,971/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,512 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $745/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,640/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,626/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,323/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,757/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $126,504 | $47,411 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $105,245 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $104,192 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $101,518 | $39,380 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $95,828 | |
| International Business. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $86,867 | $19,025 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Master | $82,756 | |
| Statistics. | Master | $81,969 | |
| Taxation. | Master | $79,389 | $16,806 |
The Risk Factor
72.1% of students at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Baruch College delivers strong financial returns with one of the strongest ROI profiles among public colleges nationwide. Your net cost of under $3,000 annually combined with median earnings approaching $76,000 creates a payback period that most private colleges cannot match.
Business programs at Baruch consistently outperform national averages, with finance majors earning nearly $96,000 and business administration graduates clearing $101,000. Real estate and information science programs push earnings above $100,000, making these standout choices for maximizing your investment. Health and medical administrative services tops the earnings chart at $126,000, though debt loads run higher at $47,000.
Your biggest financial risk lies in not graduating. While the 72% graduation rate exceeds many public colleges, nearly three in ten students leave without degrees, eliminating any ROI benefit. The strong 88% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so later in their programs rather than immediately.
Baruch works best if you can handle the academic intensity and live affordably in New York. The school attracts serious students targeting Wall Street and Manhattan business careers, where the alumni network provides real value. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive hand-holding or prefer smaller class environments.
Financial aid reaches 55% of students, though merit scholarships remain limited at this public institution. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly and leveraging internship opportunities in the financial district. The low debt loads mean most graduates avoid the payment struggles common at expensive private colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Bernard M Baruch College worth the cost compared to other business schools?
Baruch offers exceptional value with a net price of just $2,978 per year and median earnings of $75,971 after 10 years. The low cost and strong business programs, especially finance and real estate, deliver outstanding ROI that beats most expensive private business schools.
What are the highest paying majors at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads at $126,504, followed by Real Estate at $105,245 and Information Science at $104,192. Business Administration and Finance also perform well, with graduates earning over $95,000 annually.
How much student debt do CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates typically have?
Median debt is only $11,512, which is very manageable given the school's low tuition costs. This low debt load combined with strong earning potential makes Baruch one of the best values in higher education.
Does CUNY Bernard M Baruch College have good job prospects after graduation?
With a 72% graduation rate and median earnings of nearly $76,000, Baruch graduates find solid employment opportunities. The school's location in Manhattan and strong business connections help students land jobs in finance and other high-paying fields.