At $4,907/yr net price, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College graduates earn $42,306/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,306/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,907 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,306/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,306/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,574 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,990/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,180/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,542/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,564/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,345/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $72,762 | $11,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,238 | $12,480 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,374 | $9,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $29,250 | $9,500 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Associate | $28,013 | $5,869 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,753 | $7,730 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,987 | $7,247 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,489 | $8,162 |
| Teaching Assistants/Aides. | Associate | $23,906 | $9,129 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,578 |
The Risk Factor
25.9% of students at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College 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
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College offers decent financial value despite alarming graduation rates. Your low net price of under $5,000 annually minimizes downside risk, but the 26% graduation rate means three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs.
Allied health programs deliver strong returns, with diagnostic and treatment professions graduates earning over $70,000 annually. Nursing graduates also perform well at $65,000, though both programs carry higher debt loads around $11,000-$12,000. These healthcare pathways justify the investment given Manhattan's strong medical sector demand.
Business and technology programs show weaker returns. Accounting graduates earn just $31,000 despite reasonable debt, while computer science majors average $29,000. These outcomes fall short compared to similar programs at other institutions or direct workforce entry.
The college works best for students committed to healthcare careers who need affordable entry points into competitive programs. The Manhattan location provides internship and job placement advantages in medical facilities. However, students uncertain about their major face significant completion risk.
Financial aid covers most students, with 57% receiving assistance. As part of the CUNY system, you benefit from standardized transfer agreements if you need to continue elsewhere. The low debt burden means even unsuccessful completion won't create crushing financial consequences.
Avoid this school if you're exploring general education or liberal arts. The completion rates suggest institutional support challenges that could derail unfocused students. Choose BMCC only with clear healthcare career goals and strong academic preparation for program demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College worth the cost?
At $4,907 per year with median earnings of $42,306 after 10 years, BMCC offers solid value for the low cost. However, the 26% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?
Allied health programs lead with $72,762 median earnings, followed by nursing at $65,238. Avoid general computer science and community advocacy programs, which pay under $30,000.
How much debt do CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College graduates have?
Median debt is just $7,574, making this one of the more affordable options in New York. The low debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?
Only 26% of students graduate, which is concerning for return on investment. Students should have strong academic preparation and clear career goals before enrolling.