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
BMCC keeps costs low and debt lower, which softens the risk of a weak overall payoff. You leave with a median debt of $7,574 and pay under $5,000 a year net. But the median earnings ten years out sit at $42,306, and the 25.9% graduation rate means most people who enroll here do not finish. That gap is the central financial problem: the degree pays off only if you actually get it.
The health programs are where the money is. An associate in allied health diagnostics leads to $72,762, and registered nursing pays $65,238. Both carry more debt than the campus median, around $11,000 to $12,480, but that debt is trivial against those salaries. If you come here for a clinical health credential and finish it, the return is strong.
Everything else is much weaker. Accounting graduates earn $31,374, computer and information sciences $29,250, and community organization $28,013. These sit below the school-wide median and barely clear entry-level pay in an expensive city. An associate in computer science paying under $30k in New York is a poor result, and the debt on it still runs $9,500.
Net price barely moves by income here. If your family earns under $30k you pay $3,990. over $110k you pay $11,345. Both are cheap by national standards, so cost is not the deciding factor at any income level.
This school fits you if you want to enter nursing or allied health and can commit to finishing. If you plan to major in accounting, computing, or advocacy, or if you are unsure you will complete the program, look harder before enrolling. The low price limits your downside, but low earnings and a low completion rate cap your upside.
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.