At $2,943/yr net price, CUNY Brooklyn College graduates earn $60,752/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,752/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,943 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,752/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,752/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,466/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,954/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,726/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,246/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,670/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $94,408 | $21,817 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $69,050 | $24,807 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Certificate | $66,461 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $65,936 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $64,394 | $20,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $61,417 | $27,668 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $59,045 | $29,571 |
| Economics. | Master | $57,995 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $57,995 | $24,750 |
The Risk Factor
56.6% of students at CUNY Brooklyn College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Brooklyn College delivers strong financial value with a net price under $3,000 annually and median debt of just $11,000. Your return on investment here ranks among the strongest in New York, with graduates earning a median of $60,752 ten years after enrollment.
Education programs dominate the high-earning majors at Brooklyn College. If you plan to become a school administrator, the Educational Administration program generates $94,408 in median earnings despite carrying $21,817 in debt. Special Education graduates earn $69,050 annually, while other teaching specializations cluster around $64,000-$66,000. These programs align well with New York's teacher shortage and competitive education salaries.
The main financial risk is Brooklyn College's 56.6% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who start here never finish, which eliminates any ROI benefits. Your success depends heavily on completing your degree within a reasonable timeframe.
Brooklyn College works best financially if you live in New York and plan to stay in the region after graduation. The low cost structure makes it ideal for students from working families who need to minimize debt. Education majors specifically get tremendous value here given the program quality and local job market.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive merit scholarships or want programs outside education and psychology. The school offers limited financial aid beyond the low base price, and career outcomes vary significantly by major. Students planning to leave New York after graduation may find better ROI at colleges with stronger national networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Brooklyn College worth the cost for the education you get?
Brooklyn College offers strong value with a net price of just $2,943 per year and graduates earning $60,752 annually after 10 years. The low cost and reasonable earnings make it a solid financial choice, though the 57% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at CUNY Brooklyn College?
Educational Administration leads with $94,408 in median earnings, followed by Special Education at $69,050. Most other education programs pay in the $64,000-$66,000 range, which is decent given the school's low cost.
How much student debt do CUNY Brooklyn College graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $11,000, which is very manageable compared to most colleges. The combination of low tuition and strong financial aid keeps debt levels reasonable for most students.
Does CUNY Brooklyn College have good job prospects after graduation?
Graduates earn $60,752 ten years out, which is respectable for a low-cost public college. The school's strength in education programs aligns well with steady job demand in the New York area.