At $3,486/yr net price, CUNY City College graduates earn $66,039/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,039/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,486 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $13,944 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,039/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,039/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,990 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,579/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,087/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,188/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,487/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,887/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $115,339 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $98,974 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $73,949 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $69,338 | $41,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,618 | $13,232 |
| Sustainability Studies. | Master | $68,219 | |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $66,653 | $19,917 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $65,170 | $23,914 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $65,131 | $20,504 |
The Risk Factor
54.7% of students at CUNY City 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
CUNY City College delivers strong financial value with one of the lowest net prices in the nation at $3,486 annually and relatively low median debt of $11,990. Your return on investment here depends heavily on your major choice, as earnings vary dramatically across programs.
Allied health diagnostic programs top the earnings chart at $115,339, making them clear financial winners. Educational administration follows at $98,974, though this typically requires graduate school. Information science and electrical engineering also provide strong returns above $70,000. These technical and healthcare fields capitalize on New York's high-demand job market.
Public relations stands out as a financial concern despite decent earnings of $69,338, because graduates carry $41,000 in debt compared to the school's typical $11,990. This debt-to-earnings ratio makes it a riskier choice financially.
Your biggest risk is the 54.7% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you lose your investment entirely. The 78.6% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year. You need strong academic preparation and clear career focus to succeed here.
City College works best if you're targeting high-demand technical fields, can handle the academic rigor, and want to minimize debt. The location gives you access to New York's job market without private school costs. Avoid this school if you need extensive academic support, prefer small classes, or plan to study lower-earning majors where the graduation risk isn't worth it. The financial aid coverage is moderate at 59.58%, so middle-income families should verify their actual costs before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY City College worth the cost?
Yes, CUNY City College offers strong ROI with a net price of just $3,486 per year and graduates earning $66,039 after 10 years. Low debt levels ($11,990 median) make it financially accessible even if graduation rates are modest at 55%.
What are the best paying majors at CUNY City College?
Allied health programs lead with $115,339 median earnings, followed by educational administration at $98,974. Engineering and information science graduates also see strong returns above $70,000.
How much debt do CUNY City College graduates have?
CUNY City College graduates have a median debt of $11,990, which is low compared to most colleges. The combination of affordable tuition and strong financial aid keeps debt manageable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at CUNY City College?
CUNY City College has a 55% graduation rate, which is below average for four-year colleges. However, the low cost means students face less financial risk if they don't complete their degree.