Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,991/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,991/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,584 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $99,517 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Doctoral | $97,907 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $88,786 | $8,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,964 | $23,753 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $75,204 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $70,176 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Doctoral | $65,889 |
Analysis
CUNY Graduate School and University Center delivers strong financial returns with strongly low debt burdens. Your median debt of just $12,584 creates minimal financial risk compared to most graduate programs nationwide.
Educational administration and criminal justice programs offer the strongest earning potential at nearly $100,000 annually. Nursing graduates earn $88,786 with only $8,000 in debt, making it one of the most efficient investments available. Business administration pays well at $80,964 but requires nearly double the debt load at $23,753.
The school works best if you can leverage New York's job market for public sector and healthcare roles, where CUNY's reputation carries weight with local employers. You face limited risk since low debt means manageable payments even if your career starts slowly.
This graduate center suits working professionals who need flexibility and can't afford private school debt loads. The part-time options and evening classes accommodate full-time work while you study. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive campus amenities or want strong brand recognition outside the Northeast.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 40% of students, but the low sticker price keeps total costs reasonable. Merit aid opportunities exist but aren't the primary draw. Your best strategy involves completing your degree quickly to minimize opportunity costs and maximize your return on the modest investment required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Graduate School and University Center worth the money?
CUNY Graduate School offers solid ROI with relatively low debt loads averaging $12,584 and median earnings of $65,991 after 10 years. The value depends heavily on your program choice, with education administration and criminal justice graduates earning significantly more than the overall median.
What are the highest paying programs at CUNY Graduate School and University Center?
Educational Administration and Criminal Justice programs lead with graduates earning around $99,517 and $97,907 respectively. Business and nursing programs also perform well, while other fields may not justify the time investment given the modest overall earnings.
How much student debt do CUNY Graduate School and University Center graduates have?
The median debt is $12,584, which is relatively manageable compared to many graduate programs. This low debt burden makes CUNY Graduate School a reasonable choice even for programs with moderate earning potential.
Should I attend CUNY Graduate School and University Center for graduate school?
If you're pursuing education administration, criminal justice, or nursing, the combination of low debt and strong earnings makes it worthwhile. For other fields, consider whether the $66,000 median salary justifies the opportunity cost of graduate school.