At $5,001/yr net price, CUNY Hostos Community College graduates earn $40,485/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,485/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,001 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,485/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,485/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,442 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,398/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,244/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,701/yr |
| $110,001+ | $4,865/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,516 | $10,250 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,485 | $16,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $48,849 | |
| Public Administration. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $27,439 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,863 | $9,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $23,803 | $5,600 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,207 | $6,850 |
The Risk Factor
17.0% of students at CUNY Hostos 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 Hostos Community College offers strong returns in healthcare programs but weak outcomes in business and liberal arts fields. The nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning over $61,000 annually against modest debt loads of $10,250. Dental support services also provide solid returns at nearly $60,000 in median earnings.
The college's 17% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face high odds of accumulating debt without completing your degree, particularly concerning given that over 60% of students receive financial aid. Business operations and public administration graduates earn less than $31,000 annually, barely justifying even the low net price of $5,001 per year.
Healthcare-focused students will find excellent ROI at Hostos, especially in registered nursing where earning potential reaches three times the overall median. The practical nursing program offers a middle-ground option with $48,849 in median earnings and typically lower debt requirements. These programs connect directly to New York's strong healthcare job market.
Students pursuing general business or liberal arts degrees should consider other options. The earnings data shows these majors struggle to provide adequate returns even at community college pricing. Your best financial strategy involves targeting the specific healthcare programs that demonstrate clear career pathways.
As part of the CUNY system, Hostos offers predictable pricing and standardized financial aid processes. The low sticker price makes it accessible, but the graduation rate statistics suggest you need strong academic preparation and clear program focus to succeed financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Hostos Community College worth the money?
At $5,001 per year with median earnings of $40,485 after 10 years, Hostos offers decent value if you complete your degree. However, the 17% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying programs at CUNY Hostos Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $61,516 annually, followed by dental support services at $59,485. Business and public administration programs pay significantly less at around $27,000-$30,000.
How much debt do CUNY Hostos Community College students graduate with?
Students who borrow typically graduate with $8,442 in debt. This is manageable compared to four-year schools, but only worthwhile if you actually graduate and enter a higher-paying field like nursing.
Why is the graduation rate so low at CUNY Hostos Community College?
Only 17% of students graduate within the typical timeframe. Community college students often attend part-time while working, face financial pressures, or transfer to other schools before completing their degree at Hostos.