At $2,446/yr net price, CUNY Hunter College graduates earn $63,163/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,163/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,446 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $9,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,163/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,163/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.0% |
| 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 | $262/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,264/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,457/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,551/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,135/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. | Master | $114,807 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $111,673 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $94,255 | $12,500 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Certificate | $86,867 | |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Certificate | $81,702 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $78,971 | $54,600 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $68,296 | $25,625 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $68,219 | $41,000 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Certificate | $67,660 |
The Risk Factor
61.0% of students at CUNY Hunter College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
CUNY Hunter College delivers strong financial value with a net price of just $2,446 per year and median debt of only $11,000. Your 10-year earnings potential of $63,163 creates a strong return on investment that few schools can match at this price point.
Nursing programs dominate the highest-paying outcomes, with registered nursing graduates earning over $114,000 annually. Even with slightly higher debt loads of $12,500 to $20,500 for these programs, the payback period remains short. Education-focused majors like Educational Administration and ESL teaching also perform well, with salaries ranging from $81,000 to $111,000.
The 61% graduation rate presents the primary financial risk. Nearly four in ten students don't finish their degrees, leaving them with debt but no credential. The 80% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early, giving you an early warning if Hunter isn't working out.
Hunter works best financially if you can handle the academic demands and complete your degree. New York City's job market rewards Hunter graduates well, particularly in healthcare and education where the school has strong programs and connections. The location provides internship and networking opportunities that boost earning potential.
As a CUNY school, Hunter offers limited merit scholarships but provides substantial need-based aid. Over half of students receive financial aid, and the low sticker price means most graduate with minimal debt. If you're considering expensive private alternatives, Hunter's combination of low cost, solid outcomes, and NYC location creates one of the best ROI propositions available. However, if you struggle academically or prefer smaller class sizes, the risk of not graduating could outweigh the financial benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Hunter College worth the cost?
Hunter College offers strong ROI with a net price of just $2,446 per year and median earnings of $63,163 after 10 years. The low cost and minimal debt (median $11,000) make it financially accessible, though the 61% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at CUNY Hunter College?
Nursing programs at Hunter lead to the highest earnings, with some graduates earning over $114,000 annually. Educational administration ($111,673) and teaching English as a second language ($86,867) also pay well above the school average.
How much student debt do CUNY Hunter College graduates have?
Hunter graduates typically leave with just $11,000 in debt, well below national averages. The low tuition and strong financial aid make this one of the most affordable paths to a bachelor's degree in New York.
Does CUNY Hunter College have good job prospects after graduation?
Hunter graduates earn $63,163 on average 10 years after graduation, which is solid given the minimal cost and debt. However, nearly 40% of students don't graduate, so success depends heavily on completing the degree.