At $5,436/yr net price, CUNY Kingsborough Community College graduates earn $42,621/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,621/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,436 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,744 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,621/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,621/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,100 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,565/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,526/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,891/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,468/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,796/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $58,402 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,221 | $9,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,772 | $7,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $27,048 | $9,315 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,615 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,580 | $8,096 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $22,768 |
The Risk Factor
23.6% of students at CUNY Kingsborough 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 Kingsborough Community College delivers strong financial value if you choose the right program, but your major selection makes all the difference between a solid return and a financial dead end. The healthcare programs consistently outperform, with allied health and nursing graduates earning around $58,000 annually,impressive returns that justify even the slightly higher debt loads these programs carry.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $58,000 in median earnings with manageable debt of $9,000. Allied health diagnostic programs offer similar earning potential without the competitive nursing program admission requirements. These healthcare tracks position you well in New York's strong medical job market.
Criminal justice graduates face tougher financial realities, earning just $32,772 despite reasonable debt levels. Accounting and mental health programs show even weaker returns, with accounting graduates earning only $28,236 annually. These programs may struggle to provide adequate financial payback given the time investment.
The school's 23.6% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. This completion challenge affects your return on investment more than the relatively low cost of attendance.
Kingsborough works best financially if you're focused on healthcare careers and confident in your ability to complete the program. The low net price of $5,436 annually means even modest post-graduation earnings can generate positive returns. You should look elsewhere if you're considering the weaker-performing programs or if you're uncertain about finishing your degree, as the graduation statistics suggest many students struggle to reach completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Kingsborough Community College worth the cost?
At $5,436 per year with only $7,100 in typical debt, Kingsborough offers solid value if you complete your degree. The challenge is the 24% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at CUNY Kingsborough Community College?
Allied health and nursing programs lead earnings at around $58,000 annually, nearly double the school average of $42,621. Criminal justice and accounting graduates earn significantly less at $32,772 and $28,236 respectively.
How much debt do CUNY Kingsborough Community College graduates have?
Median debt is just $7,100, which is manageable compared to most colleges. The low cost and strong financial aid at CUNY schools keep borrowing minimal.
Do CUNY Kingsborough Community College graduates get good jobs?
Graduates in healthcare fields do well with $58,000+ salaries, but other programs lag behind with earnings in the high $20,000s to low $30,000s. The bigger risk is not graduating at all given the low completion rate.