At $5,699/yr net price, CUNY LaGuardia Community College graduates earn $41,653/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,653/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,699 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,796 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,653/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,653/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,407 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,843/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,663/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,505/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,845/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,265/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 | $72,796 | $9,969 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $58,221 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $50,141 | $8,049 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $39,009 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $36,668 | |
| Computer Science. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $28,236 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,667 | $5,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,600 | $4,750 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $27,397 | $7,854 |
The Risk Factor
25.3% of students at CUNY LaGuardia 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 LaGuardia Community College offers strong ROI for specific career-focused programs but weak returns for general studies. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $72,796 annually against modest debt of $9,969, creating excellent payback potential. Allied health programs also deliver solid returns, with diagnostic and treatment professions reaching $58,221 in median earnings.
The college's low graduation rate of 25% creates significant financial risk. You face a three-in-four chance of leaving without completing your program, potentially with debt but no credential. This risk is particularly concerning for programs with weaker earning potential like hospitality management, where graduates earn just $36,668.
The $5,699 annual net price makes LaGuardia affordable for New York area students, especially with 40% receiving financial aid. Your total debt load typically stays under $8,000 for most programs. However, the low completion rate means many students pay tuition without gaining the credentials needed for career advancement.
LaGuardia works best for motivated students targeting healthcare careers who can handle the college's completion challenges. The nursing and allied health programs justify the investment through strong job placement in Queens and Manhattan's healthcare sector. General education students should consider four-year alternatives with higher completion rates, as LaGuardia's academic support appears insufficient for students without clear career direction.
You should have backup plans and strong academic preparation before enrolling. The combination of low completion rates and moderate earnings outside healthcare makes this a risky choice unless you're committed to finishing a high-earning program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY LaGuardia Community College worth the money?
At $5,699 per year with median debt of $7,407, LaGuardia offers solid value if you complete your program. The low cost makes it a safe financial bet, though the 25% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the highest paying programs at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at LaGuardia, with registered nursing graduates earning $72,796 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $58,221, while hospitality management graduates earn $36,668.
How much debt do CUNY LaGuardia Community College graduates have?
LaGuardia graduates carry a median debt of $7,407, which is manageable for most career paths. The low debt load combined with affordable tuition reduces financial risk compared to four-year schools.
Do CUNY LaGuardia Community College graduates get good jobs?
LaGuardia graduates earn $41,653 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. Nursing and allied health graduates do significantly better, while other programs may struggle to reach strong earning potential.