At $4,783/yr net price, CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates earn $49,365/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,365/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,783 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,132 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,365/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,365/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,533 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,681/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,833/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,775/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,146/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,164/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. | Bachelor | $88,399 | $9,311 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $59,937 | |
| Housing and Human Environments. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $49,323 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $46,380 | $13,800 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $46,357 | $11,750 |
| Legal Support Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | Bachelor | $42,235 | $14,692 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $41,844 | $10,000 |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $39,927 |
The Risk Factor
19.4% of students at CUNY New York City College of Technology 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 New York City College of Technology offers strong financial value if you choose the right program, but the school's low graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. At under $5,000 annually, the net price makes this one of the most affordable paths to a bachelor's degree in New York City.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $88,399 while carrying only $9,311 in debt. Construction engineering technology and housing/human environments also deliver solid returns above $50,000. These technical programs align well with New York's building boom and healthcare demand, giving graduates access to stable, well-paying local jobs.
The major red flag is the 19% graduation rate. Four out of five students who enroll never finish their degree, meaning you face real risk of leaving with debt but no credential. The 60% retention rate suggests many students struggle from year one, often due to academic preparation gaps or competing work obligations.
This school makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing or construction technology and can handle the academic demands while potentially working. The low cost means even moderate debt loads remain manageable. However, if you're undecided about your major or concerned about your ability to persist through graduation, the completion rates should give you pause.
As a CUNY school, you'll have access to need-based aid that keeps costs low for qualifying students. The key strategy here is choosing a high-demand technical program and using every available support service to stay on track for graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY New York City College of Technology worth the cost?
With a net price of $4,783 per year and median debt of just $10,533, City Tech offers solid value despite average earnings of $49,365 after 10 years. The low cost makes it financially accessible, but the 19% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the best paying programs at CUNY New York City College of Technology?
Nursing programs lead with $88,399 in median earnings, followed by Construction Engineering Technologies at $59,937. These technical and healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall average of $49,365.
How much debt do CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $10,533, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The affordable tuition keeps borrowing minimal, making this one of the school's strongest financial advantages.
Why is the graduation rate so low at CUNY New York City College of Technology?
Only 19% of students graduate, which is well below national averages. This means many students may not complete their programs and miss out on the career benefits, despite the low cost of attendance.