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
City Tech runs on a low-cost model that mostly works. At $4,783 a year in net price with median debt of $10,533, you can finish here without the loan burden that sinks graduates elsewhere. The problem sits on the front end: only about 60% of students come back for a second year, and fewer than one in five finish. The financial math only pays off if you're in the group that graduates.
The nursing bachelor's is the clear win. It pays $88,399 against roughly $9,000 in debt, nearly double the school-wide median earnings and one of the best debt-to-pay ratios you'll find anywhere. The engineering technology tracks are solid middle ground: construction technology clears $59,937 and electrical technology sits near the school median. Health and Medical Administrative Services is the one to watch, at $46,380 in earnings with $13,800 in debt, the highest debt on this list paired with the lowest pay. That's a thin return.
The specific risk here is completion, not cost. If you drop out after a year with some debt and no degree, the low sticker price stops protecting you. The engineering technology and nursing programs feed directly into NYC construction, utility, and hospital jobs, so location works in your favor if you finish.
City Tech fits you if you want a technical or health credential tied to New York's job market and can commit to graduating. If you're under $30k in family income, you pay $3,681 a year, and even above $110k you pay $13,164, far below most private options. Aim for nursing or engineering technology. Think hard before taking on the health administration track's debt for its pay.
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.