At $3,830/yr net price, CUNY Queens College graduates earn $62,763/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,763/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,830 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,320 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,763/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,763/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,298 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,816/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,530/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,186/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,157/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,359/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $107,163 | |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Certificate | $71,015 | |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $68,666 | $19,526 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $67,765 | $19,100 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $65,797 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $65,131 | $21,433 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $63,005 | $33,941 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Certificate | $61,516 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,873 | $10,301 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,221 | $14,925 |
The Risk Factor
60.2% of students at CUNY Queens College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Queens College delivers strong financial value with a net price under $4,000 annually and median debt of just over $10,000. Your return on investment here ranks among the strongest in higher education, particularly for a complete public university serving the New York metropolitan area.
Educational Administration graduates earn over $100,000 annually, making this program a clear financial winner. Teaching programs also perform well, with ESL and subject-specific education majors earning between $67,000-$71,000. Communication Disorders rounds out the top earners at nearly $66,000. These salaries align well with New York's higher cost of living and strong demand for education professionals.
The 60% graduation rate presents the main financial risk. Nearly 40% of students leave without completing their degree, potentially carrying debt without the earnings boost that comes with graduation. The 78% retention rate suggests most academic struggles surface after the first year.
You're looking at an ideal financial fit if you're a New York resident planning to work in education, healthcare, or public service fields where Queens College has strong regional employer connections. The low cost makes career changes or graduate school more feasible since you won't carry heavy undergraduate debt.
Skip Queens College if you need extensive merit aid opportunities or want programs in high-paying fields like engineering or computer science that aren't offered here. The financial aid covers less than half of students, so middle-income families should verify their actual costs before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Queens College worth the cost?
Yes, Queens College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,830 per year and median debt under $11,000. Graduates earn $62,763 annually after 10 years, making it one of the better financial investments among public colleges.
What are the best paying majors at CUNY Queens College?
Educational Administration leads with $107,163 average earnings, while teaching programs in English/French as a Second Language earn around $68,000-71,000. Most education-focused programs at Queens College show solid returns given the low cost of attendance.
How much debt do CUNY Queens College graduates have?
The median debt is only $10,298, well below the national average. Combined with the low annual cost of $3,830, most students can graduate with minimal debt burden.
Does CUNY Queens College have good job outcomes?
The 60% graduation rate is concerning, meaning 4 in 10 students don't finish. However, those who do graduate earn decent salaries relative to what they paid for their education.