At $4,620/yr net price, CUNY Queensborough Community College graduates earn $44,214/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,214/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,620 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,480 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,214/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,214/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,600 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,622/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,658/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,765/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,484/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,224/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 | $76,460 | $14,750 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $30,771 | $6,750 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $28,019 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $26,850 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,458 | $6,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,719 | $8,500 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Associate | $22,667 | |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Physical Sciences. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $21,356 | $10,430 |
The Risk Factor
23.0% of students at CUNY Queensborough 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 Queensborough Community College offers weak financial returns for most students, with a median 10-year earning of $44,214 that barely justifies even its low $4,620 annual net price. The 23% graduation rate means three out of four students leave without completing their program, making this a high-risk investment for many.
The nursing program stands out as the clear exception, with graduates earning $76,460 annually despite carrying higher debt loads of $14,750. This represents strong ROI given nursing demand in the New York metro area. Other health-related programs show modest returns, with general health sciences graduates earning $30,771.
Business administration graduates face poor prospects at just $26,458 in median earnings, making the debt-to-income ratio questionable even with relatively low borrowing. Electrical engineering technology shows similarly weak returns at $28,019, despite technical skills being in demand regionally.
You should consider Queensborough only if you can complete the nursing program or need the extremely low cost as a stepping stone to transfer elsewhere. The school works financially for students who can graduate and secure jobs immediately, but the low completion rate suggests many struggle to finish. Students planning four-year degrees should view this as an inexpensive way to complete general education requirements before transferring.
With 45% of students receiving financial aid and median debt of just $8,600, the school keeps costs manageable. However, the poor graduation rate means many students accumulate debt and time without earning credentials. If you cannot commit fully to completing your program or have other affordable options, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Queensborough Community College worth the money?
At $4,620 per year with low debt levels, Queensborough offers decent value if you graduate in nursing or health programs. However, the 23% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky despite the low cost.
What are the highest paying programs at CUNY Queensborough Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $76,460 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI. Other health programs pay around $30,000, while business and engineering technology programs typically lead to earnings in the high $20,000s.
How much debt do CUNY Queensborough Community College students graduate with?
Students who borrow graduate with a median debt of $8,600, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $4,620 helps keep debt minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at CUNY Queensborough Community College?
Only 23% of students graduate, which is concerning for ROI. This means three out of four students leave without completing their degree, potentially wasting time and money even at this affordable school.