At $4,734/yr net price, CUNY York College graduates earn $56,945/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,945/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,734 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,936 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,945/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,945/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,267/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,716/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,080/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,257/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,206/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 | $87,973 | $13,380 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $74,576 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $71,351 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $41,565 | |
| Pharmacology and Toxicology. | Bachelor | $39,729 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $8,080 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $10,450 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,341 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
30.3% of students at CUNY York 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 York College delivers strong financial value with a net price under $5,000 and low debt loads, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major and actually graduating.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, generating nearly $88,000 in median earnings with reasonable debt of $13,380. Medical laboratory science and rehabilitation programs also produce solid returns above $70,000 annually. These health-focused programs capitalize on New York's strong healthcare job market and justify the investment easily.
Computer science programs present a concerning disconnect. Despite New York's tech sector, York graduates in computer science earn around $42,000, well below industry standards. If you're targeting tech careers, you may find better opportunities elsewhere or should plan additional training beyond your degree.
The 30% graduation rate poses your biggest financial risk. Nearly 70% of students leave without completing their degrees, wasting time and money. The low retention rate of 60% signals academic or financial struggles that derail many students early.
York works best for local students who can live at home and want healthcare careers. The combination of low costs and strong nursing outcomes creates excellent ROI for the right student. You should avoid York if you need extensive student support services, want strong credentials, or plan to study computer science.
With 43% of students receiving aid and median debt of just $11,000, York keeps costs manageable. As a CUNY school, you'll benefit from in-state tuition rates and potential additional state aid programs that further reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY York College worth the cost for the education you get?
CUNY York College offers solid value with a low net price of $4,734 annually and typical debt of only $11,000. However, the 30% graduation rate is concerning and means many students don't complete their degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at CUNY York College?
Nursing programs at CUNY York College lead to the best earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $88,000 annually. Medical lab science and rehabilitation programs also pay well at $74,000-$71,000, while computer science majors earn about $42,000.
How much debt do CUNY York College graduates typically have?
CUNY York College graduates have relatively low debt at $11,000 median, making it easier to manage payments after graduation. The low tuition costs help keep borrowing minimal compared to most colleges.
Does CUNY York College have good job prospects after graduation?
CUNY York College graduates earn $56,945 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the low costs. Job prospects vary significantly by major, with healthcare programs offering much better outcomes than general studies.