Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Both located in New York, NY
When students choose between CUNY City College and CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, they're comparing two specialized missions within the same university system. Both serve diverse New York City populations at similar costs, but they prepare students for fundamentally different career paths.
The earnings gap of $9,844 reflects these distinct professional trajectories, not institutional quality differences.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$11,990
federal loans
$11,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$17,460
borrowed by parents
$16,130
borrowed by parents
City College is predominantly engineering-focused, with 17% of graduates earning degrees in engineering fields, complemented by 13% in social sciences and 10% in arts. The largest programs include Psychology (386 graduates), Biology (248), Fine Arts (136), and Mechanical Engineering (125).
John Jay specializes in security and protective services, with Criminal Justice (1,582 graduates) dominating the campus. Other top programs include Clinical Psychology (481), Criminology (230), and Legal Studies (157).
These program concentrations directly explain the earnings differences between the institutions.
For students prioritizing maximum earnings potential, City College delivers higher financial returns through its engineering and science programs. John Jay offers specialized preparation for criminal justice careers with lower debt burden and comparable affordability.
Both schools provide excellent value within their respective domains — the choice depends on whether you're drawn to technical fields or criminal justice careers. City College wins on raw earnings, but John Jay may be the better choice for students passionate about law enforcement, corrections, or public safety.
The financial difference reflects career path choice, not institutional quality — both rank in the top 3% nationally for value.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
