Students at Cuny Brooklyn College benefit from exceptional affordability combined with strong economic mobility outcomes that consistently exceed national expectations.
The college delivers meaningful earnings advantages while maintaining some of the lowest net prices in American higher education.
Cuny Brooklyn College delivers exceptional value as one of the most affordable and accessible public institutions in the country. With net prices as low as $1,466 for low-income students and $6,726 for middle-income families, Brooklyn College ranks in the top 0.4% nationally for affordability while maintaining strong long-term outcomes. More than 56% of students receive Pell Grants and nearly 48% are first-generation college students, yet graduates earn a median of $60,752 ten years after enrollment.
What makes Brooklyn College particularly compelling is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with strong upward mobility outcomes. Students here earn significantly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, with an earnings advantage of nearly $9,000 above the national baseline. This performance places the college in the top third nationally for long-term earnings while serving one of the most economically diverse student populations in higher education.
As a large public college in New York, Brooklyn College offers the academic breadth and urban opportunities of a major metropolitan institution while maintaining the accessibility and affordability that make higher education possible for students from all economic backgrounds. For families seeking proven outcomes without financial strain, Brooklyn College represents an exceptional combination of access, affordability, and long-term value.
Cuny Brooklyn College offers a diverse program portfolio that reflects both student interests and market demands in the New York metropolitan area. Psychology leads enrollment with 522 graduates annually, providing pathways into counseling, social services, and graduate study, though early-career earnings are moderate at $28,932. Business Administration serves as the college's primary economic engine, combining high enrollment of 466 students with solid median earnings of $38,230, making it the highest aggregate-return program at the institution.
The standout performer is Artificial Intelligence, where 152 graduates earn a median of $56,776 early in their careers, reflecting the strong demand for technical skills in New York's growing technology sector. This program demonstrates Brooklyn College's ability to adapt to emerging fields and prepare students for high-demand careers. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like English Literature, with 71 graduates earning $25,194, provide valuable preparation for careers in education, media, and nonprofit work.
The college's program mix reflects its urban setting and diverse student body, offering pathways into both high-earning technical fields and essential public service careers. With strong connections to New York's job market and a commitment to accessible education, Brooklyn College programs consistently prepare students for meaningful careers while maintaining the affordability that makes higher education possible for students from all economic backgrounds.
Graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $60,752, with the institution delivering an earnings advantage of nearly $9,000 compared with similar students at other institutions nationwide. This "earnings beyond expectations" performance places Brooklyn College in the top third nationally, demonstrating how effectively the college prepares students for career success despite serving a predominantly first-generation and low-income population.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Business Administration, the college's largest high-return program with 466 graduates, produces median earnings of $38,230 early in career while serving as the institution's primary economic engine. Psychology remains the most popular major with 522 graduates annually, though earnings are more moderate at $28,932. The standout performer is Artificial Intelligence, where 152 graduates earn a median of $56,776, reflecting the strong demand for technical skills in New York's technology sector. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like English Literature, with median earnings of $25,194, provide pathways to meaningful careers in education, media, and nonprofit sectors.
The college's location in Brooklyn provides graduates access to one of the nation's most diverse job markets, from finance and technology to healthcare and education. This geographic advantage, combined with strong academic preparation, helps explain why Brooklyn College graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations and achieve meaningful upward mobility throughout their careers.
Cuny Brooklyn College stands out as one of the most affordable public institutions in the United States. Low-income students pay just $1,466 per year after aid, placing the college in the top 0.4% nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs of $6,726, while even high-income students pay only $11,670 — figures that are dramatically lower than most public universities nationwide. This exceptional affordability reflects both New York's substantial investment in public higher education and Brooklyn College's commitment to keeping education accessible.
Debt levels remain remarkably manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with only $11,000 in federal student loan debt, well below national averages, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,120. The combination of low sticker prices, generous aid, and modest borrowing means most Brooklyn College students can focus on their studies rather than worrying about overwhelming debt burdens.
What makes Brooklyn College especially sustainable financially is how the low upfront costs translate into strong long-term value. With graduates earning a median of $60,752 ten years out and typical debt loads under $11,000, most borrowers can comfortably manage repayment while building wealth. The college's 0% federal loan default rate reflects this financial sustainability, showing that students consistently succeed in managing their modest debt obligations after graduation.
Cuny Brooklyn College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
