Students at CUNY City College benefit from one of the most affordable public education options in the country while still achieving strong long-term earnings that exceed expectations.
The combination of minimal upfront costs and solid career outcomes makes this institution particularly valuable for students seeking maximum return on educational investment.
Azimuth ranks CUNY City College among the top public four-year institutions nationwide for overall value, reflecting its unique combination of exceptional affordability and strong long-term outcomes. Nearly 60% of students receive Pell Grants and about 46% are first-generation college students, yet graduates achieve median earnings of $66,039 ten years after enrollment—well above what similar students earn at comparable institutions.
What makes City College particularly compelling is its position as a designated "Mobility Engine," delivering both broad access and meaningful upward mobility for students from all backgrounds. The institution excels at converting opportunity into results, with graduates earning significantly more than expected based on their academic and demographic profiles. This earnings advantage of over $13,000 compared with similar students elsewhere places City College in the top quartile nationally for long-term financial outcomes.
As part of the CUNY system and located in Manhattan, City College offers the academic breadth of a comprehensive public university with the career access that comes from being embedded in one of the world's major economic centers. For families seeking maximum return on educational investment, City College represents an exceptional combination of minimal upfront costs and strong long-term financial results.
CUNY City College offers a diverse program portfolio that leverages its New York City location to provide strong career pathways across multiple fields. Psychology leads in aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment of 386 graduates with solid long-term career prospects in the metropolitan area's extensive healthcare, social services, and business sectors. The program's $32,177 median earnings reflect entry-level positioning in fields that often see significant growth over time.
Engineering programs deliver the strongest individual financial outcomes, with Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $68,618 ten years out—a figure that reflects both the technical rigor of the program and the strong demand for engineering talent in New York's diverse industrial and technology sectors. Biology, as the largest program by footprint with 248 graduates, serves as a foundation for many students pursuing healthcare, research, and graduate school pathways.
Even programs like Art History, while showing more modest early earnings at $25,426, benefit from New York City's position as a global center for arts, culture, and creative industries. The city's extensive museum network, galleries, auction houses, and cultural institutions provide career opportunities that may not be reflected in early-career salary data but offer meaningful professional pathways for graduates in creative and cultural fields.
Graduates of CUNY City College achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $66,039, with the institution delivering an earnings advantage of over $13,000 compared with what similar students earn at other institutions. This substantial earnings premium places City College in the top quartile nationally for long-term return on investment, reflecting both the quality of its academic programs and the career opportunities available in the New York metropolitan area.
Program-level outcomes vary considerably across fields. Psychology stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, combining substantial enrollment of 386 graduates with solid career prospects. Mechanical Engineering delivers the strongest individual earnings at $68,618 ten years out, while Biology represents the largest program by enrollment with 248 graduates. Even programs like Art History, while showing more modest early earnings at $25,426, benefit from New York City's extensive cultural and creative economy.
The institution's location in Manhattan provides graduates with access to one of the world's most dynamic job markets, though the high cost of living in New York means that while nominal earnings are strong, purchasing power requires careful consideration of housing and living expenses in the metropolitan area.
CUNY City College stands out as one of the most affordable public universities in the country, particularly for students from low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay just $1,579 per year in net price, placing the institution in the top 1% nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs of $7,188, while even higher-income students pay only $11,887—all figures that represent exceptional value compared with typical public university pricing.
The institution's affordability extends beyond sticker price to manageable debt levels. Typical graduates leave with about $11,990 in federal student loan debt, a modest amount that aligns well with the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,994 for families who choose this option, but many students are able to complete their degrees with minimal family borrowing thanks to the combination of low net prices and substantial grant aid. This debt structure, combined with strong post-graduation earnings, creates a sustainable financial pathway for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Cuny City College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
