Students at Metropolitan College of New York benefit from an institution deeply committed to serving first-generation and low-income students who might not otherwise access higher education.
While earnings outcomes are modest, graduates do achieve higher-than-expected earnings compared with similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting some institutional value-add despite resource constraints.
Metropolitan College of New York is a small private nonprofit institution serving students who might not otherwise have access to higher education in New York City. With over 60% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly half being first-generation college students, the college prioritizes access above all else. However, this commitment to serving underrepresented populations comes with significant challenges in student outcomes.
Graduates earn a median of $46,236 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings outcomes. While the college does provide some earnings beyond expectations—graduates earn about $10,975 more than similar students at comparable institutions—the overall financial returns remain modest. Completion rates are also concerning, with only about 25% of students graduating within six years.
The college operates in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility quadrant, meaning it serves many low-income students but struggles to deliver strong outcomes for them. For families prioritizing access to higher education in New York City at a relatively affordable price point, Metropolitan College provides an entry point, though prospective students should carefully consider the completion and earnings challenges alongside the accessibility benefits.
Metropolitan College of New York focuses on career-oriented programs that prepare students for essential roles in healthcare, business, and social services. The college's three main programs reflect this practical mission: Clinical Research Coordination graduates 54 students annually and represents the highest aggregate return, combining solid enrollment with earnings of $33,993. Business/Commerce serves as the largest program with 51 graduates earning around $29,685, providing foundational business skills for various career paths.
Community Organization and Advocacy, graduating 50 students with the highest individual earnings at $35,416, reflects the college's commitment to preparing students for roles in social services and community development. These programs align with employment opportunities available in New York City's diverse economy, particularly in healthcare support, nonprofit organizations, and small business operations.
While earnings levels across all programs remain modest compared to national averages, they represent meaningful career preparation for students who might not otherwise have accessed higher education. The college's program portfolio emphasizes practical skills and direct workforce preparation rather than high-earning professional tracks, which aligns with its mission to serve first-generation and low-income students seeking stable employment opportunities.
Metropolitan College of New York delivers modest financial returns for graduates, with outcomes that reflect both the institution's mission and its resource constraints. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $46,236, which places the college in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings outcomes. However, graduates do earn about $10,975 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the college adds some value beyond what might be expected given its student population and resources.
The college's program mix centers on practical, career-focused fields that prepare students for stable employment in essential sectors. Clinical Research Coordination is the highest-return program, graduating 54 students annually with median earnings of $33,993. Business/Commerce represents the largest program by enrollment with 51 graduates earning around $29,685, while Community Organization and Advocacy produces 50 graduates with the highest individual earnings at $35,416. These programs reflect the college's focus on preparing students for roles in healthcare support, business operations, and social services.
While earnings levels are modest compared to national averages, they represent meaningful economic advancement for many students who might not otherwise have accessed higher education. The college's urban New York location provides access to diverse employment opportunities, though graduates should expect to build careers gradually rather than achieving immediate high earnings upon graduation.
Metropolitan College of New York offers relatively affordable access to higher education, particularly for low-income students. Low-income families pay about $22,122 annually in net costs, while middle-income families see costs around $30,663 per year. These price points, while not the lowest nationally, represent reasonable access to private higher education in one of the country's most expensive metropolitan areas.
The college's financial aid approach prioritizes making education accessible to students who might not otherwise afford college. With over 60% of students receiving Pell Grants, the institution clearly serves families with significant financial need. The aid structure helps bridge the gap between the college's private status and its mission to serve underrepresented populations, though families should still plan carefully for the multi-year financial commitment required to complete a degree.
Metropolitan College Of New York Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
