Students at College Of Staten Island Cuny benefit from exceptional affordability combined with earnings that substantially exceed expectations for similar institutions.
The college delivers meaningful economic mobility for diverse students while maintaining some of the lowest net prices in public higher education.
Azimuth ranks College Of Staten Island Cuny 276th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 32nd percentile nationally. What distinguishes this CUNY campus is its exceptional affordability combined with meaningful support for students from diverse backgrounds. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, and 47% are first-generation college students, yet the institution maintains a strong track record of helping these students achieve upward economic mobility.
The college delivers particularly strong value through its combination of very low net prices and solid long-term earnings outcomes. Low-income students pay just $3,243 annually, while graduates earn a median of $53,501 ten years after enrollment—substantially higher than what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage of nearly $8,800 above expectations reflects the institution's ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers.
As part of the CUNY system, College Of Staten Island provides the accessibility and affordability of a public institution while maintaining academic programs that connect directly to New York's diverse job market. For many families, particularly those seeking an affordable path to nursing, business, or other professional fields, this represents a compelling combination of low upfront costs and strong long-term financial outcomes.
College Of Staten Island's program portfolio reflects practical career preparation with clear pathways to stable employment. Psychology leads in scale with 332 graduates, providing the highest aggregate economic impact despite more moderate individual earnings of $31,616. The program serves as a foundation for various career paths including social services, education, and graduate study, making it a popular choice for students seeking broad career flexibility.
Business programs enroll 189 students annually and deliver solid early-career earnings around $37,208, connecting graduates to New York's diverse commercial sector. However, the standout program is Adult Health Nursing, where 86 graduates achieve exceptional earnings of $94,579—nearly double the institutional median. These nursing outcomes reflect both the high demand for qualified healthcare professionals in New York and the program's strong clinical preparation.
The contrast between programs illustrates how field choice significantly impacts financial outcomes. While sociology graduates earn around $23,456 early in their careers, reflecting the more modest compensation typical in social services, the overall program mix provides students with options ranging from service-oriented fields to high-earning professional careers. The college's strength lies in preparing students across this spectrum while maintaining affordability and accessibility for all.
Graduates of College Of Staten Island Cuny achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations for similar institutions. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $53,501, with the institution delivering an impressive earnings advantage of nearly $8,800 above what similar students achieve elsewhere. This higher-than-expected earnings performance places the college among institutions that consistently help students outperform their predicted financial outcomes, reflecting strong career preparation and employer connections.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Psychology, the college's largest program with 332 graduates, provides the highest aggregate return due to its scale, though individual earnings are more moderate at $31,616. Business graduates earn around $37,208 early in their careers, while the standout program is Adult Health Nursing, where the 86 graduates achieve exceptional earnings of $94,579—among the strongest outcomes available at the institution. These nursing graduates benefit from New York's robust healthcare job market and the high demand for qualified nurses.
The college's program mix reflects practical career preparation, with substantial enrollment in psychology, business, and nursing—fields that provide clear pathways to stable employment. While some programs like sociology show more modest early earnings around $23,456, the overall institutional performance demonstrates that most students achieve meaningful financial progress regardless of their chosen field of study.
College Of Staten Island Cuny stands out as one of the most affordable public institutions in the country. Low-income students pay just $3,243 per year, well below national averages, while middle-income families see annual costs around $7,696—still exceptionally affordable compared to most public universities. Even high-income families pay only $12,557 annually, making this institution accessible across all income levels and placing it in the top 6% nationally for affordability.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $14,350 in federal student loan debt, a modest amount that reflects both the low sticker prices and the substantial financial aid available to students. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,143, also well below national norms, indicating that families can cover most costs through grants, work-study, and modest borrowing rather than taking on heavy debt loads.
The combination of low net prices and solid post-graduation earnings creates a sustainable financial model for most students. With median earnings of $53,501 ten years out, graduates can comfortably manage their debt obligations while building long-term financial stability. The institution's 0% federal loan default rate underscores how well graduates manage their financial obligations after college.
College Of Staten Island Cuny Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
