As a Mobility Engine institution, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College combines exceptional access for low-income and first-generation students with outstanding post-graduation outcomes. The institution generates $26,320 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels significantly below peer institutions, creating optimal conditions for economic advancement.
Strong long-term earnings relative to educational investment and debt levels
Low net prices and minimal debt levels across all income tiers
The institution's exceptional enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Outstanding ability to convert educational opportunity into earnings growth
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisBaruch College delivers exceptional return on investment through strong earnings outcomes combined with remarkably low debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $75,971 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 91st percentile nationally.
Earnings range from $42,243 at the 25th percentile to $112,029 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across business disciplines. The institution generates $26,320 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 96.4th percentile nationally on this critical measure.
Students seeking business and finance programs with exceptional value and low debt. Well-suited for first-generation students (51.1%) and Pell-eligible students (55.3%) who want strong post-graduation outcomes from a selective public institution in New York City.
Particularly beneficial for those prioritizing economic mobility and career advancement in business fields.
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College admits 50.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Baruch in the moderately selective category, with admission standards more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining academic quality.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that Baruch is more selective than typical public institutions, making it a competitive option that requires solid academic credentials. This selectivity level means that qualified students with strong academic records have reasonable admission prospects, but applicants should still demonstrate preparation for rigorous coursework.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $13,521 per year for in-state students, including $7,464 in tuition, minimal room and board costs due to its commuter-focused model, and $1,500 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $15,414.
However, the average student pays just $2,978 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,543 from the published price. This net price of $2,978 falls dramatically below the peer median of $15,590, a difference of $12,612 annually.
The institution's urban location allows many students to live at home, further reducing total costs compared to residential colleges. Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with the lowest-income students paying only $745 annually.
Even middle-income families pay substantially less than published prices, with families earning $75,000-$110,000 paying $9,323 after aid. The cost structure reflects Baruch's mission as a public institution serving New York City residents, with particularly strong support for lower-income families.
This exceptional affordability, combined with strong post-graduation outcomes, creates outstanding value for students across income levels.
Actuarial Science.
101 graduates
Algebra and Number Theory.
49 graduates
Information Science/Studies.
244 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
570 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
900 graduates
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Iona University Higher acceptance rate (40.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 16 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NY | 91% | $73,595 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Cuny Bernard M Baruch College hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/cuny-bernard-m-baruch-college/analysis.
Second-ranked nationally for institutional performance
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ranks #2 nationally in Azimuth's institutional analysis, with access performance at the 99.4th percentile and exceptional affordability. Located in New York City, this large public college maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 50.5% acceptance rate while delivering outstanding post-graduation outcomes.
Baruch enrolls 55.3% Pell-eligible students and 51.1% first-generation students, far exceeding typical selective institutions on access measures. Graduates earn $26,320 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 96.4th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $75,971 ten years after enrollment, placing Baruch in the 91st percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $60,543, graduates earn $15,428 more annually.
This combination of strong access, controlled costs, and exceptional outcomes places Baruch firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where institutions serve diverse student populations while delivering sustained economic advancement.
Students should view Baruch as a match or slight reach school depending on their academic profile, and build college lists that include both more and less selective options. The combination of moderate selectivity with exceptional outcomes makes Baruch an attractive choice for students seeking value and career preparation.
Given the institution's urban New York location and strong business programs, competition may be particularly intense among business-focused applicants. Students should ensure their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles and consider the institution's emphasis on quantitative preparation given its business focus.
Baruch College graduates demonstrate substantial earnings growth over time, with outcomes based on cohorts exceeding 2,000 graduates for high confidence. Median earnings rise from $61,542 six years after enrollment to $70,543 at eight years and $75,971 at ten years, representing 23.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 2,082 graduates, providing reliable data across the institution's program portfolio. Graduates earn $26,320 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Baruch in the 96.4th percentile for earnings uplift.
This exceptional performance indicates the institution's effectiveness in translating educational access into career advancement. Low-income graduates earn $62,000, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Earnings span from $42,243 at the 25th percentile to $112,029 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 30% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry.
The steady earnings trajectory combined with exceptional value-added performance positions Baruch among the top institutions nationally for economic mobility.
Baruch College offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for comprehensive analysis. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #12 nationally and #1 in New York, producing 900 graduates with median earnings of $70,901 and an exceptional value score of 94.6.
Accounting Technology ranks #8 nationally and #1 in New York, graduating 570 students with median earnings of $73,056 and a value score of 97.5. General Merchandising and Sales Operations ranks #2 nationally and #1 in New York, graduating 442 students with median earnings of $64,013.
Information Science ranks #11 nationally and #2 in New York, with 244 graduates earning $73,588. Actuarial Science ranks #8 nationally and #2 in New York, graduating 101 students with median earnings of $83,300.
Business/Corporate Communications ranks #2 nationally and #1 in New York, graduating 317 students with median earnings of $62,502. The concentration of top-ranked programs demonstrates Baruch's exceptional strength in business and finance education, with multiple programs achieving #1 rankings within New York state.
University Of Scranton Higher acceptance rate (33.9 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 99 miles away; similar graduate earnings | PA | 84% | $74,652 | Compare |
Rutgers University-Newark Higher acceptance rate (28.2 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 10 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NJ | 79% | $74,479 | Compare |
Siena College Higher acceptance rate (20.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | NY | 71% | $76,079 | Compare |
Assumption University Higher acceptance rate (36.1 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | MA | 87% | $74,895 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of California-Irvine Similar quality tier (#3 ranked) | CA | 26% | $80,735 | #3 | Compare |
University Of California-Berkeley Similar quality tier (#4 ranked) | CA | 12% | $92,446 | #4 | Compare |
University Of California-San Diego Similar quality tier (#1 ranked) | CA | 25% | $84,943 | #1 | Compare |
University Of California-Davis Similar quality tier (#5 ranked) | CA | 42% | $80,838 | #5 | Compare |
University Of Illinois Chicago Similar quality tier (#6 ranked) | IL | 79% | $68,740 | #6 | Compare |
