Students at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College earn far more than similar students at other institutions, with one of the strongest earnings advantages among all public universities nationwide.
Graduates achieve exceptional financial outcomes that place the college in the top tier for both expected and actual long-term earnings.
Azimuth ranks CUNY Bernard M Baruch College 1st out of all public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 0.1% for overall value. What makes Baruch extraordinary is how it combines nearly free tuition for most students with some of the strongest long-term earnings outcomes in the country. More than half of students receive Pell Grants and come from first-generation backgrounds, yet graduates consistently achieve top-tier financial success that rivals the most selective private universities.
Baruch's location in Manhattan's financial district creates unparalleled access to internships, networking, and career opportunities in banking, finance, and business. The college's specialized focus on business education, combined with its diverse student body and minimal debt burden, produces graduates who earn a median of $75,971 ten years after enrollment—outcomes that place Baruch among the very best public institutions nationally.
As a designated "Mobility Engine," Baruch delivers on the promise of higher education as a pathway to economic advancement. It opens its doors widely to students from all backgrounds while maintaining the academic rigor and industry connections needed to launch successful careers in competitive fields.
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College's program portfolio reflects its strategic focus on business and finance education that directly serves New York City's economic ecosystem. Banking and Financial Support Services represents the college's flagship program, graduating 900 students annually and generating massive aggregate economic value through its combination of scale and strong earning potential. This program exemplifies Baruch's ability to prepare large numbers of students for high-demand careers in financial services.
Accounting maintains substantial enrollment with 570 graduates who achieve solid early-career earnings around $50,105, while specialized Mathematics programs produce smaller cohorts with particularly strong individual outcomes near $61,064. Even Psychology, representing the college's most moderate-earning field, still delivers $35,546 in early-career earnings that reflect the college's overall commitment to career-focused education.
Baruch's concentrated program mix creates powerful network effects and employer relationships that benefit all students. The college's reputation in business education, combined with its Manhattan location, means recruiters from major financial firms, consulting companies, and corporations actively seek Baruch graduates, creating career opportunities that extend far beyond what the raw numbers suggest.
Graduates of CUNY Bernard M Baruch College achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes that rank among the very best public institutions nationwide. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $75,971, with the college delivering an extraordinary earnings advantage of over $26,000 compared with similar students at other institutions. This represents one of the strongest "earnings beyond expectations" performances in the country, reflecting Baruch's unique combination of rigorous academics, strategic location, and deep employer relationships.
Baruch's program portfolio drives these outstanding results through its concentrated focus on high-return business fields. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out as the college's economic engine, graduating 900 students annually with strong earning potential that creates massive aggregate value. Accounting programs also maintain substantial scale with 570 graduates, while specialized fields like Mathematics produce smaller cohorts with particularly high individual earnings around $61,064. Even Psychology graduates, representing the college's lowest-earning major, still achieve $35,546 in early-career earnings.
The college's Manhattan location amplifies these outcomes significantly. Graduates enter New York City's high-cost environment where their strong earnings provide meaningful purchasing power, and the proximity to Wall Street, major corporations, and financial services creates career advancement opportunities that continue paying dividends throughout graduates' working lives.
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College offers exceptional affordability that makes it accessible to families across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $745 per year after aid—essentially free tuition that removes financial barriers to higher education. Middle-income families see annual costs around $6,626, while even high-income students pay only $12,757, making Baruch one of the most affordable quality options in the country regardless of family financial circumstances.
The college's debt structure reflects this commitment to affordability. Typical graduates leave with only $11,512 in federal student loan debt, well below national averages, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow a modest $19,188 on average. This low-debt approach means students can focus on academics and career preparation rather than worrying about overwhelming financial obligations after graduation.
What makes Baruch's affordability particularly powerful is how it pairs minimal upfront costs with maximum long-term value. Students graduate with manageable debt loads but achieve earnings that rank in the top tier nationally, creating an exceptional return on investment that few institutions can match.
Cuny Bernard M Baruch College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
