CUNY Brooklyn College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $13,573 per year, including $7,452 in-state tuition, room and board expenses, and $1,500 for books and supplies. The average student pays just $2,943 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,630 through institutional and federal aid programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $13,573 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,402 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,630 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $2,943 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $1,466 |
| $30–48k | $2,954 |
| $48–75k | $6,726 |
| $75–110k | $8,246 |
| $110k+ | $11,670 |
CUNY Brooklyn College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $13,573 per year, including $7,452 in-state tuition, room and board expenses, and $1,500 for books and supplies. The average student pays just $2,943 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,630 through institutional and federal aid programs. This net price ranks among the lowest nationally and sits $12,647 below the peer median of $15,590, creating extraordinary value for students and families.
The affordability extends across all income levels, with even the highest-income tier paying only $11,670 annually. Brooklyn College's position within the CUNY system enables this exceptional pricing structure, supported by state funding and institutional commitment to educational access. Compared to similar public institutions serving diverse student populations, Brooklyn College offers substantially lower costs while maintaining academic quality and career outcomes.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
CUNY Brooklyn College graduates maintain exceptionally low debt levels, with median borrowing of just $11,000 compared to the peer median of $20,000. Student debt ranges from $3,823 at the 25th percentile to $16,330 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with minimal debt burden.
The debt level ranks at the 89th percentile nationally, placing Brooklyn College among institutions with the lowest student borrowing requirements. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates highly manageable repayment obligations, with annual debt payments representing less than one-fifth of median graduate earnings.
Parent PLUS loans average $16,120 with monthly payments of $212, providing additional financing options for families needing supplemental support. The combination of low tuition, substantial financial aid, and controlled borrowing creates sustainable financing that supports degree completion without imposing excessive post-graduation debt burden.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Brooklyn College delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of minimal costs and solid earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $8,919 beyond expectations relative to similar student demographics, ranking at the 83.6th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
With median earnings of $60,752 and debt of just $11,000, graduates achieve favorable financial positioning for long-term economic stability. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates that loan payments represent manageable portions of post-graduation income, supporting career flexibility and financial security.
Compared to peer institutions, Brooklyn College graduates earn $209 more annually while borrowing $9,000 less, creating superior value proposition. The institution's top-tier affordability ranking at the 98.5th percentile reflects this exceptional cost-benefit relationship.
Brooklyn College's financial aid effectiveness reflects its commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. With 56.4% of students qualifying for Pell grants, the institution demonstrates significant success in enrolling lower-income students who benefit most from federal need-based aid.
The $10,630 average financial aid savings represents 78% of the total cost of attendance, indicating comprehensive aid packaging that makes college accessible for students who might otherwise be unable to afford higher education. The progressive net price structure ensures that aid concentrates on families with the greatest financial need, supporting economic mobility for first-generation and lower-income students.
This aid profile aligns with Brooklyn College's Mobility Engine designation, where exceptional access combines with solid outcomes to create pathways for economic advancement. The substantial financial aid reduces the published sticker price to manageable levels across all income categories, eliminating cost as a primary barrier to enrollment and degree completion.
