Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at CUNY City College vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and technology programs delivering the highest median earnings while liberal arts programs provide different career preparation pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal College Scorecard data rather than reputation or prestige measures.
Analyzing 35 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance in national rankings, earnings outcomes, or value scores.
#31 nationally
$66K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by median earnings, national and state rankings, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Cuny City College.
These programs deliver the highest earnings outcomes at the institution, with Computer Science producing $85,603 median earnings and Civil Engineering generating $81,836. Engineering programs demonstrate consistent performance with multiple programs ranking in the top 100 nationally.
This group is best suited for students prioritizing immediate high earnings potential, though value scores reflect the higher preparation costs typical of technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering, General. | #31 | $93,873★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment. Rankings compare identical programs across more than 2,000 four-year institutions, providing objective measures of career preparation effectiveness. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt outcomes to assess return on investment. Programs require minimum cohort sizes of 10 graduates for inclusion, ensuring statistical reliability. These metrics reflect labor market results rather than academic reputation, helping students evaluate programs based on post-graduation economic outcomes. Different programs at the same institution produce varying results due to factors including industry demand, credential requirements, geographic opportunities, and preparation for graduate study versus immediate workforce entry.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| 44 |
| Computer Science. | #102 | $85,603 | — | 102 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #100 | $84,427 | — | 125 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #31 | $81,836 | — | 93 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #104 | $81,425 | — | 68 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.Small sample | #24 | $70,568 | — | 16 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #59 | $67,733 | — | 38 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #129 | $54,776 | — | 46 |
Business Administration graduates earn $54,230 annually with 71 students in the program, though rankings indicate increased competition within this field. The program serves students seeking general business preparation, though specialized programs in other areas may offer stronger value propositions for career-focused students.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #193 | $54,230 | — | 71 |
This group stands out for exceptional national recognition, with Biology ranking #1 nationally and delivering strong earnings of $66,075 despite serving as preparation for graduate study. Sciences programs at CUNY City College demonstrate remarkable value with Biology achieving a perfect 100.0 value score.
Students pursuing this path typically benefit from rigorous preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced study, with approximately 20% continuing to graduate school.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #1 🏆 | $66,075★ | — | 248 |
| Applied Mathematics, General. | #25 | $63,533 | — | 37 |
| Acoustics. | #55 | $48,908 | — | 24 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #73 | $44,175 | — | 26 |
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | #224 | $40,485 | — | 19 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #196 | $25,194 | — | 12 |
Programs in this cluster show varied earnings outcomes, from International Relations at $59,863 to Applied Economics at $50,594. Psychology represents the institution's largest program with 386 graduates earning $48,043 and ranking #60 nationally.
These programs typically serve students pursuing diverse career paths including graduate study, public service, and private sector roles requiring analytical and communication skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and Affairs. | #27 | $59,863★ | — | 77 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #138 | $53,184 | — | 75 |
| Applied Economics. | #176 | $50,594 | — | 84 |
| Psychology, General. | #62 | $48,043 | — | 386 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #106 | $47,607 | — | 72 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #118 | $32,569 | — | 17 |
Communication and Media Studies produces graduates earning $52,691 with 95 annual graduates, ranking #75 nationally and #7 within New York state. This program demonstrates solid earnings potential within the communications field while serving students interested in media, marketing, and organizational communication careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #76 | $52,691★ | — | 95 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.Small sample | #21 | $51,870 | — | 13 |
This group demonstrates the institution's strength in liberal arts education, with Art History ranking #43 nationally despite moderate earnings of $38,137. English Literature produces graduates earning $40,931 while serving 123 students annually.
These programs are well-suited for students prioritizing intellectual development and preparation for careers in education, communications, or graduate study in specialized fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #72 | $48,531★ | — | 24 |
| General Studies. | #80 | $46,094 | — | 104 |
| American History (United States). | #127 | $46,015 | — | 45 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #118 | $40,931 | — | 123 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #28 | $40,554 | — | 26 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #49 | $38,137 | — | 136 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics.Small sample | #70 | $33,339 | — | 17 |
| Acting. | #61 | $27,329 | — | 45 |
| Brass Instruments. | #154 | $18,771 | — | 47 |
Adult and Continuing Education stands out with a #13 national ranking and strong earnings of $55,262, reflecting CUNY City College's historic mission in teacher preparation. With 82 graduates annually, this program combines solid earnings outcomes with high value scores, making it attractive for students pursuing educational careers or adult learning facilitation roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #13 | $55,262★ | — | 82 |
| Bilingual and Multilingual Education. | — | $41,937 | — | 34 |
African-American/Black Studies. leads other & interdisciplinary with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African-American/Black Studies. | #33 | $44,363 | — | 42 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
