Students at CUNY Medgar Evers College benefit from exceptional affordability that makes higher education accessible to families across income levels, with particularly strong value for low-income students.
The college also delivers earnings beyond expectations for graduates who complete their degrees, though success requires persistence through completion challenges.
CUNY Medgar Evers College serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in Brooklyn, with particularly strong affordability that places it in the top tier nationally for low net prices. Nearly 57% of students receive Pell Grants and over 50% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's mission to serve students who might not otherwise have college opportunities. However, the college faces significant challenges in student completion, with only 22% of students graduating within six years, which affects long-term outcomes.
The institution operates within CUNY's broader system as a medium-sized public college focused on serving Brooklyn's diverse communities. While affordability remains exceptional—low-income students pay just $4,741 annually—the college's academic and career preparation infrastructure requires students to be particularly self-directed and resourceful to achieve strong outcomes. For students who do complete their degrees, median earnings reach $46,498 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid value given the low upfront investment, though this reflects the smaller subset of students who successfully navigate to graduation.
Program outcomes at CUNY Medgar Evers College vary significantly by field of study, with some majors providing notably stronger financial returns than others. Accounting Technology stands out with the highest early-career earnings at $53,984, though it graduates only 30 students annually. This specialized program appears to connect directly to stable, well-paying roles in New York's financial sector.
Biology dominates enrollment with 203 graduates and represents the college's highest aggregate return program, though individual earnings average $36,069. Many biology graduates likely pursue additional education in health fields, nursing, or graduate school, which could explain the moderate initial earnings. Psychology, the second-largest program with 127 graduates, shows more modest outcomes at $31,042, typical for a field that often requires graduate education for higher-paying roles.
Business majors, with 79 graduates earning around $36,560, fall in the middle range of outcomes. The concentration in biology, psychology, and business reflects Medgar Evers' focus on preparing students for service-oriented careers in health, education, and community organizations. For students in these programs, success often depends on leveraging the degree as a foundation for additional training, certification, or graduate education rather than expecting immediate high earnings upon graduation.
Graduates of CUNY Medgar Evers College who complete their degrees see moderate but meaningful long-term earnings. Ten years after enrollment, the median graduate earns $46,498, which places the institution around the 36th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. What's notable is that graduates actually earn about $5,527 more than similar students at comparable institutions, showing the college provides some earnings beyond expectations despite broader completion challenges.
Program choice significantly affects outcomes at Medgar Evers. Accounting Technology graduates see the strongest early-career earnings at around $53,984, while the largest program, Biology with 203 graduates, produces median earnings of $36,069. Psychology, the second-largest major with 127 graduates, shows more modest outcomes at $31,042. Business majors, with 79 graduates, earn around $36,560. The concentration in biology and psychology reflects the college's focus on preparing students for health careers and social services, though many students likely need additional education or certification to reach higher earning potential.
The earnings trajectory shows steady growth over time, with graduates moving from $37,538 at six years to nearly $47,000 at ten years. This progression suggests that Medgar Evers graduates who persist through degree completion do see meaningful career advancement, though the relatively modest starting point reflects both the college's student population and the need for many graduates to continue building skills and credentials in their chosen fields.
CUNY Medgar Evers College stands out nationally for exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $4,741 per year after aid, placing the college in the top tier nationally for net price accessibility. Middle-income families see annual costs around $9,533, while even higher-income students pay only $13,680—all figures that represent substantial value compared to most four-year institutions.
Debt levels remain very manageable for students who do borrow. Typical federal student loan debt is about $10,988, well below national averages, and Parent PLUS borrowing averages $9,222 for families who choose that option. The college's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates who complete degrees generally manage their debt obligations successfully, though this also reflects the relatively small number of borrowers and the modest debt amounts involved. The combination of low net prices and minimal borrowing requirements makes Medgar Evers one of the most financially accessible options in the New York metropolitan area, particularly valuable for students from families with limited college savings or income.
Cuny Medgar Evers College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
