Queens College demonstrates exceptional affordability through a combination of low published prices and substantial financial aid. The institution's published cost of attendance totals $13,643 annually, including $7,538 in-state tuition, $16,464 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies.
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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) | $14,367 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,488 |
| Room and Board | $17,132 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,172 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $4,195 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $1,541 |
| $30–48k | $3,133 |
| $48–75k | $6,785 |
| $75–110k | $9,110 |
| $110k+ | $12,700 |
Queens College demonstrates exceptional affordability through a combination of low published prices and substantial financial aid. The institution's published cost of attendance totals $13,643 annually, including $7,538 in-state tuition, $16,464 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $3,830 after financial aid, representing financial aid savings of $9,813 annually.
This places Queens College's net price substantially below the peer median of $15,590, a difference of $11,760 annually. The dramatic gap between sticker price and actual cost reflects the institution's commitment to accessible higher education and New York state's investment in public education funding. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $1,816 for the lowest-income families to $12,359 for the highest-income families, demonstrating progressive aid targeting.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Queens College graduates maintain exceptionally low debt levels, with median debt of $10,298 at graduation. Debt levels range from $4,468 at the 25th percentile to $15,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population.
At the 90th percentile nationally for low debt levels, Queens College significantly outperforms typical institutions. Compared to the peer median debt of $20,000, Queens College graduates borrow $9,702 less, representing nearly 50% lower debt levels than comparable institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 indicates highly manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, well below concerning thresholds. Parent PLUS loans average $15,972 with monthly payments of $210, though this data requires family income context for proper interpretation.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Queens College delivers strong return on investment through the combination of low costs and solid earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $10,328 beyond expectations based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, ranking at the 86.2nd percentile nationally for value creation.
Median earnings of $62,763 exceed the peer median by $2,220 annually while debt levels remain $9,702 below peer medians, creating favorable financial dynamics. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 indicates sustainable debt loads that should not impede career flexibility or life choices.
With top-25 performance nationally in both value-added earnings and low debt levels, Queens College represents exceptional value within higher education. This combination positions graduates for long-term financial stability while minimizing the financial barriers that prevent many students from accessing quality higher education.
Queens College's financial aid profile reflects its mission to serve diverse student populations, with 47.7% of students receiving Pell grants compared to lower percentages at many peer institutions. The substantial $11,760 difference between Queens College's net price and the peer median demonstrates exceptional value positioning within public higher education.
Average financial aid savings of $9,813 annually indicate comprehensive support systems that make college affordable for students across income levels. The aid concentration toward lower-income students, evidenced by the progressive net price structure, aligns with the institution's high enrollment of first-generation students and commitment to economic mobility.
This financial aid approach enables Queens College to maintain accessibility while delivering solid post-graduation outcomes, creating pathways for students who might otherwise find higher education financially prohibitive.
