As an Opportunity Builder institution, CUNY York College combines exceptional affordability performance at the 98.6th percentile with earnings that exceed expectations by $12,843. The institution serves diverse student populations while maintaining debt levels significantly below peer institutions, supporting long-term financial stability.
With above average results, showing solid long-term value relative to educational investment
With performance among the highest we track, driven by low net prices and minimal debt requirements
Well above average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With well above average outcomes, indicating strong economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisCUNY York College delivers strong return on investment through a combination of exceptional affordability and earnings that exceed expectations. Graduates earn a median of $56,945 ten years after enrollment, representing $12,843 beyond what would be expected based on student demographics and institutional characteristics.
This earnings advantage places the institution in the 89th percentile nationally for value creation. The earnings distribution ranges from $33,179 at the 25th percentile to $82,369 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career outcomes across program areas.
Students seeking exceptional affordability at a diverse urban institution with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost. Well-suited for first-generation students (49.6%) and Pell-eligible students (43.4%) who prioritize access to higher education with manageable debt levels and demonstrated economic mobility.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Cuny York College hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/cuny-york-college/analysis.
Top-tier affordability with strong economic mobility
CUNY York College ranks #149 nationally in Azimuth's comprehensive analysis, placing it in the 90.9th percentile with top-tier performance. Located in Jamaica, New York, this medium-sized public institution maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 59.4% acceptance rate while serving a diverse student population.
York College enrolls 43.4% Pell-eligible students and 49.6% first-generation students, reflecting its mission to provide educational access to underrepresented populations. The institution demonstrates exceptional affordability performance at the 98.6th percentile nationally, ranking among the highest we track for cost management.
Graduates earn $12,843 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing York College in the 89th percentile nationally for earnings uplift. Median earnings reach $56,945 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 63rd percentile nationally.
This combination of exceptional affordability, strong access, and above-average economic outcomes positions CUNY York College as an Opportunity Builder, where institutions prioritize broad educational access while delivering meaningful economic advancement for graduates.
CUNY York College admits 59.4% of applicants, meaning approximately 3 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This admission rate places York College in the Moderately Selective tier, with standards that are accessible to well-prepared students while maintaining academic quality.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that York College is more selective than typical institutions serving similar populations, being 25.2 percentage points more competitive than peer institutions. This selectivity level reflects the institution's position within the CUNY system, where individual colleges maintain higher standards than many comparable public institutions nationally.
The 59.4% acceptance rate means that students should treat York College as a target school rather than a safety, particularly given the competitive applicant pool drawn to the institution's strong value proposition and location in New York City. Students building college lists should include institutions with higher acceptance rates alongside York College to ensure admission options.
The combination of moderate selectivity with exceptional affordability makes York College attractive to high-achieving students seeking value, which can increase competition among applicants. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates the importance of presenting strong academic credentials and demonstrating genuine interest in the institution's programs and mission.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
CUNY York College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $13,686 annually. This total includes $7,358 in in-state tuition, with room and board costs not separately reported as the institution primarily serves commuter students, plus $1,500 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of just $4,734 after aid packages are applied. Financial aid provides average savings of $8,952, reducing the actual cost burden by nearly two-thirds from the sticker price.
This represents exceptional value, with the net price ranking in the 98.6th percentile nationally for affordability performance. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $14,093, York College students save $9,359 annually, highlighting the institution's commitment to accessible higher education.
The combination of low published costs and generous financial aid creates an environment where students from diverse economic backgrounds can pursue higher education without excessive financial burden. York College's position within the CUNY system enables this exceptional affordability through state support and institutional aid policies designed to maximize access.
Out-of-state students pay $15,308 in tuition, but the majority of students benefit from in-state rates and additional aid that significantly reduces actual costs below published figures.
CUNY York College graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth and strong long-term outcomes relative to educational investment. Median earnings increase from $46,148 six years after enrollment to $52,476 at eight years and $56,945 at ten years, representing 23.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 1,047 graduates at six years, 1,168 at eight years, and 1,216 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $12,843 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing York College in the 89th percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating significant value creation.
Low-income graduates earn $44,500, indicating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds who comprise a substantial portion of the student body. The earnings range from $33,179 to $82,369 reflects program diversity and varied career trajectories, with the 2.5:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles showing meaningful opportunity for upward mobility.
Approximately 26% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions with similar student demographics, York College graduates earn $6,829 more annually, highlighting the institution's effectiveness in translating educational access into economic advancement.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
50 graduates
Blood Bank Technology Specialist.
22 graduates
Forensic Social Work.
79 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
32 graduates
Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program.
26 graduates
CUNY York College offers 17 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. The Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program ranks #1 nationally and #1 in New York, graduating 26 students with median earnings of $56,159 and a perfect value score of 100.0.
Forensic Social Work ranks #7 nationally and #3 in New York, producing 79 graduates with strong median earnings of $58,778 and an exceptional value score of 96.9. Blood Bank Technology Specialist ranks #9 nationally and #4 in New York, graduating 22 students with median earnings of $74,576.
Psychology General represents the institution's largest program, graduating 169 students annually with median earnings of $51,937 and ranking #41 nationally. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces the highest-earning graduates at $101,249 with 50 graduates annually, ranking #42 nationally.
Health Services Allied Health, the second-largest program with 163 graduates, ranks #39 nationally and #2 in New York. These rankings demonstrate York College's strength in health professions, social services, and specialized technical programs that serve regional workforce needs.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Felician University Higher acceptance rate (34.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 19 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NJ | 94% | $57,602 | Compare |
Stockton University Higher acceptance rate (28.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 92 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NJ | 88% | $57,602 | Compare |
Cedar Crest College Higher acceptance rate (39.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 91 miles away; similar graduate earnings | PA | 99% | $59,460 | Compare |
Elmira College Higher acceptance rate (31.4 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | NY | 91% | $57,550 | Compare |
Keuka College Higher acceptance rate (34.5 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | NY | 94% | $58,289 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colorado School Of Mines Similar quality tier (#153 ranked) | CO | 60% | $97,335 | #153 | Compare |
North Carolina A & T State University Similar quality tier (#158 ranked) | NC | 46% | $44,440 | #158 | Compare |
University Of Connecticut-Stamford Similar quality tier in Northeast (#139 ranked) | CT | 80% | $73,997 | #139 | Compare |
Texas Woman's University Similar quality tier (#159 ranked) | TX | 95% | $56,544 | #159 | Compare |
Missouri University Of Science And Technology Similar quality tier (#137 ranked) | MO | 73% | $82,957 | #137 | Compare |