Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,307
5th percentile (25th in NY)
Median Debt
$12,500
42% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35
Manageable
Sample Size
18
Limited data

Analysis

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—makes these numbers unreliable as predictors, but the pattern they suggest is troubling. Mathematics graduates from College of Staten Island are earning $35,307 one year out, roughly $10,000 below the NY state median and $13,000 below the national average for math majors. This lands in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of New York math programs show stronger first-year outcomes. The gap with top NY programs is dramatic: Cornell math grads earn 2.5 times more in their first year.

The favorable debt load of $12,500—well below both state and national averages—does provide some cushion. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, graduates can likely manage repayment even at these lower salary levels. For a family prioritizing affordability and CUNY's low tuition (nearly half of students receive Pell grants), the manageable debt matters.

Still, mathematics degrees typically open doors to higher-paying fields in finance, tech, and analytics. If this earning pattern holds beyond the small sample, graduates may be missing out on the quantitative career opportunities that make math degrees valuable investments. Before committing, verify what support exists for STEM career placement and whether recent grads are landing the kinds of roles—data analyst, actuary, programmer—that justify pursuing a quantitative degree.

Where College of Staten Island CUNY Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally

College of Staten Island CUNYOther mathematics programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How College of Staten Island CUNY graduates compare to all programs nationally

College of Staten Island CUNY graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (83 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
College of Staten Island CUNY$35,307—$12,5000.35
Cornell University$87,251$127,962$14,1460.16
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute$80,196$100,012$24,2500.30
Fordham University$73,204—$26,9490.37
New York University$58,481$90,277$19,5000.33
St Lawrence University$58,047$68,144$25,0000.43
National Median$48,772—$21,5000.44

Other Mathematics Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Cornell University
Ithaca
$66,014$87,251$14,146
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy
$61,884$80,196$24,250
Fordham University
Bronx
$61,992$73,204$26,949
New York University
New York
$60,438$58,481$19,500
St Lawrence University
Canton
$63,870$58,047$25,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of Staten Island CUNY, approximately 49% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.