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
Earnings Distribution
How College of Staten Island CUNY graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (83 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 College of Staten Island CUNYStaten Island | $7,490 | $35,307 | — | $12,500 | 0.35 |
 Cornell UniversityIthaca | $66,014 | $87,251 | $127,962 | $14,146 | 0.16 |
 Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy | $61,884 | $80,196 | $100,012 | $24,250 | 0.30 |
 Fordham UniversityBronx | $61,992 | $73,204 | — | $26,949 | 0.37 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $58,481 | $90,277 | $19,500 | 0.33 |
 St Lawrence UniversityCanton | $63,870 | $58,047 | $68,144 | $25,000 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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.