Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at College of Staten Island CUNY

For many New York nursing students, debt can eclipse $25,000 by graduation—but College of Staten Island keeps costs remarkably contained at $17,391, nearly $8,000 below the state median. Combined with estimated first-year earnings around $73,000 (based on NY nursing program outcomes), this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.24. That means graduates could theoretically clear their debt in under three months of first-year income, an unusually favorable position for launching a nursing career.

The four-year earnings figure of $104,567 demonstrates the profession's strong mid-career trajectory. While comparable NY programs like Cochran ($102,553) and Hostos ($97,888) show varied outcomes, the real advantage here isn't necessarily higher peak earnings—it's the combination of solid income potential with significantly lower debt. For a program serving nearly half Pell-eligible students, this matters enormously.

The school's inability to report first-year earnings directly (due to small sample sizes) means the estimated $73,000 carries uncertainty, but the reported four-year figure and the state's robust nursing market provide reassurance. The core calculation remains compelling: modest debt paired with strong earning potential in a field with documented demand. That's the foundation of sound workforce preparation.