Economics at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Baruch's economics program delivers exactly median national earnings but at half the typical debt load—graduates leave with just $11,758 compared to the national average of $22,816. That 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning this is among the most affordable economics degrees in the country. For a family watching costs, this matters immensely: the typical Baruch economics graduate could feasibly pay off their loans within a year of working, versus the multi-year burden facing graduates elsewhere.

Within New York, these economics grads actually outperform the state median ($51,728 versus $50,058), placing in the 60th percentile statewide despite Baruch's 50% admission rate and primarily middle-class student body (55% receive Pell grants). Yes, elite privates like Barnard and Cornell produce graduates earning $80,000+, but those schools come with substantially higher debt and opportunity costs. Baruch occupies a different lane: reliable outcomes without the financial burden.

The practical takeaway? This program won't catapult your child into the top tier of economics earnings, but it provides solid middle-class income potential with minimal debt risk. For families prioritizing return on investment over prestige, especially New York residents paying in-state tuition, that's a genuinely strong value proposition.