General Sales, Merchandising at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Baruch College's General Sales program stands out for delivering exceptional value despite modest starting salaries. While graduates earn $41,897 in their first year—well below the national median of $53,448—they experience remarkable 53% earnings growth, reaching $64,013 by year four. This trajectory places them at the national 75th percentile for four-year earnings, demonstrating the program's ability to launch careers with strong upward mobility.

The program's true strength lies in its affordability and debt management. With median debt of just $9,850 compared to the national average of $24,649, Baruch ranks in the 95th percentile for low debt nationwide. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of only 0.24, meaning graduates can pay off their loans in roughly three months of post-graduation salary. Among New York's 11 programs, Baruch performs solidly at the 40th percentile for earnings while maintaining significantly lower debt than the state median of $19,125.

For families prioritizing financial security and long-term earning potential over immediate high salaries, this program offers compelling value. The combination of CUNY's affordable tuition, strong earnings growth trajectory, and minimal debt burden creates an ideal launching pad for sales careers. Graduates may start modestly but quickly catch up to their higher-debt peers while maintaining financial flexibility.