Location: New York, NY•In-State Tuition: $7,464•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,414•Admission Rate: 50%•Avg SAT: 1310
Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,897
17th percentile
40th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$9,850
60% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.24 ManageableSample: 484 graduates

Analysis

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.

Where CUNY Bernard M Baruch College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all general sales, merchandising bachelors's programs nationally

CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeOther general sales, merchandising programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates compare to all programs nationally

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College earns $42k — 17th percentile among general sales, merchandising bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College$41,897$64,013+53%
Baylor University$84,271$129,286+53%
Western Governors University$93,151$81,347-13%
Purdue University-Main Campus$62,580$79,965+28%
Rochester Institute of Technology$45,947$67,214+46%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

General Sales, Merchandising bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeNew York$7,464$41,897$64,013$9,8500.24
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$45,947$67,214$24,5870.54
National Median—$53,448—$24,6490.46

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with general sales, merchandising graduates

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors

Contact new or existing customers to determine their solar equipment needs, suggest systems or equipment, or estimate costs.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Advertising Sales Agents

Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

$61,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel

Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.

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 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, approximately 55% 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 484 graduates with reported earnings and 190 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.