Real Estate at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Baruch's real estate program starts graduates at just $42,920—significantly below both the New York median ($59,396) and the national average ($54,665). Among New York's five real estate programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, trailing far behind NYU ($74,912) and Syracuse ($59,396). The first year is tough: while the debt load is relatively light at $15,500, those initial earnings place graduates in the bottom 11th percentile nationally.

The silver lining is momentum. Earnings jump 26% by year four to $54,057, bringing graduates closer to their peers elsewhere. This growth pattern suggests the degree opens doors in New York's competitive real estate market, even if entry-level positions pay less than expected. The favorable admission rate and high Pell grant percentage (55%) indicate accessibility, and the manageable debt means graduates aren't drowning while they build their careers.

For parents weighing options, understand this is a bet on New York City's real estate sector pulling graduates up over time rather than launching them at competitive salaries. If your child has other solid offers from real estate programs—particularly NYU or Syracuse—those deliver better immediate returns. But for students who need an affordable entry point into New York real estate and can weather lean early years, Baruch's combination of low debt and eventual catch-up makes sense.