Accounting at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College's accounting associate degree starts at below-average earnings but shows strong upward momentum that should catch parents' attention. First-year earnings of $30,942 lag behind both the state median ($33,455) and national average ($37,000), placing this program at just the 40th percentile among New York accounting programs. However, by year four, graduates earn $38,897—a 26% increase that outpaces typical growth patterns and pushes earnings above both state and national benchmarks.

The debt picture provides crucial context: at $10,197, graduates carry roughly half the debt of typical New York accounting students ($14,873) and barely one-third of the national median ($19,354). This low debt load, combined with steady earnings growth, creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33—highly manageable for an entry-level credential. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to serve as an affordable entry point into accounting careers, particularly for students who need to minimize borrowing while building toward better-paying positions.

For families prioritizing low-risk credentials, this represents solid value despite the modest starting salary. Graduates aren't competing with top-tier SUNY community colleges immediately, but the combination of minimal debt and strong earnings trajectory means they're building equity in their careers rather than digging out of debt holes. The real question is whether students can access the opportunities that drive that year-four growth—likely requiring persistence in job advancement or credential stacking.