Computer Software and Media Applications at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

This program starts rough but shows promising momentum. First-year earnings of $21,000 sit well below the national median of $29,000, but by year four, graduates are earning $28,000—a 36% jump that nearly closes the gap. Within New York's competitive tech landscape, this program actually ranks at the 60th percentile, performing better than most comparable programs in the state, though it still trails Hudson Valley Community College by a notable margin.

The low debt load of $6,200 is the program's strongest selling point—far below both the state median of $8,000 and the national median of $18,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, graduates can feasibly pay this off within their first year of work. For a community college serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (57%), this represents an accessible entry point into tech careers without the crushing debt burden typical of many programs.

The key question is whether those initial low earnings reflect entry-level positions that lead somewhere better, which the four-year data suggests may be the case. For families prioritizing affordability and seeking proof that New York community college tech programs can deliver solid outcomes, this works. Just recognize that graduates will likely need patience in those first years, and Hudson Valley offers a comparison point worth examining if location allows.