Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

This CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College liberal arts program delivers solid value despite below-average starting salaries. While first-year earnings of $23,669 fall in the 24th percentile nationally, the program performs notably better within New York state, ranking in the 60th percentile among similar programs. More importantly, graduates see impressive 41% earnings growth by year four, reaching $33,399—demonstrating real career progression that many associate degree programs can't match.

The financial picture is particularly attractive. With median debt of just $8,057—well below both the national ($10,950) and state ($11,000) medians—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. This low debt burden means graduates aren't trapped by loan payments while building their careers. Given that 57% of students receive Pell grants, this program serves as an affordable stepping stone for students from lower-income families.

For parents concerned about ROI, this program offers a practical pathway: low debt, decent state-level performance, and strong earnings growth. While your child won't immediately out-earn peers at higher-ranked programs like Maria College, they'll graduate with minimal debt and clear upward trajectory. This is especially valuable in expensive New York, where keeping educational costs low while maintaining career mobility is crucial.