Sociology at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

Borough of Manhattan Community College's associate in sociology comes with an important caveat: the sample size is too small (under 30 graduates) to draw confident conclusions. That said, the reported numbers look surprisingly strong on paper—$16,893 in first-year earnings with just $5,500 in debt gives you a manageable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt, which matters for a community college serving 57% Pell-eligible students.

Here's the reality check: $16,893 annually translates to roughly $1,400 per month before taxes, which is below living wage in New York City by any reasonable measure. The "95th percentile" national ranking is somewhat misleading—there are only two schools in New York offering associate degrees in sociology, and 226 nationally, so the percentile comparison has limited meaning. More telling is that an associate degree in sociology typically serves as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. Most career paths requiring sociology knowledge expect at least a bachelor's degree.

If your child is using this as an affordable first step toward a four-year degree, the low debt burden makes sense. If they're planning to enter the workforce after two years, understand they'll likely need additional credentials or training to reach sustainable earnings in New York City.