Analysis
New York's data processing programs show considerable variation, with comparable programs suggesting first-year earnings around $38,500—well above the state median of $26,484. That figure, drawn from national peer programs, would put this associate's degree in relatively healthy territory, though with an important caveat: actual outcomes at this specific school aren't publicly reported due to small graduate cohorts.
The estimated debt of roughly $15,800 creates a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. For a community college serving a majority low-income student population (57% receive Pell grants), this represents accessible technical training without the crushing debt loads that sometimes accompany bachelor's degrees. The jump to $41,941 by year four suggests steady progression in this field.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With actual outcomes suppressed and estimates derived from national programs, parents can't know whether Bronx Community College's specific curriculum, internship connections, and employer relationships match those peer institutions. Given the low debt exposure and the premium these estimated earnings show over typical New York outcomes, this looks like reasonable value—but verifying the school's actual job placement success and employer partnerships becomes essential when the official data can't confirm what graduates truly earn.
Where CUNY Bronx Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all data processing associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Bronx Community College | — | $41,941 | — |
| CUNY Queensborough Community College | $26,484 | $53,960 | +104% |
| Greenville Technical College | $39,062 | $51,290 | +31% |
| York Technical College | $25,617 | $50,556 | +97% |
| Spartanburg Community College | $39,702 | $44,889 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Data Processing associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (10 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,206 | $38,559* | $41,941 | $15,813* | — | |
| $5,210 | $26,484* | $53,960 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $38,559* | — | $16,500* | 0.43 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with data processing graduates
Computer Occupations, All Other
Web Administrators
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Document Management Specialists
Penetration Testers
Information Security Engineers
Digital Forensics Analysts
Blockchain Engineers
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Information Technology Project Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CUNY Bronx Community College, approximately 57% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 14 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.