Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,862
11th percentile (25th in NY)
Median Debt
$13,620
46% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.32
Manageable
Sample Size
339
Adequate data

Analysis

CUNY Brooklyn College's accounting program presents a compelling financial proposition despite modest starting salaries. While first-year earnings of $42,862 lag behind both the national median ($53,694) and New York state median ($51,525), graduates see remarkable income growth, reaching $60,323 by year four—a 41% jump that puts them on par with top-performing programs nationally.

The program's greatest strength lies in its exceptional affordability. With median debt of just $13,620—roughly half the national average and far below New York's typical $24,971—Brooklyn College graduates enter the workforce with minimal financial burden. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning most graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years rather than decades.

For families seeking value in accounting education, Brooklyn College delivers where it matters most: strong long-term earning potential without crushing debt. While the program ranks in the 25th percentile among New York accounting programs initially, the substantial earnings growth suggests graduates build valuable skills and experience quickly. The combination of CUNY's affordable tuition and solid career outcomes makes this an intelligent choice for students who prioritize financial stability over prestige.

Where CUNY Brooklyn College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

CUNY Brooklyn CollegeOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How CUNY Brooklyn College graduates compare to all programs nationally

CUNY Brooklyn College graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 11th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY Brooklyn College$42,862$60,323$13,6200.32
Fordham University$76,473$96,453$23,9700.31
Syracuse University$75,294$85,784$27,0000.36
Binghamton University$74,151$84,365$19,5000.26
Marist University$71,436$79,786$23,2500.33
Molloy University$70,344$84,281$27,0000.38
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Fordham University
Bronx
$61,992$76,473$23,970
Syracuse University
Syracuse
$63,061$75,294$27,000
Binghamton University
Vestal
$10,363$74,151$19,500
Marist University
Poughkeepsie
$46,140$71,436$23,250
Molloy University
Rockville Centre
$37,840$70,344$27,000

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 Brooklyn College, approximately 56% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 339 graduates with reported earnings and 126 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.