Biology at CUNY City College

CUNY City College's biology program presents an unusual pattern that prospective pre-med and pre-health families should understand. That first-year salary of $28,324 looks concerning—below both state and national medians—but it jumps to $66,075 by year four, effectively doubling. This trajectory suggests many graduates are pursuing additional credentials (nursing programs, physician assistant school, or other healthcare training) before entering their target careers, rather than working immediately after graduation with just a bachelor's degree.

The debt picture is remarkably favorable: at just $12,348, City College charges roughly half what the typical New York biology program costs its students. This matters enormously for families planning to fund graduate or professional school afterward. While the program ranks only in the 40th percentile among New York biology programs for early earnings, that comparison misses the point—students aren't paying private college premiums (Barnard graduates earn more initially but carry significantly more debt), and the four-year earnings ultimately exceed what most biology bachelor's holders achieve.

For families with children planning healthcare or research careers requiring additional training, this represents smart financial planning: minimal debt for the prerequisite degree, followed by strong mid-career earnings. If your child expects to work immediately after graduation with only a bachelor's, the low initial salary is worth considering carefully. But for the pre-professional track most biology majors follow, City College delivers exactly what matters—solid preparation without the debt burden.