Chemical Engineering at CUNY City College

CUNY City College's chemical engineering program offers something unusual: graduates leave with debt 39% below the state median—just $14,125 compared to nearly $25,000 at other New York schools. That's a meaningful advantage. The catch? First-year earnings of $67,450 trail both the state median ($72,866) and national average ($72,974), ranking this program at the 40th percentile among New York's 16 chemical engineering programs.

The bigger concern is the earnings trajectory. Four years out, median earnings drop to $54,776—a 19% decline that's hard to explain in an engineering field where salaries typically climb with experience. This could reflect career switching, geographic patterns, or the moderate sample size creating statistical noise, but it's worth understanding before committing. Still, the low debt means graduates face minimal financial pressure if they need to pivot or pursue further education.

For families prioritizing affordability and New York City access, City College delivers a legitimate engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program at a fraction of the cost of private alternatives like Clarkson ($75,887 earnings, likely higher debt). The 60% Pell Grant rate reflects the school's mission-driven approach. Just recognize you're trading some earning potential for significantly reduced financial risk—a calculation that makes sense for many families, particularly those who plan to stay in expensive New York metros where even the lower salary remains livable.