Computer Engineering at CUNY City College

City College's computer engineering program delivers solid outcomes at a remarkably low cost. First-year earnings of $78,326 sit just below the state median, while the estimated debt load of around $23,500—derived from similar public programs in New York—translates to a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates would need roughly three and a half months of their first-year salary to cover their total borrowing, one of the better financial pictures you'll find in engineering education.

The school serves a predominantly working-class student body (60% receive Pell grants), yet produces engineers who earn within striking distance of programs at schools with far higher sticker prices. While Columbia grads start at $102,000, they typically carry much heavier debt loads. City College's combination of accessible admissions (58% acceptance rate) and respectable outcomes—earnings grow 20% by year four to nearly $94,000—makes it a strong value proposition. The program ranks around the 40th percentile among New York engineering programs, but that's largely because the state hosts some of the nation's top-tier universities.

For families watching their budget, this is exactly what public higher education should deliver: legitimate engineering credentials without the debt burden that can follow graduates for decades. The earnings may not match elite private universities, but the financial picture after graduation tells a much more favorable story.