Landscape Architecture at CUNY City College

A Bachelor's in Landscape Architecture from City College, based on comparable programs nationwide, suggests first-year earnings around $52,800 against an estimated $25,700 in debt—a ratio that puts you at roughly half a year's earnings in loans. For a public university serving a predominantly working-class student population (60% on Pell grants), that's a manageable debt load, particularly in a field where professional licensure and experience drive long-term earning potential. The national benchmark for landscape architecture programs hovers in this same range, so these estimates align with what the profession typically delivers to new graduates.

The catch is that landscape architecture in New York City operates in a specialized market. While the estimated earnings track with peer programs, actual outcomes at City College could vary based on the school's connections to urban design firms, municipal agencies, and the region's robust landscape practices. The competitive SAT scores (1340 average) suggest you're looking at a selective cohort, but without program-specific data, you're betting on City College's professional network and curriculum without concrete proof of graduate outcomes.

If your child is committed to landscape architecture and values staying in New York at a public tuition rate, these estimates suggest a reasonable investment. But verify that City College's program offers strong internship pipelines and licensure exam preparation—without that infrastructure, even favorable debt-to-earnings projections won't translate into actual career launch.