Analysis
CUNY Graduate School graduates with business degrees start at $65,520—well above both the national median of $47,506 and New York's median of $53,966. What makes this particularly striking is the debt load: just $14,500 compared to $23,000 statewide and $26,000 nationally. That 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than three months of earnings, an exceptionally strong position that's rare in higher education.
The one wrinkle is the slight earnings dip to $63,624 by year four, though this modest decline doesn't fundamentally change the value equation. At 60th percentile among New York business programs, these graduates earn more than many private school counterparts while carrying dramatically less debt. The program serves a substantial population of Pell Grant students (38%), suggesting it's delivering strong outcomes without requiring a premium price tag.
For parents worried about their child graduating with manageable debt and solid earning potential, this program checks both boxes. The combination of above-average starting salaries and below-average debt creates a financial cushion that gives graduates flexibility in their career choices and life decisions—something that's worth far more than a few thousand dollars in additional early-career earnings.
Where CUNY Graduate School and University Center Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Graduate School and University Center graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center | $65,520 | $63,624 | -3% |
| New York University | $77,828 | $115,546 | +48% |
| Excelsior University | $53,553 | $72,606 | +36% |
| St Lawrence University | $54,772 | $67,402 | +23% |
| Skidmore College | $54,378 | $65,277 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $65,520 | $63,624 | $14,500 | 0.22 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $77,828 | $115,546 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
 Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs | $7,630 | $57,225 | $59,995 | $28,710 | 0.50 |
 St Lawrence UniversityCanton | $63,870 | $54,772 | $67,402 | $26,113 | 0.48 |
 Skidmore CollegeSaratoga Springs | $65,030 | $54,378 | $65,277 | $20,814 | 0.38 |
 Excelsior UniversityAlbany | — | $53,553 | $72,606 | $23,000 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Graduate School and University Center, approximately 38% 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 80 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.