Analysis
A bachelor's in engineering typically launches graduates into solid earning territory, and the numbers here—drawn from comparable programs nationwide—suggest this holds true even with limited specific data. The estimated $67,911 first-year earnings sits right at the national median for engineering degrees, while the $25,832 in projected debt creates a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates would likely need less than five months of gross income to cover their educational borrowing, a favorable starting point for any technical field.
What's harder to pin down is how this program stacks up within New York's competitive engineering landscape. The state median for engineering earnings is actually lower at $52,168, though that average includes programs across very different institutions. Other CUNY engineering programs show reported earnings ranging from $49,000 to $55,000, which raises questions about whether this Graduate School location—primarily known for doctoral programs—offers the same career outcomes as traditional undergraduate engineering schools. The 39% admission rate and significant Pell grant population (38%) suggest a mission-driven institution, but without actual graduate data, it's unclear whether employer connections and internship pipelines match those at established engineering schools.
The estimated numbers look reasonable on paper, but parents should verify the program's industry partnerships and job placement track record before committing. Engineering credentials matter, but so does the support system that gets graduates into their first role.
Where CUNY Graduate School and University Center Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,410 | $67,911* | — | $25,832* | — | |
| $10,560 | $55,437* | $80,280 | $20,000* | 0.36 | |
| $7,490 | $48,898* | $78,613 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 47 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.