Location: New York, NY•In-State Tuition: $7,382•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,332•Admission Rate: 54%•Avg SAT: 1350
2026 ROI Award Winner
#70 Overall#49 Hidden Gems#9 in New York
Median Earnings (1yr)
$76,747
64th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$8,250
65% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.11 ManageableSample: 124 graduates

Analysis

Hunter College delivers exceptional value in computer science, combining low debt with strong earnings growth. At just $8,250 in median debt—a fraction of the $19,948 state median—graduates start at $76,747 and climb to $106,141 within four years. That 38% earnings jump is particularly notable in New York's competitive tech market, where this CUNY campus punches well above its weight despite a modest admission profile.

While first-year earnings place Hunter in the 60th percentile among New York programs, the four-year figure tells a more impressive story. The program sits behind only the state's elite privates (Cornell, Columbia, RPI), yet costs dramatically less. For families weighing a $200,000+ private school education against Hunter's in-state tuition, this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.11 makes the financial calculus straightforward. Over half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully launches students from diverse economic backgrounds into tech careers.

The key advantage here isn't just the low debt—it's the career trajectory. Graduates who land that first tech job see meaningful salary progression, likely reflecting strong employer recognition of the program within the New York metro area. For families seeking a Computer Science degree without the private school price tag, Hunter represents one of New York's clearest bargains in tech education.

Where CUNY Hunter College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally

CUNY Hunter CollegeOther computer science programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How CUNY Hunter College graduates compare to all programs nationally

CUNY Hunter College earns $77k — 64th percentile among computer science bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
CUNY Hunter College$76,747$106,141+38%
Cornell University$152,656$185,679+22%
Columbia University in the City of New York$118,636$160,457+35%
University of Rochester$99,878$136,559+37%
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute$104,943$129,412+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (46 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York$7,382$76,747$106,141$8,2500.11
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$152,656$185,679$14,6980.10
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York$69,045$118,636$160,457$20,3970.17
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy$61,884$104,943$129,412$23,2500.22
University of RochesterRochester$64,348$99,878$136,559$19,0000.19
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$94,611$125,429$27,0000.29
National Median—$70,950—$23,3740.33

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Hunter College, approximately 55% 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 124 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.