Human Resources Management and Services at CUNY Kingsborough Community College

Kingsborough's HR program carries an estimated $16,261 in debt—substantially lower than both the New York state median of $27,901 and the national median of $26,536 for similar associate degrees. That lighter debt load matters considerably when you're entering a field where comparable programs in New York suggest first-year earnings around $39,400. The resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 means your child would owe roughly five months of their annual salary, a manageable burden that many programs fail to achieve.

The challenge here is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Kingsborough's own graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty about outcomes specific to this school. However, the pattern across New York's HR associate programs shows remarkable consistency—five schools with reported data all cluster at the same $39,400 earnings level. This suggests the local job market sets relatively stable expectations for entry-level HR positions, regardless of which community college prepares you.

For families watching costs, this program offers a clearer path than many: lower debt than competitors, earnings that align with state norms, and a field where associate-degree holders can find work. The main unknown is whether Kingsborough's specific career services and employer connections deliver outcomes matching these peer-program estimates. Request job placement rates and ask about employer partnerships before committing, but the fundamental math here—moderate earnings against modest debt—points toward a workable investment.