Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at CUNY Kingsborough Community College

Kingsborough's Mental and Social Health Services program offers remarkably low debt paired with earnings that improve substantially after graduation. At just under $6,000 in median debt—less than half New York's state median and well below the national average of $19,000—this program provides one of the most affordable entry points into the field you'll find.

The earnings tell a more nuanced story. First-year graduates earn $31,072, which sits right at the state median but below the top-performing CUNY Hostos program by about $7,000. However, what matters is the trajectory: by year four, earnings jump to $39,282, a solid 26% increase that suggests graduates are advancing into better positions or obtaining additional credentials. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 means students could theoretically pay off their loans in about two months of gross income—an exceptional starting point for a helping profession known for modest early-career pay.

The moderate sample size warrants some caution in treating these numbers as definitive, but the fundamental value proposition is clear. This program won't make anyone wealthy, but it delivers affordable training with reasonable earning potential and clear room for growth. For students committed to social services work who need to minimize financial risk, the combination of minimal debt and steady earnings progression makes this a sensible choice.