Accounting at CUNY Medgar Evers College

Medgar Evers graduates face a rough start in accounting, earning just $33,205 in their first year—less than 60% of what the typical New York accounting graduate makes. Among NY's 76 accounting programs, this ranks in the bottom 10th percentile. However, there's an important pattern here: earnings jump 45% by year four to $48,285, which narrows the gap considerably. The $12,200 in debt is actually half the state median, making this one of the most affordable accounting degrees in New York.

The catch is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so these numbers could swing significantly year to year. That said, the pattern makes sense for a college serving predominantly Pell Grant recipients (57% of students). Many graduates likely start in bookkeeping or entry-level roles while pursuing their CPA licensure, which typically requires 150 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. The lower debt load gives students more flexibility to work toward that credential without crushing loan payments.

For families prioritizing affordability and eventual CPA certification, this is a low-risk path into accounting. The first-year earnings are legitimately concerning, but the four-year trajectory and minimal debt suggest graduates can build viable careers. Just understand your child will likely start behind peers from higher-ranked programs and may need several years to close that gap.