Business/Managerial Economics at CUNY Medgar Evers College

A business economics degree that lands graduates around $41,000 in their first year—matching other New York programs but trailing the national median by $12,000—raises practical questions about whether this CUNY pathway delivers competitive value. Similar programs across New York produce this income range, suggesting the estimate is reasonable, but it's notably below what graduates from CUNY Baruch (the system's business flagship) typically earn at $57,909. The estimated $20,775 in debt keeps the financial burden manageable at half of first-year earnings, comparable to what students at peer state schools carry.

The challenge here is context: Medgar Evers serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (57%) in a system known for accessibility rather than elite outcomes. For families prioritizing affordable access to a bachelor's degree, the debt load is reasonable and the earnings align with what New York's mid-tier business programs produce. However, if your child could gain admission to Baruch or similar programs with stronger alumni networks and recruiting pipelines, the earnings gap—potentially $17,000 annually—compounds significantly over a career.

The practical takeaway: this program likely delivers what New York's typical business economics degree produces, making it a financially sensible option if accessibility and location matter most. But acknowledge you're choosing stability over upside—the data from comparable programs suggests solid but not standout economic returns.