Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at CUNY Medgar Evers College

At first glance, starting salary of $24,861 seems concerning—well below the national median for liberal arts associate programs. But dig deeper and a different picture emerges: by year four, Medgar Evers graduates reach $42,593, a 71% jump that outpaces typical wage growth. This trajectory matters more than the starting point, especially given the program's exceptionally low debt burden of $6,888, less than half the state median and among the lowest 12% nationally.

Within New York, this program punches above its weight, landing at the 60th percentile despite serving a predominantly working-class student body (57% receive Pell grants). That's particularly notable when you consider the competition: elite programs like Maria College command $60,000+ starting salaries, but require different admission profiles and likely serve students with more established professional networks. For students who need an accessible entry point into higher education, Medgar Evers delivers something valuable—a low-risk foundation that doesn't foreclose on future earning potential.

The minimal debt load changes the calculus entirely. Even with that modest first-year salary, graduates owe less than three months' earnings. By year four, they're earning competitive wages without the debt burden that hamstrings many bachelor's degree holders. For Brooklyn families looking at community college options, this represents a legitimate stepping stone—affordable, improving outcomes over time, and positioning graduates for further education or career advancement without financial paralysis.