Physical Sciences at CUNY Medgar Evers College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
The small sample size here requires caution, but the trajectory is notable: graduates start at $27,203 and reach $45,458 within four years—a 67% jump that outpaces most associate's programs. While this places Medgar Evers in the 95th percentile nationally, New York's competitive landscape tells a more modest story. At the 60th percentile statewide, this program performs solidly but not exceptionally among the state's 13 Physical Sciences associate's offerings.
The debt load of $8,875 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 that suggests most graduates can handle repayment on entry-level salaries. The real question is what happens in those crucial middle years—the data shows strong growth, but with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, individual outcomes may vary widely. For students at this open-access institution (83% admission rate, 57% Pell recipients), this program appears to provide a legitimate pathway to STEM careers or further education, though families shouldn't assume the 95th percentile ranking guarantees similar results for their student.
**Bottom line:** If your child is committed to Physical Sciences and Medgar Evers fits their profile, the combination of low debt and strong earning potential makes this defensible. Just recognize you're looking at limited data from a small cohort, not a guaranteed outcome.
Where CUNY Medgar Evers College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physical sciences associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Medgar Evers College graduates compare to all programs nationally
CUNY Medgar Evers College graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all physical sciences associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Physical Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | $27,203 | $45,458 | $8,875 | 0.33 |
| CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | $26,948 | $33,754 | $9,000 | 0.33 |
| CUNY Queensborough Community College | $23,219 | $36,844 | — | — |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College | $19,815 | $36,136 | $7,500 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $26,948 | — | $8,812 | 0.33 |
Other Physical Sciences Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College New York | $5,170 | $26,948 | $9,000 |
| CUNY Queensborough Community College Bayside | $5,210 | $23,219 | — |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City | $5,218 | $19,815 | $7,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At CUNY Medgar Evers College, approximately 57% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 64 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.