Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,790
13th percentile (40th in NY)
Median Debt
$12,289
52% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27
Manageable
Sample Size
330
Adequate data

Analysis

CUNY New York City College of Technology's Information Science program offers something increasingly rare: excellent value despite below-average starting salaries. While graduates begin at $45,790—well below the national median of $58,651—they experience remarkable 43% earnings growth, reaching $65,673 by year four. More importantly, they carry just $12,289 in debt, roughly half the New York state median and less than half the national average.

This debt advantage creates a compelling financial picture. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means graduates can potentially pay off their loans in under four years, while peers at other programs may struggle with debt burdens twice as high. Among New York's 34 Information Science programs, this ranks solidly in the middle (40th percentile) for earnings, but the minimal debt load makes it competitive with far more expensive options.

The program serves a heavily Pell Grant population (55% of students), suggesting it successfully provides social mobility in a field with strong job growth prospects. While you won't see the $88,713 starting salaries of Excelsior University graduates, the combination of low debt and strong earnings trajectory makes this a smart choice for families prioritizing financial security over prestige.

Where CUNY New York City College of Technology Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all information science/studies bachelors's programs nationally

CUNY New York City College of TechnologyOther information science/studies programs

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 New York City College of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally

CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 13th percentile of all information science/studies bachelors 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

Information Science/Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (34 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY New York City College of Technology$45,790$65,673$12,2890.27
Excelsior University$88,713$16,6670.19
CUNY Graduate School and University Center$73,937$24,9500.34
Syracuse University$73,033$84,923$26,6940.37
Stony Brook University$68,007$88,954$19,7500.29
SUNY Old Westbury$56,333
National Median$58,651$25,7500.44

Other Information Science/Studies Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Excelsior University
Albany
$88,713$16,667
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
New York
$7,410$73,937$24,950
Syracuse University
Syracuse
$63,061$73,033$26,694
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook
$10,560$68,007$19,750
SUNY Old Westbury
Old Westbury
$8,379$56,333

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 New York City College of Technology, approximately 55% 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 330 graduates with reported earnings and 116 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.