Information Science/Studies at CUNY New York City College of Technology
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | $45,790 | $65,673 | $12,289 | 0.27 |
| Excelsior University | $88,713 | — | $16,667 | 0.19 |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center | $73,937 | — | $24,950 | 0.34 |
| Syracuse University | $73,033 | $84,923 | $26,694 | 0.37 |
| Stony Brook University | $68,007 | $88,954 | $19,750 | 0.29 |
| SUNY Old Westbury | $56,333 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $58,651 | — | $25,750 | 0.44 |
Other Information Science/Studies Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.