Analysis
At $24,168 in estimated debt—drawing from comparable CUNY programs—this public health bachelor's would be among the more affordable options in New York, where the typical graduate carries $26,000. Based on what similar programs across the state produce, first-year earnings around $39,164 would match the state median exactly, putting graduates in a manageable financial position with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62. That's less than one year's salary in debt, a threshold many financial advisors consider reasonable for a bachelor's degree.
The challenge becomes clearer when you look at the state's top performers. Hunter College graduates in this field earn nearly $8,000 more in their first year, and even mid-tier programs like Syracuse and Cornell post earnings in the mid-$40,000s. City Tech serves a predominantly working-class student body—55% receive Pell grants—so the accessibility matters, but peer programs suggest this particular combination of field and institution may not optimize earning potential compared to other CUNY options nearby.
For families prioritizing affordability above all else, this program's estimated debt load is genuinely attractive, especially if your child plans to stay in New York where public health jobs are plentiful. But if they can gain admission to Hunter or another stronger CUNY program in this field, the earnings gap could be worth navigating. The estimated figures here suggest a safe but unexceptional financial outcome.
Where CUNY New York City College of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public health bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Public Health bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,332 | $39,164* | — | $24,168* | — | |
| $7,382 | $47,444* | $61,535 | —* | — | |
| $40,880 | $46,442* | — | $26,000* | 0.56 | |
| $66,014 | $44,516* | — | $12,133* | 0.27 | |
| $17,922 | $43,383* | $43,935 | $30,904* | 0.71 | |
| $63,061 | $43,280* | — | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $37,548* | — | $26,000* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with public health graduates
Physicists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Genetic Counselors
Epidemiologists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Environmental Restoration Planners
Industrial Ecologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 17 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.