Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,158
17th percentile
40th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$11,313
55% below national median

Analysis

Queens College delivers something increasingly rare in higher education: excellent debt management paired with solid career growth. With graduates leaving with just $11,313 in debt—less than half the national median—this program ranks among the most affordable accounting degrees in the country while still producing meaningful earnings growth of 30% by year four.

The earnings picture tells a nuanced story. While first-year salaries of $45,158 lag behind the national average, Queens College graduates catch up significantly, reaching $58,541 by year four. This puts the program at the 40th percentile among New York accounting programs—respectable middle-of-the-pack performance in a competitive state market. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 is exceptionally strong, meaning graduates can manage their loan payments comfortably while building their careers.

For families prioritizing financial security, Queens College offers compelling value. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and enter a field with clear upward trajectory. While they won't immediately match earnings from elite programs like Fordham or Syracuse, the combination of low debt and steady growth creates a financially sound foundation for an accounting career.

Where CUNY Queens College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How CUNY Queens College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
CUNY Queens College$45,158$58,541+30%
Fordham University$76,473$96,453+26%
Yeshiva University$69,252$87,338+26%
Syracuse University$75,294$85,784+14%
Binghamton University$74,151$84,365+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CUNY Queens CollegeQueens$7,538$45,158$58,541$11,3130.25
Fordham UniversityBronx$61,992$76,473$96,453$23,9700.31
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse$63,061$75,294$85,784$27,0000.36
Binghamton UniversityVestal$10,363$74,151$84,365$19,5000.26
Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie$46,140$71,436$79,786$23,2500.33
Molloy UniversityRockville Centre$37,840$70,344$84,281$27,0000.38
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Queens College, approximately 48% 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 401 graduates with reported earnings and 154 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.