Accounting at CUNY Queens College
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 Queens College graduates compare to all programs nationally
CUNY Queens College graduates earn $45k, placing them in the 17th percentile of all accounting 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
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Queens College | $45,158 | $58,541 | $11,313 | 0.25 |
| Fordham University | $76,473 | $96,453 | $23,970 | 0.31 |
| Syracuse University | $75,294 | $85,784 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| Binghamton University | $74,151 | $84,365 | $19,500 | 0.26 |
| Marist University | $71,436 | $79,786 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
| Molloy University | $70,344 | $84,281 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fordham University Bronx | $61,992 | $76,473 | $23,970 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $75,294 | $27,000 |
| Binghamton University Vestal | $10,363 | $74,151 | $19,500 |
| Marist University Poughkeepsie | $46,140 | $71,436 | $23,250 |
| Molloy University Rockville Centre | $37,840 | $70,344 | $27,000 |
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.