Economics at CUNY Queens College

Queens College economics majors start at $39,377—well below the national median—but their earnings jump 40% to $55,050 by year four, nearly matching what the typical economics graduate earns nationally right out of school. This delayed trajectory matters: while the program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for first-year earnings, graduates are catching up rapidly. Combined with minimal debt ($9,500 versus the $22,816 national median), students leave with breathing room to weather those early lower-earning years.

The value proposition becomes clearer when you consider the alternatives. This program costs roughly a tenth of what Barnard or Columbia economics majors borrow, yet by year four, Queens graduates earn about two-thirds of what those elite programs deliver. That's a reasonable tradeoff for families prioritizing affordability. Within New York State, where competition is fierce, Queens ranks at the 25th percentile—solidly below the state median but outperforming three-quarters of SUNY and CUNY peers.

For families who can't finance an elite private school education, Queens offers a legitimate path into economics with essentially no debt burden. The catch is accepting 2-3 years of below-market earnings while building experience. If your student has strong work ethic and can afford to start modestly, the trajectory looks promising.