Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences at CUNY Queens College

Queens College's Family and Consumer Sciences program delivers one of the most affordable debt loads in the country while generating earnings that track slightly above the national median. At just $13,375 in typical debt—less than half the national average for this field—graduates can reasonably manage payments even on the relatively modest starting salary of $32,457. The 24% earnings growth to $40,362 by year four suggests steady career progression, though within New York state, this program sits in the 40th percentile, trailing SUNY Oneonta by about $1,900 in median earnings.

The real story here is accessibility and affordability. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, and Queens manages to keep debt remarkably low for a field that doesn't command high starting salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 means graduates owe less than five months of income—a manageable starting point for building financial stability. While you won't find dramatic earnings in Family and Consumer Sciences anywhere (it's fundamentally a modest-paying field), Queens provides a path into the profession without the debt burden that could make those modest earnings feel crushing.

For families prioritizing affordable education over maximum earning potential, this represents solid value. Your child gets CUNY's city-based opportunities and keeps debt minimal, though if staying in New York and maximizing earnings within this specific field matters most, SUNY Oneonta edges ahead slightly.