Analysis
Queens College's HR program suggests a solid financial foundation, with peer programs in New York producing first-year earnings around $53,300—above the national median of $50,400 for this field. The estimated $25,000 in debt tracks closely with both state and national benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 that parents should find manageable. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, indicating the school serves working and middle-class families who need affordable pathways to stable careers.
The comparison with other New York programs reveals a middle-of-the-pack position. While Cornell graduates command significantly higher salaries, Queens College appears competitive with established private colleges like Le Moyne while costing substantially less. The question for anxious parents isn't whether this program works—similar New York HR programs clearly do—but whether Queens specifically delivers on its promise, which the suppressed data prevents us from confirming directly.
For a CUNY education with below-average debt and earnings expectations that meet or exceed national standards, this represents a reasonable bet on career preparation. The real value hinges on whether your student can leverage Queens' location in one of the world's business capitals and the CUNY network effectively—advantages that don't show up in the numbers but matter enormously for HR careers built on relationships and access.
Where CUNY Queens College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,538 | $53,317* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $66,014 | $73,436* | $94,446 | $15,000* | 0.20 | |
| $37,504 | $66,063* | — | $25,000* | 0.38 | |
| $38,970 | $53,317* | — | $26,000* | 0.49 | |
| $8,769 | $42,900* | $47,937 | $20,777* | 0.48 | |
| $8,862 | $33,658* | $34,145 | $29,122* | 0.87 | |
| National Median | — | $50,361* | — | $26,625* | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs 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 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.
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 5 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.