Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at CUNY Queensborough Community College

Queensborough's health sciences program starts graduates at just $26,000—among the lowest in the nation for this field—but the trajectory tells a more optimistic story. Earnings jump 28% by year four, and crucially, graduates leave with only $7,000 in debt, far below both the New York median ($14,842) and national average ($12,992). That minimal debt load becomes this program's safety net: even with below-average starting pay, graduates face manageable financial obligations while they gain experience in the healthcare field.

The gap between Queensborough and top-performing New York programs is significant—North Country and Excelsior graduates start near $50,000—but comparing community college outcomes to four-year institutions misses the point for many students here. Nearly half of Queensborough students receive Pell grants, suggesting this program serves as an accessible entry point for lower-income New Yorkers pursuing healthcare careers. At the 40th percentile statewide, it's a middle-of-the-pack option within New York, though it lags behind peer community colleges like Fulton-Montgomery.

For families prioritizing minimal debt over immediate earnings, this works. The low debt-to-earnings ratio (0.27) means graduates won't be crushed by loan payments while establishing themselves. However, if your child can access higher-performing SUNY community colleges with similar costs, those alternatives deliver stronger starting positions without significantly more debt.