Biology at CUNY York College

CUNY York College's biology program produces graduates who earn substantially less than typical biology majors in New York—about $7,000 below the state median one year out, placing them in just the 25th percentile statewide. That's concerning, but there's an unusual pattern here: earnings more than double by year four, jumping from $26,768 to $54,000. This dramatic growth suggests many graduates may be pursuing additional credentials or entering fields with steep early learning curves before their earnings accelerate.

The debt picture is genuinely positive. At $11,375, graduates owe less than half what typical biology majors carry nationally and in New York (both $25,000). That low debt load matters when early earnings lag, keeping the immediate post-graduation period manageable even as graduates work toward better-paying positions. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, but the debt advantage appears real given York College's accessible price point.

For families weighing this program, the calculation hinges on what happens between graduation and year four. If your student plans to pursue graduate school, medical school, or other advanced training—common paths for biology majors—the low debt provides valuable financial flexibility. But if they're counting on solid entry-level earnings immediately after graduation, York's biology program trails most alternatives in the state, including several other CUNY campuses like Medgar Evers, which starts at $39,810.