Economics at CUNY York College

York College's Economics program produces first-year earnings of $47,940, which trails both the state median ($50,058) and national median ($51,722) for economics bachelor's degrees. While the estimated debt of $20,072—based on comparable programs at similar New York institutions—is slightly below typical borrowing levels, the outcome still lags what families might expect from an economics degree.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests manageable repayment, but the real concern is competitive positioning. In New York's dense higher education market, economics graduates from top programs earn nearly double York's figure within a year. Even accounting for York's accessible admissions (59% acceptance rate, serving 43% Pell recipients), the earnings gap raises questions about whether this program delivers the career acceleration economics degrees typically promise. Similar programs across New York generally launch graduates into higher-paying roles faster.

For families weighing this investment, the modest debt load is genuinely positive—graduates won't face crushing payments. However, the below-median earnings suggest York's economics program may not open the same doors as peer programs in the state. If your child is set on economics and York offers the right fit otherwise, it's not a financial disaster. But if career outcomes are the priority, exploring other CUNY campuses or state universities with stronger economics placement records would be worth the effort.