Marketing at CUNY York College

York's marketing bachelor's produces first-year earnings of $40,596—below both the state median ($42,381) and national median ($44,728) for marketing programs. With an estimated $20,719 in debt based on comparable New York programs, the debt load at least remains manageable at roughly half of first-year earnings, significantly lower than typical marketing programs which carry closer to $25,000 in debt.

The earnings trajectory tells a complicated story. Growth from year one to year four reaches only 11%, landing graduates at $45,231—still trailing most New York competitors by substantial margins. Syracuse and Fordham marketing graduates earn $12,000-$17,000 more right out of the gate, and that gap likely widens over time. York's 40th percentile ranking among New York marketing programs confirms this program sits in the bottom half statewide, though it does outperform some in-state options.

For families considering York, the core question is whether the below-median outcomes justify even the relatively modest debt. The program serves a heavily Pell-eligible student body (43%), and the sub-$21,000 debt estimate matters for students with limited family resources. But marketing is a competitive field where alumni networks and school reputation often drive opportunities, and York's outcomes suggest graduates may struggle to compete with peers from higher-performing programs. The debt is workable, but the earnings lag raises real questions about return on investment.