Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
EarningsPluscompares student earnings after college against a benchmark that Degreechoices adjusts based on each school’s unique mix of academic programs and the in-state/out-of-state composition of the student body.
Schools are assigned a value from 1-100, where 100 is best for students from households earning up to $30,000. This value is multiplied by the percentage of the school’s student body that received a Pell Grant, to calculate the economic mobility score. A higher score is better. Read the full explanation
The percentage of a school’s student body that has received a Pell Grant.
Payback measures how long it takes the average student to pay back the total cost of attending college with marginal earnings. Marginal earnings are the difference between what the average student would have earned before attending college and what they earn afterwards.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
EarningsPluscompares student earnings after college against a benchmark that Degreechoices adjusts based on each school’s unique mix of academic programs and the in-state/out-of-state composition of the student body.
Payback measures how long it takes the average student to pay back the total cost of attending college with marginal earnings. Marginal earnings are the difference between what the average student would have earned before attending college and what they earn afterwards.
CUNY Baruch College ranked first and CUNY Hunter College ranked second for the best colleges in New York. New York has a number of amazing universities, mostly located in New York City, allowing students from across the country and globe to obtain a first-rate education in the city that never sleeps.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$2,264
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$67,136
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate73%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Baruch College is known for its strong focus on business education and is home to the Zicklin School of Business. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, arts and sciences, and public affairs. The college has a reputation for providing a high-quality education, and its business programs are often highly ranked.
The campus is situated in close proximity to Wall Street and the financial district, providing students with access to various opportunities for internships and networking in the heart of the business world.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$2,158
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$55,713
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate60%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Hunter College is a senior college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. It is located on Manhattan's Upper East Side in New York City. Hunter College is known for its diverse academic offerings and strong emphasis on liberal arts education.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$2,805
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$55,741
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate59%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The City College of New York (CCNY) is one of the senior colleges within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. It is located in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. City College has a rich history and is known for its commitment to providing accessible education to a diverse student population.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$2,699
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$50,491
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate60%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice, often referred to simply as John Jay College, is a senior college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Located in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, John Jay College is dedicated to education and research in the fields of criminal justice, forensic science, and public service.
It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in criminal justice, forensic science, criminology, and public administration, among other disciplines. Many of its graduates go on to work in law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, legal professions, social services, and advocacy organizations.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$2,614
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$51,661
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate64%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Lehman College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including liberal arts, sciences, business, education, nursing, and social work.
Lehman College has a strong focus on community engagement and service. It is known for its Leonard Lief Library, which supports research and scholarship, and the Child Care Center, which provides childcare services for student parents.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$3,067
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$54,322
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate58%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Situated in Brooklyn, the college benefits from its location in a borough known for its cultural diversity and artistic community. CUNY Brooklyn College has a strong emphasis on the performing arts. The Conservatory of Music and the Department of Theater, for example, contribute to the vibrant arts scene at Brooklyn College. The campus is easily accessible by public transportation, allowing students to explore the city. It often hosts cultural events, performances, and lectures, providing students with opportunities to engage with the arts and cultural community.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$3,469
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$54,742
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate60%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Queens College is known for specific programs and initiatives, such as the Aaron Copland School of Music, the School of Education, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The college has a strong emphasis on academic rigor and intellectual inquiry. Situated in Queens, the college benefits from its location in one of the most diverse boroughs in New York City. The Kupferberg Center for the Arts on campus contributes to the cultural vibrancy of the college.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$10,389
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$60,037
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate84%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a specialized college located in Manhattan, New York City. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and is known for its focus on art, design, business, and technology in the context of the fashion industry. FIT is renowned for its programs in fashion design, fashion business management, advertising and marketing communications, textiles, and other disciplines related to the fashion and design industries.
FIT has strong ties to the fashion industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, collaborations, and networking.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$9,002
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$61,646
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate61%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Farmingdale State College, often referred to as Farmingdale or FSC, is known for its emphasis on applied learning, technology-driven programs, and career-focused education. Farmingdale is particularly well-regarded for its engineering technology programs. Students can pursue degrees in areas such as aerospace engineering technology, computer engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and applied psychology.
The college has a notable aviation program, offering degrees in aviation management, professional pilot studies, and aircraft maintenance management. The on-campus Aviation Center provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$22,823
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$89,871
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate95%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is renowned for its academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business, law, and the arts.
Columbia University is highly selective in its admissions and is known for its rigorous academic standards. It has produced numerous notable alumni, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, Supreme Court justices, and leaders in various fields.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$11,218
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$64,160
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate92%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Commonly known as Cooper Union, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a private college located in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Cooper Union was founded in 1859 by industrialist Peter Cooper, who envisioned it as an institution that would provide an education in the arts and sciences to young men and women, regardless of their race, religion, or economic status. The school's original mission was to offer a high-quality education that was both free and open to all.
Historically, Cooper Union provided full-tuition scholarships to all of its students, covering the entire cost of their education. However, in 2014, the school faced financial challenges and began charging tuition for the first time in over 150 years. In recent years, there have been efforts and discussions about returning to a full-tuition scholarship model.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$19,607
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$84,443
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate77%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College, commonly known as SUNY Maritime, is a maritime college located in Throggs Neck, Bronx, New York. SUNY Maritime College focuses on providing education and training in maritime-related fields.
It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as marine transportation, marine engineering, naval architecture, international transportation and trade, and marine environmental science. SUNY Maritime College is one of the 6 state maritime academies in the United States and operates as a U.S. service academy. It is responsible for preparing students for careers in the maritime industry, including opportunities in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and the commercial maritime sector.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$16,119
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$66,678
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate76%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Stony Brook University, often referred to as SUNY Stony Brook or Stony Brook, is a public research university located in Stony Brook, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Stony Brook University includes a health sciences center with a medical school, a dental school, a nursing school, and a School of Health Technology and Management.
Stony Brook Medicine, the university's medical enterprise, includes Stony Brook University Hospital and other clinical facilities. Stony Brook's main campus is situated on Long Island, offering a suburban setting with access to the natural beauty of the region. The university is conveniently located near New York City, providing opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and networking.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$20,703
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$72,980
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate82%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Binghamton University's liberal arts college, Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, is one of the oldest and largest schools within the university. It offers a diverse array of majors and programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The Watson School is the engineering school at Binghamton University, offering programs in engineering, computer science, and applied sciences. It is known for its focus on research and innovation.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$22,107
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$74,340
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate92%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Hamilton College is dedicated to providing a liberal arts education. The curriculum is designed to offer a broad foundation in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. Students are encouraged to explore diverse disciplines before choosing a major. Hamilton College operates on an open curriculum model, allowing students significant flexibility in designing their course of study. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their education and explore a range of academic interests.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$37,042
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$91,176
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate95%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Established in 1865, Cornell is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. Cornell is a member of the Ivy League, a prestigious group of 8 private institutions known for their academic and social prestige. Cornell is a land grant institution, which means it has a commitment to providing practical education and outreach programs in addition to traditional academic pursuits. The university has a strong emphasis on applying knowledge to address real-world issues.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$33,937
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$93,416
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate85%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Established in 1824, RPI is the oldest technological research university in the United States. It has a rich history of innovation and contributions to science and engineering. RPI houses several interdisciplinary research centers and institutes that focus on areas such as biotechnology, energy, materials science, data science, and advanced manufacturing. These centers foster collaboration among faculty and students.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$27,775
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$76,267
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate90%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Known for its commitment to academic excellence, Colgate University offers a rigorous and intellectually stimulating environment. The faculty is dedicated to fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Colgate University is a residential campus where the majority of students live on campus throughout their 4 years. The residential community contributes to a close-knit and collaborative environment.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$29,799
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$119,112
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate71%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
ACPHS offers a range of programs in health sciences, with a primary focus on pharmacy. The college provides undergraduate and graduate programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, health and human sciences, biomedical technology, and pharmaceutical management. ACPHS has two campuses—one in Albany, New York, and another in Colchester, Vermont. The Albany campus is the main campus and is situated in the capital region of New York, providing students with access to healthcare institutions and opportunities.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$10,182
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$50,921
Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.
Graduation rate60%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The State University of New York (SUNY) College at Old Westbury, commonly known as SUNY Old Westbury, is a public liberal arts college located in Old Westbury, New York. SUNY Old Westbury provides a liberal arts education with a focus on critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad understanding of various disciplines. The curriculum is designed to offer students a well-rounded education.
The following figures are the average salaries in New York for each level of education.
Average Income
The average income of people in this state with a high-school diploma, certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree, 10 years after enrollment, based on 2021-2022 CSC data.
HS Diploma$23,786
Certificate$30,823
Associate$40,684
Bachelor$59,882
Master$76,109
Cost of attending college in New York
In-state-tuition$23,910
The average in-state tuition, before financial aid, of all 4-year institutions in the state. Includes public, private, online, on-campus, non-profit, and for-profit institutions. Based on 2021-2022 CSC data.
Out-of-state-tuition$25,768
The average tuition for out-of-state students, before financial aid of all 4-year institutions in the state. Includes public, private, online, on-campus, non-profit, and for-profit institutions. Based on 2021-2022 CSC data.
Most popular degrees in New York
In New York the most popular degrees are Business Administration, Registered Nursing, Psychology. To create this list, we complied and analyzed data from IPEDS. IPEDS provides information on how many graduates each program has annually. The list below includes popular undergraduate- and graduate-level programs.
Popular degrees
1Business Administration 14,476graduates
2Registered Nursing 10,384graduates
3Psychology 9,833graduates
4Biology 6,881graduates
5Accounting 6,120graduates
6Education 5,801graduates
7Social Work 5,634graduates
8Computer & Information Sciences 4,854graduates
9Education-by subject area 4,620graduates
10Economics 4,500graduates
Fastest growing careers
New York job growth
25%
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
89.6%
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
84.3%
Massage Therapists
75.3%
Fundraisers
60.3%
Nurse Practitioners
55.6%
Community Health Workers
43.9%
Physical Therapist Assistants
43.5%
Medical and Health Services Managers
42.1%
Occupational Therapy Assistants
41.8%
Epidemiologists
40.6%
Best Bachelor's degrees in New York
These majors are most likely to pay off economically after graduation
Higher education is supposed to act as an economic elevator that lifts students from low-income households into the middle class. But not all colleges do this: unfortunately, many of the nation’s most “prestigious” schools accept very few students from low-income backgrounds.
To determine what colleges are doing the best job at lifting students out of poverty, we have devised a Social Mobility Index (SMI).
The best colleges for social mobility in New York are shown below.
Bachelor's degree holders or higher
37.7%
Filters
New York
25%
