CUNY New York City College of Technology vs Mercy University: which has better ROI?
Mercy University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,288 in 15.2 years versus 20.4 years at CUNY New York City College of Technology, on median earnings of $52,055 vs $49,365 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Mercy University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $5,127 | $14,072 |
| Total net cost | $20,508 | $56,288 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,365 | $52,055 |
| Median debt | $10,533 | $19,637 |
| Payback | 20.4 yrs | 15.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$408 | $17,612 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, CUNY New York City College of Technology or Mercy University?
CUNY New York City College of Technology, at $5,127 a year after aid versus $14,072 — a gap of $8,945 a year, or $35,780 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do CUNY New York City College of Technology or Mercy University graduates earn more?
Mercy University graduates report a median $52,055 ten years after entry, $2,690 more than the $49,365 at CUNY New York City College of Technology. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, CUNY New York City College of Technology or Mercy University?
CUNY New York City College of Technology: its completers carry a median $10,533 in federal loans versus $19,637 at Mercy University, a difference of $9,104. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
46% of students finish at Mercy University, against 21% at CUNY New York City College of Technology. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.