CUNY New York City College of Technology vs The New School: which has better ROI?
CUNY New York City College of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $20,508 in 20.4 years versus 51.7 years at The New School, on median earnings of $49,365 vs $52,901 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | CUNY New York City College of Technology | The New School |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $5,127 | $58,741 |
| Total net cost | $20,508 | $234,964 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,365 | $52,901 |
| Median debt | $10,533 | $22,266 |
| Payback | 20.4 yrs | 51.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$408 | -$144,144 |
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 The New School?
CUNY New York City College of Technology, at $5,127 a year after aid versus $58,741 — a gap of $53,614 a year, or $214,456 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 The New School graduates earn more?
The New School graduates report a median $52,901 ten years after entry, $3,536 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 The New School?
CUNY New York City College of Technology: its completers carry a median $10,533 in federal loans versus $22,266 at The New School, a difference of $11,733. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
69% of students finish at The New School, 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.