CUNY Queens College vs St. John's University-New York: which has better ROI?
The verdict
CUNY Queens College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $16,780 in 1.2 years versus 5.7 years at St. John's University-New York, on median earnings of $62,763 vs $69,571 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | CUNY Queens College | St. John's University-New York |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $4,195 | $29,999 |
| Total net cost | $16,780 | $119,996 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,763 | $69,571 |
| Median debt | $10,298 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 1.2 yrs | 5.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $271,280 | $304,224 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
CUNY Queens College vs St. John's University-New York: frequently asked questions
Is CUNY Queens College or St. John's University-New York a better value?
CUNY Queens College. It clears its $16,780 net cost in about 1.2 years versus 5.7 years at St. John's University-New York, on median earnings of $62,763 vs $69,571 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, CUNY Queens College or St. John's University-New York?
CUNY Queens College: $4,195/yr net price after aid versus $29,999/yr at St. John's University-New York — a difference of $25,804 a year, or about $103,216 over four years.
Do CUNY Queens College or St. John's University-New York graduates earn more?
St. John's University-New York graduates earn a median $69,571 ten years after entry, versus $62,763 at CUNY Queens College — a $6,808 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.