The cost of college in New York — and what it pays back
Across the 203 New York institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $18,913/yr, $2,007 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $50,963 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 107 of the 203 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$18,913
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$50,963
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
5.3 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
107/203
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How New York's 203 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong52
Solid33
Slow15
Weak103
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $3,033 | $75,971 | 0.4 yrs |
| United States Merchant Marine Academy | $6,174 | $90,610 | 0.6 yrs |
| CUNY Hunter College | $2,984 | $63,163 | 0.8 yrs |
| CUNY City College | $3,776 | $66,039 | 0.9 yrs |
| St Paul's School of Nursing-Queens | $26,315 | $104,403 | 0.9 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talmudical Seminary of Bobov | $2,840 | $22,432 | no payback |
| CUNY Hunter College | $2,984 | $63,163 | 0.8 yrs |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $3,033 | $75,971 | 0.4 yrs |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | $3,103 | $60,752 | 1 yrs |
| CUNY Lehman College | $3,148 | $58,013 | 1.3 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in New York?
The median net price across New York colleges is $18,913/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in New York cheaper than the national average?
No — the median New York net price of $18,913/yr runs about $2,007/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do New York college graduates earn?
A median $50,963 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which New York college pays for itself fastest?
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College — about 0.4 years to clear its $12,132 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-new-york page.