Computer and Information Sciences, General at Queensborough Community College-CUNY

Graduates of the Computer and Information Sciences program at Queensborough Community College-CUNY experience a positive earnings trajectory over time. One year after graduation, median earnings stand at $30,037, which increases to $54,051 by the fifth year and further to $64,628 by the tenth year. However, considering the cost of living in New York, where the cost-of-living index is 1.32 compared to the national average of 1.0, the purchasing-power-adjusted five-year salary is estimated at $40,947.73, indicating that while earnings grow, the purchasing power may be impacted by higher living expenses.

The top industries for graduates reveal a strong presence in Health Care & Social Assistance, accounting for 28.3% and 27.2% of employment, followed by Educational Services at 9.3%. This distribution suggests that graduates have opportunities in stable sectors that are essential to the economy. The estimated break-even point for this educational path versus a high-school-only route is approximately 11.2 years, indicating that while the investment in education may take time to pay off, the long-term benefits in terms of career opportunities and earnings potential can be significant.