CUNY Queensborough Community College

Yes, with a median 10-year earning of $44,214 and a median debt of $8,600, the college demonstrates a strong return on investment.

The reported graduation rate is 23.5%.

The college has a high affordability score of 90 and low in-state tuition of $5,210, making it a very affordable option, particularly for New York residents.

The median debt at graduation is $8,600, which is relatively low.

The student body is diverse, with significant populations of Hispanic (33.7%), Black (22.4%), and Asian (25.3%) students.

CUNY Queensborough Community College, like other CUNY community colleges, generally has an open-door admissions policy, meaning it is not highly selective. While an official 'acceptance rate' isn't typically published in the same way as for four-year universities, the primary requirement is a high school diploma or GED. Prospective students must also meet basic academic prerequisites, often assessed through placement tests in English and Mathematics. These tests help determine the appropriate starting courses, ensuring students are placed in a curriculum where they can succeed. For students who don't meet the standard requirements, developmental or remedial courses are available. The focus is on providing access to higher education for a diverse student body. Therefore, getting admitted is generally straightforward for anyone with a qualifying secondary education credential. The challenge lies not in admission, but in successfully navigating the coursework and completing the degree program.

Yes, CUNY Queensborough Community College is generally considered worth the money, particularly for New York State residents. The in-state tuition is remarkably affordable at $5,210 per year. When compared to the median earnings of $44,214 after 10 years and a median debt of only $8,600, the return on investment (ROI) is quite strong, reflected in its ROI score of 112. This suggests that graduates typically earn back their investment and pay off their debt relatively quickly. For example, if a student borrows the median amount and earns the median salary, they could potentially pay off their debt within 1-2 years, depending on their spending habits. The value proposition is further enhanced by the college's location within the New York City metropolitan area, offering access to a vast job market. While it may not offer the same prestige as a top-tier university, it provides a solid, cost-effective foundation for many careers, especially in fields like nursing, allied health, and business.

CUNY Queensborough Community College excels in associate degree programs that prepare students for direct entry into the workforce or seamless transfer to bachelor's programs. Among the strongest and most in-demand majors are: 1. **Nursing (A.A.S.):** This is consistently one of the college's flagship programs. Graduates are highly sought after in the robust healthcare sector of the New York metropolitan area, finding employment in numerous hospitals and clinics. The program provides a strong foundation for a stable and rewarding career. 2. **Business Administration (A.S.):** This major offers a comprehensive curriculum covering accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Alumni are well-prepared for roles in various business functions across numerous industries in NYC and Long Island. 3. **Computer Science (A.S.):** With the growing demand for tech professionals, this program equips students with foundational knowledge in programming, software development, and IT. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions or transfer to complete a bachelor's degree. 4. **General Studies (A.A./A.S.):** This flexible option allows students to explore various subjects and is ideal for those planning to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a wide range of bachelor's degrees. These programs align with the needs of the regional economy and offer clear pathways to employment or further education.

Student life at CUNY Queensborough Community College is centered around its diverse student body and its role as an accessible educational institution within the bustling New York City environment. As a community college, the focus is primarily academic, but there are opportunities for engagement. The campus features various student clubs and organizations catering to academic interests, cultural backgrounds, and hobbies, allowing students to connect with peers who share similar passions. The Student Government Association plays a key role in organizing campus events, advocating for student needs, and fostering a sense of community. Given the commuter nature of many community colleges, social life often extends beyond campus, with students utilizing the vast resources of New York City for entertainment, cultural experiences, and internships. The college also offers athletic programs, though typically at a club or intramural level, providing avenues for physical activity and team spirit. While it may not have the traditional residential campus experience, Queensborough fosters a supportive academic environment with opportunities for personal growth and networking.

CUNY Queensborough Community College provides a range of financial aid options to help students afford their education. The primary forms of aid include federal grants (like the Pell Grant), state grants (such as the Tuition Assistance Program - TAP), and institutional scholarships. For the 2022-2023 academic year, approximately 75% of full-time undergraduate students received some form of financial aid. The average amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded per student was around $6,500, which can significantly offset the cost of tuition and fees, especially for New York State residents paying the lower in-state rate. Federal student loans are also available, though the college emphasizes maximizing grant and scholarship aid first. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Dream Act application (if applicable) to be considered for all eligible aid. The financial aid office provides counseling and assistance throughout the application process.

The salary expectations after graduating from CUNY Queensborough Community College vary significantly based on the chosen major and the specific job obtained. However, the college reports a median earning of $44,214 ten years after graduation. For specific programs, graduates in high-demand fields tend to earn more. For instance, Nursing graduates often start with salaries in the $60,000-$75,000 range in the competitive New York City healthcare market, with potential for significant growth. Those entering business or technology fields might start in roles such as administrative assistants, junior accountants, or IT support specialists, with initial salaries potentially ranging from $40,000 to $55,000, depending on the company and specific responsibilities. Graduates from programs like Criminal Justice might find entry-level positions in law enforcement or related fields with starting salaries competitive within the public sector. It's important to note that these figures represent median earnings, and individual outcomes depend on internships, networking, further education, and career progression.

CUNY Queensborough Community College does not offer on-campus housing or dormitories. As a primarily commuter institution, students are expected to live off-campus in the surrounding areas of Queens or commute from other boroughs or nearby counties. This is a common characteristic of many urban community colleges, where the focus is on providing accessible education rather than a traditional residential experience. Students seeking housing in the vicinity of the college will need to arrange for apartments or rooms in private residences. The college's location in Bayside, Queens, offers various off-campus living options, though prospective students should research rental costs and transportation links carefully. The absence of dorms means that the student experience is less about campus living and more about leveraging the college's academic programs and its proximity to the vast resources of New York City.

CUNY Queensborough Community College, as a community college, does not typically offer the extensive research opportunities found at large research universities. Its primary mission is to provide accessible associate degrees and prepare students for transfer or direct entry into the workforce. However, this does not mean research is entirely absent. Some faculty members engage in scholarly activities and may involve motivated students in their projects, particularly in science-related fields like biology or chemistry. Students interested in research might also find opportunities through specific capstone projects or by participating in undergraduate research programs at CUNY senior colleges after transferring. The college's focus is more on applied learning and foundational knowledge rather than extensive independent student research. For students aiming for careers heavily reliant on research, Queensborough serves best as a preparatory step towards a bachelor's or graduate degree at an institution with more robust research infrastructure.

CUNY Queensborough Community College is most directly comparable to other CUNY community colleges like LaGuardia Community College and Kingsborough Community College, as well as other regional community colleges serving the greater New York City area. Compared to its CUNY peers, Queensborough often shares similar strengths in providing affordable, accessible education with strong pathways to CUNY senior colleges. Its specific program strengths, such as nursing and business, may differ slightly, with Queensborough having a particularly strong presence in serving the healthcare needs of Eastern Queens and parts of Long Island. In terms of cost, all CUNY community colleges offer very similar, low in-state tuition rates, making them highly competitive against each other and significantly more affordable than private institutions or out-of-state options. Externally, it competes with county colleges in neighboring states or private two-year colleges, where Queensborough typically holds an advantage in terms of lower tuition and greater access to the diverse job market of New York City.

Employers in the New York metropolitan area generally view degrees from CUNY Queensborough Community College favorably, particularly for roles aligned with the college's strong associate degree programs. The college has a reputation for producing well-prepared graduates in fields such as nursing, allied health, business, and technology. Employers value the practical skills and foundational knowledge gained by Queensborough graduates, especially those who have completed internships or co-op programs facilitated by the college's career services. The CUNY system itself carries significant brand recognition within the region, and employers understand the quality of education provided. For entry-level positions, especially in healthcare and administrative support, a degree from Queensborough is often seen as a reliable credential. While it may not carry the same weight as a degree from a highly selective four-year university for certain specialized or management roles, it is a respected pathway to many stable and rewarding careers, and many employers actively recruit from Queensborough's programs.