Applied Mathematics at CUNY City College

New York, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,702/yr (-54% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 30.4x earnings multiple (14.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 of 44 Applied Mathematics programs

Program Analysis

While the allure of an Applied Math degree in a major financial and tech hub like New York City is strong, the outcomes here suggest a challenging path for graduates. The intense competition in the local labor market means that a foundational degree alone often isn't enough to secure the high-paying roles common in quantitative fields. Many graduates may find themselves in general analytical or data support roles, rather than the specialized actuary or quant positions typically associated with this field, especially without substantial supplementary skills. The very high AI risk further indicates that many entry-level tasks traditionally performed by math graduates are increasingly susceptible to automation. To truly leverage this degree in the competitive NYC landscape, you'll need to aggressively pursue internships and build a robust portfolio of practical, in-demand skills like advanced programming, statistical modeling, or specific domain knowledge beyond the core curriculum.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Applied Mathematics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $939K $894K $725K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 32.0x 30.4x 24.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 15.3x 14.6x 11.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,360
Out-of-state: $61,160 (14.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$13,944
53% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,739
167% growth from Year 1

About CUNY City College

A 58% admission rate makes CUNY City College accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 11,934 students in New York, NY. With 60% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,944 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY City College →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Actuaries $125,770/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Applied Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at CUNY City College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Applied Mathematics at CUNY City College?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Applied Mathematics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Applied Mathematics at CUNY City College?
The 61% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is CUNY City College a good choice for Applied Mathematics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If CUNY City College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Applied Mathematics at CUNY City College?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $29,360. At a net cost of $13,944, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →