Head-to-head · 2026
College of Staten Island CUNY vs CUNY Queens College
Compare average net price ($5,579 at College of Staten Island CUNY; $4,195 at CUNY Queens College), ROI score (23.97 vs 37.40), ten-year median earnings ($53,501 vs $62,763), and admissions selectivity (92.3% acceptance at College of Staten Island CUNY; 64.4% at CUNY Queens College) using federal College Scorecard data. CUNY Queens College has a 7-0 metric-level edge. CUNY Queens College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of Staten Island CUNY | CUNY Queens College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 23.97 | 37.40 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $5,579 | $4,195 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,501 | $62,763 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 64.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 33.9% | 53.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,350 | $10,298 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,657 | 12,550 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1040 | 1120 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 7 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
College of Staten Island CUNY costs $1,384 more per year than CUNY Queens College ($5,579 vs $4,195). CUNY Queens College graduates report $9,262 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,763 vs $53,501). On EduGradify's model that puts CUNY Queens College ahead on projected ROI (37.40 vs 23.97, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (CUNY Queens College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, College of Staten Island CUNY is accessible at 92.3% acceptance versus 64.4% (accessible) at CUNY Queens College.
Frequently asked
College of Staten Island CUNY vs CUNY Queens College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of Staten Island CUNY or CUNY Queens College the better value?
CUNY Queens College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (37.40 vs 23.97), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
CUNY Queens College is cheaper — average net price $4,195 per year vs $5,579 at College of Staten Island CUNY. The annual difference of $1,384 adds up to about $5,536 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
CUNY Queens College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $62,763 vs $53,501 at College of Staten Island CUNY. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,262.
Which school is harder to get into?
CUNY Queens College is more selective at 64.4% acceptance vs 92.3% at College of Staten Island CUNY.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of Staten Island CUNY reports a A+ value grade; CUNY Queens College reports A+.