Rankings / Value

Best Colleges for Pell Grant Students

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 50 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$61,868

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

61%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$12,058

Avg. Net Price

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CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates earn an impressive $75,971. This level of income could significantly ease financial stress for families relying on Pell Grants.

Many families are searching for the best colleges for Pell Grant students. They want to know which institutions can offer strong earnings and manageable debt. The real question is: how will these choices impact their financial future?

CUNY Hunter College has a low net price of just $2,984, but its graduation rate is only 59%. In contrast, the University of California-San Diego boasts an 87% graduation rate alongside earnings of $84,943. These numbers highlight the differences in student outcomes and financial returns across schools.

Key Findings

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates earn $75,971 on average.

University of California-San Diego has a graduation rate of 87%.

CUNY Queens College has a net price of $4,195, making it affordable for many.

The average earnings for graduates across these schools is $65,936.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 50

Avg. earnings at 10yr $61,868

Avg. graduation rate 61%

Avg. net price $12,058

Avg. median debt $16,792

How We Ranked

Value score for institutions where >30% of students receive Pell Grants

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY

Graduation72%

Earnings$75,971

Net Price$3,033

View full profile →

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY

Graduation59%

Earnings$63,163

Net Price$2,984

View full profile →

CUNY Queens College

Queens, NY

Graduation56%

Earnings$62,763

Net Price$4,195

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY · 16,154 students · Public

72% of students graduate from CUNY Bernard M Baruch College. That's a strong completion rate, especially for a school with 57% of its students receiving Pell Grants. Students often appreciate the diverse environment and the focus on business and public affairs.

48% accepted 72% graduate $75,971 earnings

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY · 16,289 students · Public

With a graduation rate of 59%, CUNY Hunter College attracts a vibrant urban student body. Known for its strong arts and humanities programs, the college serves a diverse community. About 56% of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the school's support for low-income students.

54% accepted 59% graduate $63,163 earnings

CUNY Queens College

Queens, NY · 12,550 students · Public

CUNY Queens College has a graduation rate of 56%. This school is known for its strong liberal arts programs and diverse student body, with 64% of students accepted. Around 47% of students receive Pell Grants, showing commitment to economic diversity on campus.

64% accepted 56% graduate $62,763 earnings

CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, NY · 10,543 students · Public

Fifty-seven percent of students at CUNY Brooklyn College receive Pell Grants. This shows a strong commitment to supporting low-income students. With over 10,500 students, the campus offers a vibrant community in Brooklyn, where diversity is a hallmark of the experience.

58% accepted 55% graduate $60,752 earnings

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT · 32,952 students · Private nonprofit

Brigham Young University has a graduation rate of 82%. This high completion rate reflects a strong support system and engaged community. Students can expect a focus on academic success and personal development.

68% accepted 82% graduate $75,790 earnings

Brigham's full profile

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

New York, NY · 11,590 students · Public

CUNY John Jay College attracts students interested in criminal justice and public safety, with 60% Pell Grant recipients. Its urban setting in New York City provides unique opportunities for internships and networking in a vibrant community.

57% accepted 56% graduate $56,195 earnings

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · 59,146 students · Public

With 59,146 students, the University of Central Florida is one of the largest universities in the nation. The $58,308 median earnings at 10 years after graduation reflect a strong return on investment for graduates, which is appealing for students looking to secure a stable future.

40% accepted 77% graduate $58,308 earnings

University's full profile

CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, NY · 10,696 students · Public

Sixty percent of students at CUNY Lehman College receive Pell Grants. This support helps many students from low-income families access higher education. The college has a diverse student body, with a mix of traditional and non-traditional students.

57% accepted 50% graduate $58,013 earnings

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL · 13,359 students · Public

Jacksonville, Florida, is home to the University of North Florida. With a graduation rate of 69%, many students find success after their studies. The median earnings for graduates reach $56,343 within ten years, showcasing solid return on investment for attendees.

53% accepted 69% graduate $56,343 earnings

University's full profile

#10

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · 27,601 students · Public

San Jose State University serves 27,601 students, with 35% receiving Pell Grants. The graduation rate is slightly lower at 67%, yet the university is in the heart of Silicon Valley, attracting students interested in technology and innovation. Graduates can expect median earnings of $78,988 after ten years, a strong incentive for prospective students.

85% accepted 67% graduate $78,988 earnings

Florida International University

Miami, FL · 39,508 students · Public

Florida International University serves a large student body of 39,508, with a 41% Pell Grant recipient rate. The diverse programs and strong graduation rate of 74% indicate a supportive environment for students from various backgrounds.

55% accepted 74% graduate $60,249 earnings

Florida's full profile

#12

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, NJ · 9,019 students · Public

Newark, New Jersey, hosts the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where 73% of students graduate. Graduates report median earnings of $84,276 after ten years, indicating strong career prospects for alumni.

65% accepted 73% graduate $84,276 earnings

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL · 23,757 students · Public

Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton enrolls 23,757 students, with a graduation rate of 63%. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,746 after ten years, which can be an attractive aspect for prospective students.

66% accepted 63% graduate $56,746 earnings

Florida's full profile

#14

CUNY York College

Jamaica, NY · 4,345 students · Public

CUNY York College in Jamaica, NY, has a diverse student body with 40% receiving Pell Grants. The college's graduation rate stands at 31%. This figure might give students and families pause, but the median earnings for graduates reach $56,945 after ten years, suggesting potential for financial stability.

64% accepted 31% graduate $56,945 earnings

University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL · 9,330 students · Public

Located in Pensacola, FL, the University of West Florida supports a large student population of 9,330. With a graduation rate of 60%, it shows promise for students aiming for completion. Median earnings for graduates are $49,137 after a decade, indicating reasonable earning potential for those who finish their degrees.

58% accepted 60% graduate $49,137 earnings

University's full profile

#16

Berea College

Berea, KY · 1,513 students · Private nonprofit

Eighty-four percent of students at Berea College receive Pell Grants. This institution has a unique mission of providing affordable education to low-income students. With a graduation rate of 60%, students often find a supportive environment focused on academic success.

19% accepted 60% graduate $43,150 earnings

University of Virginia's College at Wise

Wise, VA · 1,101 students · Public

29% accepted 48% graduate $45,325 earnings

University's full profile

#18

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · 27,752 students · Public

George Mason University has a high acceptance rate of 87%, making it accessible to a larger pool of applicants. With 30% of students receiving Pell Grants, it aims to support those from lower-income backgrounds. The 69% graduation rate indicates that many students successfully navigate their college journey here.

87% accepted 69% graduate $76,343 earnings

George's full profile

#19

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · 18,639 students · Public

96% accepted 50% graduate $68,077 earnings

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · 34,948 students · Public

With a graduation rate of 87%, University of California-San Diego highlights its commitment to student success. The campus is known for its research opportunities and beautiful coastal location, attracting a wide range of students, including those interested in the sciences. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for lower-income students.

27% accepted 87% graduate $84,943 earnings

University's full profile

#21

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · 2,833 students · Private nonprofit

The Illinois Institute of Technology, located in Chicago, has a smaller enrollment of 2,833 students. A graduation rate of 74% indicates strong support for students through their studies. Graduates can achieve median earnings of $82,592 after a decade, which can be particularly attractive for those pursuing careers in technology and engineering.

55% accepted 74% graduate $82,592 earnings

Illinois's full profile

#22

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · 35,377 students · Public

The net price at San Diego State University is $15,364 after financial aid. Graduates earn around $64,909 on average ten years after completing their degrees. With a median debt of $15,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23, students can find stability in their financial futures.

36% accepted 77% graduate $64,909 earnings

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · 8,750 students · Public

98% accepted 56% graduate $56,346 earnings

Southern's full profile

#24

The University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, TX · 7,440 students · Public

94% accepted 51% graduate $57,053 earnings

CUNY City College

New York, NY · 12,505 students · Public

Sixty-one percent of students at CUNY City College are Pell Grant recipients, highlighting its accessibility for low-income students. Located in New York City, this school offers a rich urban experience with a diverse student body of over 12,500 individuals, fostering a vibrant campus life.

60% accepted 56% graduate $66,039 earnings

University of the Pacific

Stockton, CA · 3,204 students · Private nonprofit

71% accepted 68% graduate $78,445 earnings

University's full profile

#27

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · 5,166 students · Public

93% accepted 59% graduate $65,986 earnings

Sonoma's full profile

#28

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX · 8,767 students · Public

96% accepted 47% graduate $56,544 earnings

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · 30,197 students · Public

With a graduation rate of 86%, this university demonstrates strong student support and commitment to student success. Located in a vibrant city, UC Irvine has a diverse student body, with 36% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating its dedication to access for lower-income students.

29% accepted 86% graduate $80,735 earnings

University's full profile

#30

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · 8,106 students · Public

91% accepted 47% graduate $54,735 earnings

Ferris's full profile

#31

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · 19,057 students · Public

88% accepted 65% graduate $62,117 earnings

Illinois's full profile

#32

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · 32,253 students · Public

University of California-Davis has a graduation rate of 85%. This public university is well-regarded for its agricultural and environmental sciences programs, attracting students with diverse interests. With 31% of students receiving Pell Grants, it supports a variety of financial needs.

42% accepted 85% graduate $80,838 earnings

University's full profile

#33

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI · 5,049 students · Public

92% accepted 47% graduate $56,318 earnings

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · 24,453 students · Public

80% accepted 68% graduate $57,289 earnings

University's full profile

#35

University of North Texas

Denton, TX · 34,341 students · Public

72% accepted 60% graduate $57,010 earnings

University's full profile

#36

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Durant, OK · 3,018 students · Public

76% accepted 32% graduate $45,079 earnings

Southeastern's full profile

#37

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX · 32,294 students · Public

80% accepted 55% graduate $63,199 earnings

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, TX · 3,911 students · Public

95% accepted 42% graduate $56,073 earnings

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · 2,401 students · Private nonprofit

78% accepted 70% graduate $66,990 earnings

Pacific's full profile

#40

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA · 2,759 students · Private nonprofit

88% accepted 63% graduate $66,677 earnings

Boricua College

New York, NY · 391 students · Private nonprofit

74% graduate $35,348 earnings

Boricua's full profile

#42

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN · 905 students · Private nonprofit

87% accepted 55% graduate $57,478 earnings

Christian's full profile

#43

Portland State University

Portland, OR · 13,182 students · Public

91% accepted 53% graduate $57,906 earnings

Portland's full profile

#44

East Texas A&M University

Commerce, TX · 9,912 students · Public

92% accepted 44% graduate $50,296 earnings

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · 4,015 students · Private nonprofit

71% accepted 65% graduate $66,099 earnings

SUNY Old Westbury

Old Westbury, NY · 4,162 students · Public

84% accepted 46% graduate $58,526 earnings

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · 8,698 students · Public

76% accepted 56% graduate $48,501 earnings

Tennessee's full profile

#48

Saint Peter's University

Jersey City, NJ · 2,135 students · Private nonprofit

90% accepted 61% graduate $57,815 earnings

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · 36,177 students · Public

89% accepted 56% graduate $56,906 earnings

State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, NY · 6,086 students · Public

62% accepted 70% graduate $58,073 earnings

CUNY Hunter College and the University of California-Davis show a stark contrast in outcomes. While Hunter College has a net price of $2,984, its 59% graduation rate falls short compared to UC Davis's 85% graduation rate and $80,838 earnings. This discrepancy suggests that a low net price does not always correlate with better long-term outcomes.

After reviewing this list, consider what matters most to you. Weigh financial factors like debt and net price against program offerings, campus culture, and location. Each family has unique priorities that should guide their final choice.

The stakes are high. A college degree can lead to financial stability, impacting one family's future for decades. Choosing the right institution is a crucial step toward achieving that goal.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →

[2]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[3]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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