Rankings / HSI
Best HSI Master's Programs
- 50
- Schools
- $64,364
- Avg. Earnings
- 62%
- Avg. Graduation
- $13,090
- Avg. Net Price
- $17,121
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $35,348 at the low end to $90,768 at the top. That 2.6× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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CUNY Bernard M Baruch College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $75,971 against $3,033 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, CUNY Hunter College at $2,984 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $63,163, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of California-Los Angeles graduates 93% of its students, well above the 62% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Brazosport College: graduates owe only 0.12× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ($75,971 earnings), not the highest earner, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($90,768). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. CUNY Hunter College ($2,984/yr) and Seton Hall University ($31,446/yr) produce graduates earning $63,163 and $70,196 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $28,462 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College outperforms California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and University of California-Los Angeles. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $63K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College #1 overall | $75,971 ▲ +18% vs avg | $3,033 | 72% | 80 |
| 2 CUNY Hunter College #2 overall | $63,163 ▼ -2% vs avg | $2,984 | 59% | 76 |
| 3 CUNY Queens College #3 overall | $62,763 ▼ -2% vs avg | $4,195 | 56% | 76 |
| $58,308 ▼ -9% vs avg | $10,411 | 77% | 76 | |
| $56,195 ▼ -13% vs avg | $3,203 | 56% | 75 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best HSI Master's Programs
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $64,364 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 62% and an average net price of $13,090.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Bernard M Baruch College — Net Price: $3,033 | Graduation Rate: 72%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of California-Los Angeles — 93% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo — Median alumni earnings: $90,768
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about Hispanic-Serving Institutions and access?
$62,609
Median earnings (10yr)
61%
Median graduation rate
$12,804
Median net price
3.8%
Avg. mobility rate
As the Latino population grows, Hispanic-Serving Institutions have become one of the most important access points in American higher education. These schools enroll a large share of first-generation and low-income students. How well they move those students through to completion and into well-paying careers shapes a significant share of the country’s overall mobility picture.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $62,609 ten years after they first enrolled, about $14,609 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 61%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $12,804 a year, with about $17,997 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 39% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 3.8%.
Access alone is not enough; completion and earnings are what turn enrollment into opportunity. These schools serve an average of 39% Pell-eligible students and produce median earnings of $62,609, evidence that broad access and strong outcomes are compatible when institutions pursue both.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College lands at #1 with a 80/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (73/100). Graduates earn a median $75,971 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,033 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
CUNY Hunter College lands at #2 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $63,163 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,984 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
CUNY Queens College lands at #3 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $62,763 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,195 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Central Florida lands at #4 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
New York, NY · 57% accepted · $3,203 net
Why it ranks #5
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice lands at #5 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $56,195 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,203 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Socorro, NM · 44% accepted · $9,873 net
Why it ranks #6
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology lands at #6 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $76,489 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,873 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
CUNY Lehman College lands at #7 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,013 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,148 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
San Jose State University lands at #8 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $78,988 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,760 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Florida Atlantic University lands at #9 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Florida International University lands at #10 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Ramapo College of New Jersey lands at #11 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $67,541 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,173 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
New Jersey Institute of Technology lands at #12 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $84,276 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,504 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of California-San Diego lands at #13 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $84,943 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,470 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
CUNY York College lands at #14 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $56,945 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles, CA · 9% accepted · $12,548 net
Why it ranks #15
University of California-Los Angeles lands at #15 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $82,511 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,548 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
San Francisco State University lands at #16 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $68,077 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,278 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
University of California-Irvine lands at #17 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $80,735 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,251 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of California-Davis lands at #18 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (63/100). Graduates earn a median $80,838 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,741 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of the Pacific lands at #19 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $78,445 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,447 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Texas Woman's University lands at #20 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (68/100). Graduates earn a median $56,544 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,963 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
College Station, TX · 57% accepted · $21,315 net
Why it ranks #21
Texas A&M University-College Station lands at #21 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $72,097 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,315 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Rhode Island College lands at #22 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,318 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,478 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Sonoma State University lands at #23 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $65,986 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,885 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
CUNY City College lands at #24 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,039 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,776 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
University of North Texas lands at #25 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $57,010 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,649 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
San Diego State University lands at #26 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $64,909 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,364 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
University of Connecticut lands at #27 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,097 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Azusa Pacific University lands at #28 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $66,677 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,212 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #29 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,073 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,723 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Boricua College lands at #30 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (100/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $35,348 a decade after enrolling, 45% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,245 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Santa Barbara, CA · 33% accepted · $16,109 net
Why it ranks #31
University of California-Santa Barbara lands at #31 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (62/100). Graduates earn a median $74,915 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,109 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
College of Southern Idaho lands at #32 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $40,916 a decade after enrolling, 36% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,095 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Texas State University lands at #33 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $56,906 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,805 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #34 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,199 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,951 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
San Luis Obispo, CA · 31% accepted · $16,665 net
Why it ranks #35
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo lands at #35 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $90,768 a decade after enrolling, 41% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,665 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Lewis University lands at #36 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,099 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,028 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Saint Peter's University lands at #37 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $57,815 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,199 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Brazosport College lands at #38 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $45,910 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,732 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
East Texas A&M University lands at #39 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,841 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
SUNY Old Westbury lands at #40 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,526 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,282 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Montclair State University lands at #41 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $61,415 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,566 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Portland State University lands at #42 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $57,906 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,552 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Nevada State University lands at #43 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $53,166 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,068 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Austin College lands at #44 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $61,296 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,107 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Sam Houston State University lands at #45 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $54,211 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,404 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Waterbury, CT · 87% accepted · $10,875 net
Why it ranks #46
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus lands at #46 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (70/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,875 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
San Antonio, TX · 87% accepted · $10,836 net
Why it ranks #47
The University of Texas at San Antonio lands at #47 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $57,131 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,836 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Seton Hall University lands at #48 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $70,196 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,446 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Fresno Pacific University lands at #49 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,896 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,630 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Texas Tech University lands at #50 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $62,454 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,070 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
Choosing a master's program can be a daunting task, especially for students considering Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). These schools not only provide academic opportunities but also cater to the unique cultural and social needs of their students. In fact, graduates from HSI master's programs see average earnings of $65,421 after completing their degree, a figure that helps ground our choices.
The schools in this list excel based on key outcomes that matter most: earnings potential, graduation rates, student debt, and mobility. These factors paint a clearer picture of what to expect post-graduation. As you review the rankings below, pay attention to the earnings and debt figures, as they can greatly influence your financial future after obtaining your degree.
Take CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and the University of California-Los Angeles, for example. Baruch graduates earn an average of $75,971 with a graduation rate of 72%, while UCLA students earn $82,511 and enjoy a 93% graduation rate. This contrast highlights the important tradeoffs between earnings and completion rates that can help guide your decision-making process.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 41 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 3.8%. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads the group at 12.9%, with CUNY Lehman College (10.2%) and CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (9.7%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 12.7% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Boricua College leads at 46.7%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 31.9% across this list. New Jersey Institute of Technology posts the highest success rate at 63.8%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.62 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Azusa Pacific University reaches 1.82, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When we look closely at the data, a clear pattern emerges between UC San Diego and the University of California-Davis. UC San Diego graduates earn an impressive $84,943, with a graduation rate of 87%. In contrast, UC Davis graduates earn $80,838, but with a slightly lower graduation rate of 85%. This suggests that while both schools offer strong outcomes, UC San Diego may provide a more robust experience for students seeking higher earnings.
After scrolling through 50 schools, it’s essential to weigh these statistics against your own priorities. Consider factors such as location, program fit, campus culture, and financial situation. If you prioritize lower debt, for instance, Baruch College’s average debt of $11,512 may appeal to you, while if you focus on high earnings, then UC San Diego’s average salary could sway your decision.
Ultimately, this data illustrates the critical path from college to a stable life. Families facing the decision of where to invest their time and money can find reassurance in these numbers. Choosing the right program isn't just about prestige; it's about finding the right fit for your future and ensuring a solid return on your investment.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best HSI Master's Programs: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best HSI Master's Programs ranking? +
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College in New York, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Best HSI Master's Programs ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,971 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 72% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo posts the highest median earnings on this list: $90,768 ten years after enrollment, well above the $64,364 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads: graduates earn a median $75,971 against net price of about $3,033 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of California-Los Angeles has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 93%, compared with a 62% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $13,090 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Hunter College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,984. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best HSI Master's Programs ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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