Acceptance Rate
60%
Avg. SAT
1430
75th percentile
“New York's tuition-free pioneer since 1847, fueling ambitious minds in Harlem's urban heartbeat.”
New York, NY
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
City College of New York, founded in 1847 as the Free Academy, became the nation's first free public college, opening higher education to working-class immigrants and city residents who couldn't afford private tuition. You'll find a student body of strivers—first-generation college attendees, commuters from across the five boroughs, and international kids chasing big dreams in a no-nonsense environment. The campus personality mixes gritty determination with intellectual fire, set amid Harlem's evolving neighborhoods, where historic stone buildings overlook busy streets.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Engineering and architecture stand out here, with the Grove School producing graduates who tackle real-world infrastructure challenges, while programs in biomedical sciences draw on the college's legacy of hands-on research. In classrooms, expect large lectures for intro courses that shrink into smaller seminars as you advance, and professors who often juggle teaching with cutting-edge projects at places like the SPIRE research center. Research opportunities abound for undergrads, especially in physics and nanotechnology, but popular majors fill up fast, so declaring early helps navigate the competition.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
12,982 undergrad • 2,562 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
15%
Black / African American
16%
Hispanic / Latino
39%
Asian
22%
Other / Multi-racial
8%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
New York, NY
Varsity Athletics
Campus life pulses with a commuter rhythm: you'll dash between classes, grab falafel from street vendors, then hit one of 200-plus clubs like debate or cultural dance groups before heading home on the subway. Traditions include the lively Architecture Boat Cruise along the Hudson and spirited basketball games at the Nat Holman Gym, fostering bonds despite the transient feel. Housing options exist but are limited, so most students embrace the city's energy off-campus; the high cost of living in New York demands budgeting, and winter slush can test your resolve on walks to class.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
79%
4 Years Graduation Rate
33%
6 Years Graduation Rate
50%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$66,039
79% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at CUNY City College and return in the fall. 33% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 50% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
33%
4-5 years
17%
6-8 years
3%
Non-grad
47%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$6,930
Acceptance
60%
Undergrads
12,982
4-Year Grad Rate
33%
Endowment
$277M
New York, NY 10031
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