CUNY City College
About CUNY City College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
City College of New York is the founding institution of the CUNY system, located in Harlem, Manhattan. It has a long history of providing affordable, high-quality education and is known for its engineering, architecture, and science programs.
Founded
1847
Location
New York, New York
Students
15,067
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
60%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
56.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$7,340
Out-of-state: $15,290
Avg Net Price
$3,776
After financial aid
SAT Average
1260
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$66,039
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
60 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
N/A
Deadline
Feb 1
CUNY City College accepts 60% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1260/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
56.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.3%
4-Year Grad
24%
6-Year Grad
57%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
33.6%
$/Student
$20.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 24% graduation rate is below average, but 79.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,340
In-State
$15,290
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,840
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$14,403
After Financial Aid
$3,776
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$1,251
Receive Grants
60.5%
Take Loans
11.1%
The full cost of attendance is about $14,403/yr for in-state students, including $18,840 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $3,776. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $15,290.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at CUNY City College fund their education.
While in School
60.5%
Get Grants
Free money
11.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$20,074
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$11,990
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$127/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $11,990, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends CUNY City College.
Gender
51.3%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
12,505
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,562
Graduates
46%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
13.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 46% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
12,505
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
CUNY City College fields 6 varsity teams with 196 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
CUNYAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
6
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
196
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
103
Men
93
Women
5
Men's Teams
5
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of CUNY City Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$66,039
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$31K
432 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$28K
196 grads
1yr Earnings
Fine and Studio Arts
$25K
106 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$83K
105 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$43K
104 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$66K
100 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $46K at six years, $45K at eight, and $66K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CUNY City College
What is the acceptance rate at CUNY City College?▾
How much does CUNY City College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at CUNY City College?▾
How much do CUNY City College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.