CUNY City College
CUNY City College has an acceptance rate of 60.0%, annual tuition of $7,340, average net price of $3,776, and a national rank of #447 (Grade B+), with a 58.4% graduation rate, about 12,505 undergraduates, and median earnings of $67,740 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
CUNY City College is a public university in New York, NY. Students most often pursue Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions and Computer Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 79.3% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 360.1%, roughly 310.2 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is CUNY City College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
CUNY City College graduates 58.4% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 79.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use CUNY City College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $7,340 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,840 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,216 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $14,403 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 60.5% of CUNY City College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,251 annually, while high-income families pay $12,806. Use CUNY City College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $9,982/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $12,806/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $67,740
- 10-Year Median Earnings $66,039
- Average Years to Graduate 5.0 years
- Average Student Debt $11,990
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.5%
- Employment Rate 44.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for CUNY City College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
CUNY City College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how CUNY City College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes CUNY City College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 360.1% return on investment, CUNY City College delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $67,740 median—+12% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 540-700
- SAT Math 530-730
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 12,505
- Full-Time Students 82.6%
- Part-Time Students 17.4%
- Retention Rate 79.3%
- Graduation Rate 58.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into CUNY City College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: CUNY City College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 60.0%, CUNY City College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 60.0% acceptance rate, CUNY City College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070 and 1430 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among CUNY City College undergraduates. Psychology, General, Biology, General, and Fine and Studio Arts draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 14.9%
- Biology, General 9.6%
- Fine and Studio Arts 5.3%
- Mechanical Engineering 4.8%
- English Language and Literature, General 4.8%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 4.0%
See more majors
- Computer Science 3.9%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $141,161
- 2. Computer Engineering $111,970
- 3. Computer Science $105,797
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering $93,362
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $91,761
- 6. Civil Engineering $90,337
- 7. Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering $81,630
- 8. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $79,610
- 9. Biology, General $78,147
- 10. Applied Mathematics $76,739
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $122,866
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $115,422
- 3. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degree) $106,197
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $84,866
- 5. Architecture (Master's Degree) $82,751
- 6. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $81,310
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $80,560
- 8. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree) $80,425
- 9. Sustainability Studies (Master's Degree) $79,726
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $79,155
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions grads earn $141,161—84% more than Applied Mathematics ($76,739). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $122,866 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for CUNY City College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 386 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 248 graduates)
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree, 138 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 136 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 125 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (59 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Mechanical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Economics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Music
- Chemical Engineering
- History
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Chemistry
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Biotechnology
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Landscape Architecture
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- Digital Humanities and Textual Studies
- Dance
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Area Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Master's Degrees (56 programs)â–¼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Sustainability Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Economics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Public Administration
- Psychology, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Information Science/Studies
- History
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Music
- Landscape Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Biology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Computational Science
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Area Studies
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Sociology
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Engineering, Other
- Engineering, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Biotechnology
- Anthropology
Online Doctoral Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (12 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Publishing
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- International/Global Studies
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 12,505
- Full-Time Students 82.6%
- Part-Time Students 17.4%
- Male Students 48.7%
- Female Students 51.3%
- Caucasian 11.8%
- Asian 24.1%
- Hispanic 40.7%
- Black 15.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 60.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects CUNY City College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of CUNY City College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does CUNY City College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at CUNY City College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: CUNY City College has a diverse student body, with 11.8% identifying as White. 60.5% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does CUNY City College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at CUNY City College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
CUNY City College achieves an exceptional 360.1% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #447 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $67,740 median earnings while paying just $3,776 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 58.4% graduation rate and 79.3% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why CUNY City College Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies CUNY City College as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: CUNY City College's 360.1% ROI stems from balancing $67,740 median post-graduation earnings against $3,776 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 360.1% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With a B+ grade and #447 ranking, CUNY City College represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 58.4% graduation rate sits 4.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.3% first-year retention is 2.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 360.1% return on investment is 310.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $67,740 run about 12% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $3,776 is roughly $16,303 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 44.1% employment rate within three years sits 24.1 points below national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates CUNY City College—a public university in New York, NY—at B+ overall. It appears at #447 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (C+), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (D), and Affordability (B+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
79.3% of learners come back after year one while 58.4% earn an award within eight years of entry. Return on investment currently measures 360.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $3,776 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $14,403.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,627 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,990 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 60.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $67,740 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 12% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 44.1%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 360.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
60.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the CUNY City College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is CUNY City College's acceptance rate?
CUNY City College's acceptance rate is 60.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does CUNY City College cost?
At CUNY City College, listed tuition and fees are $7,340 per year, and the average net price after aid is $3,776. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is CUNY City College's ranking?
CUNY City College ranks #447 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is CUNY City College's graduation rate?
At CUNY City College, the graduation rate is 58.4%, and first-year retention is 79.3%.
What are CUNY City College's job outcomes?
Graduates of CUNY City College report median earnings of $67,740 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is CUNY City College's student population?
CUNY City College enrolls about 12,505 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address New York, NY 10031
- Website www.ccny.cuny.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$276.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.6%