CUNY City College
CUNY City College has an acceptance rate of 60.0%, an average net price of $1,557, and an overall rank of #162 (Grade A-). About 49.6% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $69,816 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education 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 900.9%, roughly 851.0 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 49.6% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 58.3% and keeps 79.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A+ 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
Est. annual aid gap: $11,369 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $19,552 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,283 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $12,926 |
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 63.3% 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 $654 annually, while high-income families pay $10,618. Use CUNY City College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $7,139/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $10,618/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $69,816
- 10-Year Median Earnings $69,594
- Average Years to Graduate 5.0 years
- Average Student Debt $11,695
- Debt-to-Earnings ~16.8%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.5%
- Employment Rate 89.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for CUNY City College graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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.
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%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 49.6%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 58.3%
- 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
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 432 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 196 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 106 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 105 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 100 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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)▼
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Sociology
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Civil Engineering
- History
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Chemistry
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biotechnology
- Digital Humanities and Textual Studies
- 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 Legal Studies
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Landscape Architecture
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
- 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 (55 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Economics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Landscape Architecture
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Public Administration
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- History
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Physics
- Music
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Information Science/Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Engineering, Other
- Engineering, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Computational Science
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Anthropology
Online Doctoral Degrees (10 programs)▼
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (13 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- 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
- Sustainability Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)▼
- Publishing
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- International/Globalization Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- 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 63.3%
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. 63.3% 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 serves as a highly accessible college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #162 overall with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $1,557 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $69,816 median earnings. The 49.6% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a college. While 79.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
College Value: CUNY City College's Strengths
Ranked #162 with a A- grade, CUNY City College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Colleges like CUNY City College excel at providing affordable education ($1,557 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: CUNY City College's 79.3% retention and 49.6% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical college performance. Career outcomes ($69,816 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, CUNY City College and $1,557 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 49.6% graduation rate sits 12.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.3% first-year retention is 2.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $69,816 run about 13% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $1,557 is roughly $18,350 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 89.6% employment rate within three years is 21.4 points above the national 68.2%.
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.
- 89.6% employment rate within three years sits 21.4 points above 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 A- overall. It appears at #162 in EDsmart's rankings Category results include Completion (B), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (A+).
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 49.6% graduate within 150% of normal time (58.3% within eight years). Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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 $1,557 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $12,926.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,369 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,695 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 63.3% 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 $69,816 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 13% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.6%.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). CUNY City College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/cuny-city-college/
MLA (9th): “CUNY City College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/cuny-city-college/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “CUNY City College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/cuny-city-college/.
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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 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 $1,557. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is CUNY City College's ranking?
CUNY City College ranks #162 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is CUNY City College's graduation rate?
At CUNY City College, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 49.6% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 58.3%, and first-year retention is 79.3%.
What are CUNY City College's job outcomes?
Graduates of CUNY City College report median earnings of $69,816 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is CUNY City College's student population?
CUNY City College enrolls about 12,505 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 160 Convent Ave, 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 Rate27.7%