CUNY Hunter College
CUNY Hunter College is a public university in New York, NY ranked #411 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 16,289 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 53.8%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.6% first-year retention, and 56.9% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $2,984, about $14,014 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 322.4%, roughly 237.1 points higher than typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,414. That's about $6,726 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
CUNY Hunter College has an acceptance rate of 53.8%, annual tuition of $7,382, average net price of $2,984, and a national rank of #411 (Grade B+), with a 56.9% six-year graduation rate, about 16,289 undergraduates, and median earnings of $50,414 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is CUNY Hunter 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 Hunter College graduates 56.9% of students within six years and keeps 77.6% 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 Hunter 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 | $7,382 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,832 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,216 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $13,905 |
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 55.9% of CUNY Hunter 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 $1,029 annually, while high-income families pay $12,259. Use CUNY Hunter College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $8,810/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $12,259/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,414
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,414
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $8,812
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 56.8%
- Employment Rate 44.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for CUNY Hunter 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 Hunter College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how CUNY Hunter College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes CUNY Hunter College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 322.4% return on investment, CUNY Hunter College delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $50,414 median—+15% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 550-700
- SAT Math 550-720
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 16,289
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.6%
- Graduation Rate 56.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into CUNY Hunter College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: CUNY Hunter 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 53.8%, CUNY Hunter 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 53.8% acceptance rate, CUNY Hunter 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 1100 and 1420 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among CUNY Hunter College undergraduates. Psychology, General, Human Biology, and English Language and Literature, General draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 19.7%
- Human Biology 9.0%
- English Language and Literature, General 6.9%
- Sociology 6.4%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.3%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.9%
See more majors
- Economics 4.2%
- Chemistry 4.1%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $114,310
- 2. Computer Science $110,465
- 3. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $95,931
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $84,662
- 5. Mathematics $80,498
- 6. Economics $77,945
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $74,538
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $72,805
- 9. Biological and Physical Sciences $71,599
- 10. Chemistry $68,071
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $147,305
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $140,979
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $117,819
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $109,803
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $100,354
- 6. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $98,307
- 7. Public Health (Master's Degree) $95,393
- 8. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $93,690
- 9. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree) $88,528
- 10. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $87,910
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $114,310—68% more than Chemistry ($68,071). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $147,305 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for CUNY Hunter 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, 670 graduates)
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 544 graduates)
- Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree, 315 graduates)
- Human Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 307 graduates)
- English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degree, 235 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 (54 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Human Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Political Science and Government
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Social Work
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Anthropology
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Public Health
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Statistics
- Geography and Cartography
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Physics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Dance
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Archeology
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Area Studies
Online Master's Degrees (46 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Special Education and Teaching
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Statistics
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Psychology, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Biology, General
- Music
- Literature
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- History
- Geography and Cartography
- Economics
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Public Health
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Dance
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Area Studies
Online Doctoral Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
- Public Health
- Physics
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (17 programs)â–¼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Psychology, Other
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Geography and Cartography
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Work
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- Public Administration
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Business/Commerce, General
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 16,289
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 34.1%
- Female Students 65.9%
- Caucasian 18.4%
- Asian 31.0%
- Hispanic 31.3%
- Black 11.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 55.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects CUNY Hunter College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of CUNY Hunter College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does CUNY Hunter 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 Hunter College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: CUNY Hunter College has a diverse student body, with 18.4% identifying as White. Women make up 65.9% of undergraduates. 55.9% 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 Hunter 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 Hunter College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
CUNY Hunter College achieves an exceptional 322.4% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #411 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $50,414 median earnings while paying just $2,984 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 56.9% six-year graduation rate and 77.6% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why CUNY Hunter College Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies CUNY Hunter College as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: CUNY Hunter College's 322.4% ROI stems from balancing $50,414 median post-graduation earnings against $2,984 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 322.4% 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 #411 ranking, CUNY Hunter 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
- 56.9% six-year graduation rate sits 5.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.6% first-year retention is 0.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 322.4% return on investment is 237.1 points above the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,414 run about 15% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $2,984 is roughly $14,413 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 44.9% employment rate within three years sits 23.3 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
CUNY Hunter College is a public university based in New York, NY and earns a B+ overall grade. It appears at #411 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes C, 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.
Student momentum is strong: 77.6% retention and 56.9% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures 322.4% 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 $2,984 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $13,905.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,921 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $8,812 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 55.9% 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 $50,414 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 15% higher.
Roughly 44.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 322.4% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
53.8% 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 Hunter 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 Hunter College's acceptance rate?
CUNY Hunter College's acceptance rate is 53.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does CUNY Hunter College cost?
At CUNY Hunter College, listed tuition and fees are $7,382 per year, and the average net price after aid is $2,984. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is CUNY Hunter College's ranking?
CUNY Hunter College ranks #411 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is CUNY Hunter College's graduation rate?
At CUNY Hunter College, the six-year graduation rate is 56.9%, and first-year retention is 77.6%.
What are CUNY Hunter College's job outcomes?
Graduates of CUNY Hunter College report median earnings of $50,414 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is CUNY Hunter College's student population?
CUNY Hunter College enrolls about 16,289 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address New York, NY 10065
- Website www.hunter.cuny.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$180.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate26.7%