CUNY York College
CUNY York College has an acceptance rate of 64.1%, annual tuition of $7,358, average net price of $4,456, and a national rank of #1580 (Grade C+), with a 41.2% graduation rate, about 4,345 undergraduates, and median earnings of $61,389 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
CUNY York College is a public university in Jamaica, NY. Students most often pursue Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 57.4% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 271.4%, roughly 221.5 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is CUNY York 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 York College graduates 41.2% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 57.4% 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 York 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 | $7,358 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $14,330 |
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 40.1% of CUNY York College students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $2,861 annually, while high-income families pay $12,520. Use CUNY York College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $9,383/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $12,520/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $61,389
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,945
- Average Years to Graduate 5.1 years
- Average Student Debt $11,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 47.8%
- Employment Rate 43.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for CUNY York 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 York College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how CUNY York College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes CUNY York College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 271.4% return on investment, CUNY York College delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $61,389 median—+2% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 410-480
- SAT Math 380-480
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,345
- Full-Time Students 74.2%
- Part-Time Students 25.8%
- Retention Rate 57.4%
- Graduation Rate 41.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into CUNY York College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: CUNY York 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 64.1%, CUNY York 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 64.1% acceptance rate, CUNY York 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 790 and 960 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among CUNY York College undergraduates. Psychology, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 14.2%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 13.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.5%
- Social Work 6.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.5%
- Sociology 4.9%
See more majors
- Computer Science 4.3%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.2%
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. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $105,425
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $96,826
- 3. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $83,222
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $69,456
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $65,162
- 6. Social Work $63,534
- 7. Accounting and Related Services $59,338
- 8. Psychology, General $56,157
- 9. Computer Science $55,731
- 10. Sociology $54,250
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $138,173
- 2. Social Work (Master's Degree) $60,020
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions grads earn $105,425—94% more than Sociology ($54,250). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $138,173 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for CUNY York 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, 169 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 163 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 114 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 79 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 66 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 (45 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Biology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Air Transportation
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Marketing
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communications Technology/Technician
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Journalism
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Music
- Gerontology
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Biotechnology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Social Work
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Air Transportation
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Social Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Air Transportation
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,345
- Full-Time Students 74.2%
- Part-Time Students 25.8%
- Male Students 35.3%
- Female Students 64.7%
- Caucasian 3.9%
- Asian 20.8%
- Hispanic 25.6%
- Black 39.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 40.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects CUNY York College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of CUNY York College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does CUNY York 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 York College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: CUNY York College has a diverse student body, with 3.9% identifying as White. Women make up 64.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does CUNY York 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 York College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
CUNY York College achieves an outstanding 271.4% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #1580 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $61,389 median earnings while paying just $4,456 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 41.2% graduation rate and 57.4% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why CUNY York College Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies CUNY York College as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: CUNY York College's 271.4% ROI stems from balancing $61,389 median post-graduation earnings against $4,456 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 271.4% 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 C+ grade and #1580 ranking, CUNY York 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
- 41.2% graduation rate sits 21.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 57.4% first-year retention is 19.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 271.4% return on investment is 221.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $61,389 run about 2% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $4,456 is roughly $15,623 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 57.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 43.3% employment rate within three years sits 24.9 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
Located in Jamaica, NY, CUNY York College operates as a public university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It stands at #1580 among 1962 schools Grades by category break down as Completion D-, Support B-, 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.
About 57.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 41.2% earn an award within eight years of entry. The reported ROI is 271.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $4,456 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $14,330.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,874 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 40.1% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $61,389 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 2% higher.
Roughly 43.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 271.4% 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
64.1% 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 York 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 York College's acceptance rate?
CUNY York College's acceptance rate is 64.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does CUNY York College cost?
At CUNY York College, listed tuition and fees are $7,358 per year, and the average net price after aid is $4,456. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is CUNY York College's ranking?
CUNY York College ranks #1580 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is CUNY York College's graduation rate?
At CUNY York College, the graduation rate is 41.2%, and first-year retention is 57.4%.
What are CUNY York College's job outcomes?
Graduates of CUNY York College report median earnings of $61,389 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is CUNY York College's student population?
CUNY York College enrolls about 4,345 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Jamaica, NY 11451
- Website www.york.cuny.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$2.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate39.3%