CUNY City College
The Vibe Check
CUNY City College has a gritty, ambitious energy rooted in its historic Gothic Revival campus, often called 'the Harvard of the poor.' There's a palpable sense of hustle and diversity, with students from every background intensely focused on leveraging their education for upward mobility. It feels like a place where resilience and intellectual curiosity collide on the bustling streets of Harlem.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
City College is renowned for its top-tier engineering school and strong programs in psychology, social sciences, and the arts. The curriculum is rigorous and practical, with many professors who are industry professionals in New York City. Research opportunities are accessible, particularly through the Grove School of Engineering and partnerships with nearby medical and research institutions.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in New York
Students take full advantage of NYC, with easy subway access to Midtown, the Lower East Side, and Brooklyn for concerts, museums, and nightlife. On campus, student life is active with over 150 clubs, Division I athletics, and events at the historic Aaron Davis Hall. Many students also explore the vibrant food and culture scenes of Harlem and Upper Manhattan right outside their doors.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($66,039):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in Harlem, which has seen significant revitalization but still requires standard urban awareness. CCNY has its own campus security, but students should be vigilant, especially when traveling on the subway or walking at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Extremely low cost for a world-class location and degree.
- ✓ Renowned engineering and architecture programs with strong industry ties.
- ✓ Unparalleled diversity of student body and ideas.
- ✓ Access to the entire ecosystem of New York City for internships and culture.
Cons
- ✗ Primarily commuter campus, which can limit a traditional 'college town' social scene.
- ✗ Graduation rate is below the national average, suggesting students must be self-motivated.
- ✗ Facilities can feel dated in some areas, and bureaucracy may be slow.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
CUNY City College, or CCNY, is historically known as 'the Harvard of the poor' for its legacy of providing elite education to working-class students. It is particularly renowned for its Grove School of Engineering, its distinguished architecture program, and its strong departments in psychology, social sciences, and the arts. Its beautiful Gothic Revival campus in Harlem is also an iconic landmark.
CUNY City College has an acceptance rate of approximately 58%, making it moderately selective. While not as competitive as some elite private colleges, it attracts a large, diverse applicant pool. Successful applicants typically present a strong high school record, with an average SAT score around 1340, though a holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and resilience.
Campus life is vibrant but reflects its urban, commuter nature. There are over 150 student clubs and organizations, as well as NCAA Division I sports teams. Many students are deeply involved in campus activities, but the social scene also extends into New York City, with students exploring neighborhoods like Harlem, the Village, and Brooklyn for entertainment and dining.
Absolutely. With an average net price of under $3,500 and a median 10-year earnings of over $66,000, the return on investment is exceptional. For New York residents, it's one of the most affordable paths to a respected bachelor's degree, providing access to the city's job market without the burden of massive student debt.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 14,009
- In-State Tuition $7,340
- Out-of-State $15,290
- Zip Code 10031
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of just $3,486, CCNY offers an exceptional return on investment, especially for in-state students. The combination of low tuition and high post-graduation earnings ($66,039 median after 10 years) makes it one of the most financially sound choices in the country. For over half the student body receiving Pell Grants, it's a transformative gateway to economic mobility.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.