CUNY Hunter College logo

CUNY Hunter College

Accept Rate
54.05%
Grad Rate
58.7%
Enrollment
16,642
Avg SAT
1350
Tuition
$7,382
Median Salary
$63,163
Overall Grade
B+
C+
Academics
A+
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
B+
Campus
A+
Aid

The Vibe Check

CUNY Hunter College buzzes with the intellectual energy of a diverse, ambitious student body deeply embedded in the fabric of New York City. The campus feels like a vertical urban campus where the line between classroom and city blurs, fostering a community that's gritty, resilient, and incredibly driven.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

54.05%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 135075th Pctl
12101470
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

1) Since Hunter uses a holistic review, ensure your essay showcases your intellectual curiosity and how you'll contribute to the campus's diverse community. 2) Given the competitive nature of programs like Nursing and Film, have a clear academic plan and highlight relevant coursework or experiences in your application. 3) Strongly consider the CUNY Excelsior Scholarship if you are a high-achieving NY resident, as it can cover tuition entirely.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1350
40080012001600
School range: 1210โ€“1470

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Hunter is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts core and powerhouse programs in psychology, health sciences, and the visual and performing arts. Classes are taught by dedicated faculty who are often leaders in their fields, with research opportunities that leverage the vast resources of New York City for internships and academic projects.

Popular Majors

Psychology
18.8%
Multidisciplinary Studies
13.8%
Social Sciences
13.7%
Computer Science
8.6%
Health Professions
8%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.9%
Biology & Biomedical
5.6%
English & Literature
4.5%
Communications
4%
Physical Sciences
4%
Business & Marketing
3.1%
Foreign Languages
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

58.7%
Graduation Rate
80%
Retention Rate
16,642
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$7,382
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$2,446
After financial aid
Total Cost
$13,310
Cost of attendance/year
55%
Receive Pell Grants
7.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New York

Student life at Hunter is inseparable from New York City; you are steps away from Central Park, Museum Mile, and world-class theaters. Students spend their free time exploring diverse neighborhoods, grabbing cheap eats in the East Village, attending gallery openings in Chelsea, or simply studying in the city's endless array of public spaces.

Local Rent Check

$2,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New York
Explore New York

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$29,528
$0Est. 4 Years: $29,528

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($63,163):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The main campus is located in the Upper East Side, a generally safe and affluent neighborhood with a significant police presence. However, as with any urban campus, students should practice standard city safety awareness, especially when traveling on the subway or at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Unbeatable access to New York City's internships, culture, and career opportunities
  • โœ“ Extremely high value with one of the lowest average net prices for a major university
  • โœ“ Strong academic programs in high-demand fields like health professions and computer science
  • โœ“ Diverse and driven student body that reflects the global talent of NYC

Cons

  • โœ— The urban setting means there is no traditional 'college town' or campus green
  • โœ— Graduation rate of 58.7% is below the national average, requiring strong student self-discipline
  • โœ— Housing is not guaranteed, and many students commute, which can impact campus community feel

Notable Alumni

Patricia Clarkson
Acclaimed actress with an Academy Award nomination for her role in 'Pieces of a Woman' and a Tony Award winner.
John Leguizamo
Versatile and award-winning actor, comedian, and producer known for his work in film, television, and on Broadway.
Christine Quinn
Former Speaker of the New York City Council and a prominent political leader in city government.

Frequently Asked Questions

CUNY Hunter College is best known for its strong liberal arts foundation, particularly its top-ranked programs in psychology, health sciences (including nursing), and visual and performing arts. It is also recognized as a premier institution for producing educators and social workers, with a deep commitment to public service and social mobility.

CUNY Hunter College has an acceptance rate of approximately 54%, making it moderately selective. While not as exclusive as some private colleges, it attracts a large pool of qualified applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1350, indicating that successful applicants typically have strong academic credentials.

Campus life at Hunter is a unique blend of a tight-knit academic community and the vast opportunities of New York City. With an 80% retention rate, students who stay are highly engaged, but it's important to note that the campus is largely a commuter school, meaning student life is more active during class hours and less focused on traditional residence hall activities.

Absolutely. For New York residents, the value is exceptional due to low in-state tuition and significant financial aid, including Pell Grants for 55% of students. The 10-year median earnings of $63,163, combined with the unparalleled career access provided by its NYC location, makes the degree a highly worthwhile investment for most students.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Mount Sinai Health System New York-Presbyterian Hospital New York City Department of Education NYC Health + Hospitals The New York Times
Smart Start Score
65

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 20,155
  • In-State Tuition $7,382
  • Out-of-State $15,332
  • Zip Code 10065

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 35.2% โ™€ 64.8%

The Money Talk

With a remarkably low average net price of $2,446 and affordable in-state tuition, Hunter offers an exceptional return on investment. The combination of a low financial barrier to entry and a strong 10-year median earnings figure of over $63,000 makes it one of the most financially sound choices for a quality degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $7,382
Housing (12 mo) $29,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $43,994
With avg financial aid:
$2,446/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.