CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College offers 175+ undergraduate and graduate programs across its School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, and School of Education. The faculty includes Pulitzer, Emmy, and Obie winners, lending prestige to classrooms. Business administration (28% of majors), psychology (17%), and education (9%) dominate student enrollment, with health professions and social sciences also popular. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention, though large lecture halls aren’t uncommon for intro courses. The college emphasizes research opportunities, particularly in STEM fields, and boasts strong ties to NYC’s professional networks.

Life at Brooklyn College is diverse but decentralized, with a commuter-heavy population (many students work part-time). Over 150 student clubs span cultural, academic, and recreational interests, from the Haitian Student Union to the Chess Team. The campus lacks Greek life, and school spirit is muted—Reddit threads describe it as 'inclusive but not cohesive.' Athletics compete in NCAA Division III, though games draw modest crowds. The West Quad and Student Center serve as hubs for socialization, while the Brooklyn location offers easy access to NYC’s internships and cultural scenes. Students praise the global diversity but note that forging connections requires initiative.

Brooklyn College’s six-year graduation rate is 57% (above average for public colleges), though the four-year rate lags at 35%. Programs like CUNY ASAP aim to boost these numbers, with participating students seeing a 38.5% three-year graduation rate. Alumni often secure jobs in NYC’s education, business, and nonprofit sectors, with many pursuing advanced degrees. The college’s affordability and strong local reputation make it a practical choice for career-focused students, though national name recognition is limited. Notably, outcomes vary significantly by major—education and health professions graduates report higher employment rates than liberal arts peers.

As a CUNY school, Brooklyn College is a budget standout—annual in-state tuition runs ~$7,000, with out-of-state students paying ~$18,000. A remarkable 90% of full-time undergraduates receive grant/scholarship aid, with first-years averaging $9,377 in need-based awards. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps families estimate costs after aid, which often includes Pell Grants and state subsidies. While housing is limited (most students commute), the total cost of attendance?Cost of attendanceThe full estimated yearly cost of a college: tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses, before any financial aid. remains far below national averages. For NYC residents seeking a low-debt degree, it’s one of the best values in higher education.

Brooklyn College delivers Ivy-caliber faculty and NYC opportunities at a community college price. Its strengths lie in practicality: strong job placement in local industries, a diverse student body that mirrors the city’s demographics, and a no-frills approach to education. The campus’s lack of pretension is its charm—this isn’t a place for football tailgates, but for future teachers, entrepreneurs, and researchers who want to graduate with minimal debt. The historic Quad and modern facilities (like the Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts) offer aesthetic appeal, but the real draw is the chance to study Pulitzer winners while paying subway fare, not private-school tuition.