CUNY City College

CCNY’s academic strengths lie in its STEM and social science programs, with psychology being the most popular major (389 degrees awarded annually). The school offers a broad curriculum across 140+ areas of study, including standout programs in engineering, atmospheric sciences, and architecture. Princeton Review named it one of the 209 Best Value Colleges for 2025, and the Center for World University Rankings places it in the top 1.8% globally for academic excellence. Students praise the faculty’s accessibility and the research opportunities available, particularly in biomedical sciences and urban studies. The school’s historic Gothic campus—a rarity in NYC—houses specialized facilities like the Grove School of Engineering labs and the Spitzer School of Architecture’s design studios.

CCNY’s diverse student body—hailing from over 150 countries—creates a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. Unlike many urban commuter schools, it boasts a traditional campus with green quads and neo-Gothic buildings, fostering community. Student organizations range from cultural clubs (e.g., Caribbean Students Association) to competitive robotics teams. The administration actively promotes cultural and social programming, including heritage month celebrations and speaker series. While some students note the commuter-heavy dynamic, weekend events and residence halls (housing ~1,000 students) help sustain engagement. The Harlem location provides easy access to internships and nightlife, though safety concerns occasionally arise.

CCNY’s four-year graduation rate is 29% (55% at six years), below national averages but typical for CUNY’s demographic of working-class students. However, 72% of employed 2021 graduates reported salaries over $50,000, with engineering and computer science majors faring best. The median alumni salary six years post-graduation is $46,435. CUNY’s ASAP program, which provides intensive advising and financial support, boosts graduation rates to 47.4% within three years for associate-degree seekers. Notably, 32% of employed grads secured jobs through campus recruiting or internships—a testament to CCNY’s strong NYC employer network.

As a public institution, CCNY offers one of NYC’s most affordable bachelor’s degrees, with in-state tuition at $7,242 annually. The average net price (after aid) is $26,153, though many low-income students qualify for full tuition coverage via CUNY’s Excelsior Scholarship or federal Pell Grants. Over 70% of students receive financial aid, with packages averaging $8,000–$10,000. The CUNY Financial Aid Estimator helps families project costs, accounting for grants, work-study, and loans. Housing costs are the biggest variable—dorms run $12,000/year, but most students save by commuting from the outer boroughs.

CCNY merges historic prestige (it was once called “the Harvard of the proletariat”) with 21st-century accessibility. Its Harlem campus—a leafy oasis with Collegiate Gothic towers—feels worlds away from the concrete jungle, while its research output rivals pricier private schools. The student body’s diversity (40% Hispanic, 20% Black, 20% Asian) mirrors NYC itself, creating a uniquely global learning environment. For STEM students, its affordable engineering and architecture programs deliver elite outcomes without the debt. Though graduation rates are a challenge, the ROI is undeniable: alumni include 10 Nobel laureates, and many first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. grads land middle-class careers in tech, education, and public service.