CUNY City College: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
New York, New York · Public · Moderately selective · CDS 2025-2026
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CUNY City College is a public university in New York, New York that admits about 58% of applicants, making it a moderately selective school. The average family pays about $3,776 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Psychology, General, Biology, General and Computer Science, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 50% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 1.4 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
CUNY City College is a public institution located in New York, New York with a moderately selective admissions profile. For the most recent reporting cycle, CUNY City College admits about half to three-quarters of applicants, with an overall admission rate of 58%. Admitted students typically post an average SAT around 1260. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $3,776 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for CUNY City College?
71% of enrolled students at CUNY City College had a high school GPA of 3.25 or above, and the average was 3.14, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.
What does CUNY City College weight in admissions?
CUNY City College reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2025-2026). What the weights mean
- • Academic GPA
- • Rigor of secondary school record
SAT and ACT scores CUNY City College typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 530–730, with an EBRW midpoint near —. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | — |
| 50th percentile | 1260 |
| 75th percentile | — |
| % submitting SAT | % |
- • Test-optional: Standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted and considered.
- • Policy detail: Considered if submitted
How much does CUNY City College actually cost?
Published tuition is $7,340 for in-state students and $15,290 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $18,840 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $3,776 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 61% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | $6,930 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,600 |
| Room and board | $19,552 |
| Average net price (after aid) | $3,776 |
| Application fee | $65 (waivers available) |
Application deadlines and early decision data for CUNY City College
| Notification date | Rolling basis beginning December 15 |
| Reply deadline | Must reply by May 1 or within 2 weeks if notified thereafter |
| Rolling admissions | Yes |
Will my child graduate from CUNY City College?
These predict outcomes at CUNY City College better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at CUNY City College
The most popular undergraduate programs at CUNY City College, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Psychology, General, Biology, General and Computer Science. Across all programs, CUNY City College confers roughly 1,304 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Psychology, General program report a median income of about $57,786 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 418 | $57,786 |
| Biology, General | 227 | $78,147 |
| Computer Science | 132 | $105,797 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 119 | $93,362 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 116 | $42,697 |
| Economics | 108 | $65,099 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 94 | $64,326 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 90 | $65,611 |
Is CUNY City College safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), CUNY City College disclosed 18 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 1.4 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 12 violent offenses and 1 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
Other colleges in New York parents ask about
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Common questions parents ask about CUNY City College
What GPA do I need for CUNY City College?
71% of enrolled students at CUNY City College had a high school GPA of 3.25 or above, and the average was 3.14, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does CUNY City College typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 530–730, with an EBRW midpoint near —.
How much does CUNY City College actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at CUNY City College after grants and scholarships is $3,776 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $7,340 and $15,290 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is CUNY City College realistic for my child?
CUNY City College admits 58% of applicants, so 530–730 SAT Math is target range and below 530 is a reach. Then check the $3,776 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at CUNY City College?
CUNY City College accepts about 58% of applicants out of roughly 34,284 who apply each year. That makes it a moderately selective school.
Is CUNY City College test-optional?
Yes. CUNY City College is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required, but strong scores can still be submitted and will be considered.
What is the graduation rate at CUNY City College?
About 50% of students at CUNY City College graduate within six years. 83% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does CUNY City College look for in applicants?
CUNY City College rates GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is CUNY City College a public or private school, and where is it located?
CUNY City College is a public institution located in New York, New York.
What are the most popular majors at CUNY City College?
The largest undergraduate majors at CUNY City College by annual graduates are Psychology, General, Biology, General and Computer Science. The school awards about 1,304 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is CUNY City College safe? What is its campus crime rate?
CUNY City College reported 18 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 1.4 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
Sources: the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by CUNY City College, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers