CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

15,734

Total Students

$7K

Tuition (In-State)

$15K

Tuition (Out-State)

$3K

Avg Net Price

50%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Graduation Rate

6-year

88%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

NYC's urban powerhouse for business and public affairs, built on a legacy of free higher education.

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College stands as a vibrant cornerstone of New York City's academic landscape, renowned for its exceptional programs in business and public affairs. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Baruch provides a dynamic and accessible education, building on a proud legacy that dates back to the very origins of free public higher education in the United States.

Baruch's roots trace back to the 1847 founding of the Free Academy, the nation's first institution to offer free public higher education. It evolved into the City College School of Business and Civic Administration in 1919, quickly becoming the largest institution of its kind for business education. The college eventually gained independence in 1968 as Baruch College, named in honor of Bernard Baruch, an accomplished alumnus of City College, financier, and presidential advisor, whose spirit of achievement continues to inspire its students.

Today, Baruch College is recognized for its rigorous academics and commitment to student success. Its strengths extend beyond its acclaimed business programs to include a prominent School of Public Affairs, established in 1994. The college continually enhances its learning environment, marked by the opening of the modern Vertical Campus in 2001 and its welcoming of Macaulay Honors College students. Baruch consistently earns accolades as a top college for social mobility and boasts the best graduation rate within the CUNY system, preparing its diverse student body for impactful careers in a global economy.

Key Highlights

✦Traces its origins to the 1847 Free Academy, the first institution of free public higher education in the U.S.
✦Established in 1919 as City College School of Business and Civic Administration, becoming the largest business education school in the U.S. at the time.
✦Named in honor of Bernard Baruch, a prominent financier and advisor to two presidents and an 1889 graduate of CCNY.
✦Spun off as an independent senior college within the CUNY system in 1968.
✦Home to the School of Public Affairs, created in 1994, expanding academic offerings beyond business.
✦Recognized as a top college for social mobility and achieving the best graduation rate within the CUNY system.
✦Features modern facilities like the Vertical Campus (opened 2001) and welcomes students from the Macaulay Honors College.

Timeline

1847

The Free Academy, precursor to Baruch College, is founded, offering the nation's first free public higher education.

1919

Established as City College School of Business and Civic Administration.

1953

Renamed the Baruch School of Business in honor of alumnus Bernard Baruch.

1968

Becomes an independent senior college within the CUNY system, Baruch College.

1994

The School of Public Affairs is created.

2001

The Vertical Campus opens, and Baruch welcomes its first Macaulay Honors College students.

2010

Mitchel Wallerstein begins his presidency, leading to the establishment of global degree programs and top rankings.

2020

S. David Wu becomes the current president of Baruch College.

2025

The nearby 23rd Street subway station is renamed 23rd Street–Baruch College.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

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School of Public Affairs

Established in 1994, this school offers programs focused on public policy, administration, and non-profit management.

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