CUNY City College

New York, NY

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

11,934

Total Students

$7K

Tuition (In-State)

$15K

Tuition (Out-State)

$3K

Avg Net Price

58%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Graduation Rate

6-year

79%

Retention Rate

Doctoral Universities

Classification

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

About CUNY City College

America's first free public higher education, CUNY City College shapes diverse futures.

Step into a legacy of opportunity at CUNY City College, the proud flagship institution of the City University of New York system. Founded in 1847 as the nation's first free public institution of higher education, CCNY has a rich history of breaking barriers and fostering academic excellence. Known affectionately as the "Harvard of the Proletariat" and "Harvard-on-the-Hudson," it has consistently provided a rigorous education based on academic merit, embodying its founder's vision to "open the doors to all… Let the children of the rich and the poor take their seats together."

City College's influence extends far beyond its classrooms, having set numerous precedents in American higher education. It established the nation's first student government in 1867, and in 1899, founded Delta Sigma Phi, the first national fraternity to accept members regardless of religion, race, color, or creed. The college also pioneered the first degree-granting evening program in 1907. This spirit of innovation and inclusion, coupled with a vibrant tradition of intellectual debate and social activism, has created a dynamic and engaging environment for students through generations.

Academically, CCNY is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," reflecting its strong commitment to advanced scholarship and innovation. Prospective students can pursue cutting-edge programs within its renowned professional schools, including the Grove School of Engineering, generously supported by a $26 million donation from Intel co-founder Andrew Grove, and the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, which received a $25 million gift and boasts a state-of-the-art facility. Additionally, the Macaulay Honors College offers an enriched experience for top-tier undergraduates.

Today, City College continues its mission of providing a transformative education in the heart of New York City. With its historic campus, dedicated faculty, and diverse student body, CCNY empowers the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators, ensuring that high-quality education remains accessible and impactful for all who seek it.

Key Highlights

✦Pioneering Legacy: Established in 1847 as the United States' first free public institution of higher education, and the oldest of CUNY's 25 institutions.
✦Academic Excellence: Classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," indicating a strong commitment to graduate-level research.
✦Financial Strength: Boasts an endowment of $290 million (as of 2019), supporting its mission and programs.
✦Innovative Precedents: Home to the nation's first student government (1867), the first national fraternity to accept members regardless of background (Delta Sigma Phi, 1899), and the first degree-granting evening program (1907).
✦Leading Professional Schools: Features the highly-regarded Grove School of Engineering (endowed with $26 million by Intel co-founder Andrew Grove) and the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture (recipient of a $25 million gift).
✦Diverse and Engaging Campus: Known historically as the "Harvard of the Proletariat" for its rigorous academics and accessible education, fostering a vibrant intellectual and socially conscious student body.

Timeline

1847

Founded as the Free Academy of the City of New York by Townsend Harris.

1866

Renamed the College of the City of New York.

1867

Formed the Academic Senate, the first student government in the nation.

1899

Delta Sigma Phi, the first national fraternity to accept members without regard to religion, race, color, or creed, was founded at CCNY.

1907

The college newspaper, The Campus, published its first issue, and the first degree-granting evening session in the U.S. began.

1919

Separate Schools of Business and Civic Administration and of Technology (Engineering) were established.

1930

Admitted women to its graduate programs for the first time.

1951

Became a fully coeducational institution.

1961

The institution officially became known as the City College of the City University of New York as CUNY was formally established.

2005

The Engineering School was renamed the Grove School of Engineering following a $26 million donation.

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within CUNY City College

⚙️

Grove School of Engineering

Renamed in 2005 after a $26 million donation from Intel co-founder Andrew Grove, it has the authority to grant doctorates in engineering and offers robust programs in various engineering disciplines.

🏫

Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture

Renamed in 2009 after a $25 million gift, this school moved into a completely remodeled building designed by Rafael Viñoly, providing a modern environment for architectural education.

📚

School of Education

Established in 1921, it pioneered the first degree-granting evening session in the United States and continues to prepare future educators in response to city requirements for academic backgrounds.

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School of Business and Civic Administration

Established in 1919 alongside the School of Technology (Engineering), offering academic programs in business and public administration.

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