CUNY Graduate School and University Center

The CUNY Graduate School and University Center stands as New York City's distinguished public research institution and the principal doctorate-granting body within the expansive City University of New York (CUNY) system. Recognized with the prestigious "R1: Doctoral University–Very High Spending and Doctorate Production" classification, it epitomizes a commitment to groundbreaking research and advanced scholarly pursuits. Housed in the historic B. Altman and Company Building on Fifth Avenue, its Midtown Manhattan location places students at the heart of one of the world's most vibrant intellectual and cultural landscapes.

Academically, the Graduate Center is a powerhouse, offering 32 doctoral programs and 18 master's programs across a broad spectrum of disciplines. It fuels innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration through more than 30 specialized research centers and institutes. Students benefit from a unique faculty model, which includes a core of approximately 130 dedicated professors augmented by over 1,700 faculty members drawn from the diverse CUNY colleges across New York City, ensuring a rich and varied mentorship experience.

For prospective students, the Graduate Center offers a highly selective and supportive environment. With an average acceptance rate of 13.5% for its doctoral programs in Fall 2025, it attracts top talent. The institution is deeply committed to student success, demonstrated by significant financial support, such as the $51 million provided in student aid in Fall 2013, alongside robust academic resources including the Mina Rees Library and special access to the New York Public Library's extensive research collections. Beyond academics, the campus hosts cultural spaces like the James Gallery and media studios, enriching the student experience. The caliber of its faculty is outstanding, with members having received accolades such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and National Medal of Science, affirming the world-class expertise and mentorship available.