CUNY City College campus
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CUNY City College

New York, NY · Public · 12,505 students

The City University of New York spans 25 unique colleges across all five boroughs.

Acceptance rate

60.0%

SAT (mid 50%)

1070–1430

Avg net price

$3,776

after aid

Next deadline

Feb 1

RD

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and CUNY City College’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. CUNY City College admitted 60.0% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 10701430 on the SAT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what CUNY City College actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

A Degree for Every Dream

You're unique, why shouldn't your major be, too?

Undergraduate programs lead to either an associate or bachelor's degree, with bachelor's typically requiring 120 college credits, and opportunities exist to build customized majors combining multiple disciplines.

  • Business, Management & AccountingBusiness, Management, Accounting
  • EducationTeaching, Pedagogy
  • Engineering & ArchitectureEngineering, Architecture

Verified from cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Next deadlineFebruary 1, 2027 (RD)
  • Regular decisionFebruary 1, 2027

Verified from ccny.cuny.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • Describe an experience/time that impacted your life. It could be when you learned something new, faced a situation that challenged you, or anything academic, personal, or professional related that has made an impact on you.

    Up to 500 words

  • Why do you want to go to college and what are some of your areas of academic interest or career goals? How does your specific Macaulay campus choice fit with those plans? What do you expect to contribute and gain from the campus-based and Macaulay communities?

    Up to 500 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from ccny.cuny.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $14,403, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $3,776.

Scholarships are available, often awarded based on academic merit, and CUNY's financial aid enables 75% of students to graduate debt-free.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $66,039.

Verified from ccny.cuny.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

As part of the CUNY system, City College contributes to a vibrant urban university experience with campuses spread throughout New York City.

UrbanDiverse

Quick answers

CUNY City College FAQ

How hard is it to get into CUNY City College?
Very hard. CUNY City College admits 60.0% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1070 to 1430 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
When is the CUNY City College application deadline?
The next deadline is February 1, 2027 (RD). Regular Decision closes February 1, 2027.
How much does CUNY City College cost?
The list price is about $14,403, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $3,776.
Is CUNY City College worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $66,039 ten years after enrolling, and 56% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about CUNY City College.

Spike answers from CUNY City College’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.