Every year, lots of students try to get into CUNY, which is the biggest public university system in big cities in the U.S. CUNY stands for The City University of New York, and it’s spread across all five boroughs of New York City. These schools have been around for a long time, with some starting way back in 1847. CUNY itself officially began in 1961. Each year, more than 275,000 students go to CUNY. Since it’s in New York City, it’s super diverse, with students from all different backgrounds. But, before we talk about which CUNY schools are the best. Here are the 10 Ultimate CUNY School Ranking in 2024. Best CUNY School Ranking listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, In-State Tuition and Fees, and Out-of-State Tuition and Fees. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.
10 Ultimate CUNY School Ranking
1) Baruch College
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- SAT Range: 1150-1350
- Four-year Graduation Rate: 49%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,461
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $19,131
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,859
Baruch College takes the lead as our top pick among CUNY schools. It’s split into three schools: the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, the Zicklin School of Business, and The Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. While it’s known for its business programs, Baruch offers a wide range of subjects. You can find its campus between East 22nd and East 25th Streets in Manhattan, making it easy to get to with public transit.
2) Hunter College
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- SAT Range: 1170-1340
- Four-year Graduation Rate: 31%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,380
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $19,050
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 18,152
Hunter College comes in a very close second on our list. It’s more focused on liberal arts and humanities compared to Baruch. Originally a women’s college in 1870, Hunter started admitting men in 1946. You’ll find its main campus just two blocks east of Central Park at East 68th Street and Lexington Avenue. Being close to major cultural spots like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hunter offers an enriching location.
3) Queens College
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- SAT Range: 1040-1190
- Four-year Graduation Rate: 28%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,538
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $19,208
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,883
Queens College boasts an 80-acre campus mainly in Flushing, Queens, a vibrant part of the city. Established in 1937, it offers undergrad degrees in 78 majors and over 100 master’s degrees.
4) Brooklyn College
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- SAT Range: 1020-1180
- Four-year Graduation Rate: 31%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,440
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $19,110
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,405
Brooklyn College sits on a scenic 35-acre campus away from the city hustle. Notable alumni include Bernie Sanders and Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to U.S. Congress.
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5) New York City College of Technology (City Tech)
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- SAT Range: N/A
- Four-year Graduation Rate: 10%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: N/A
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,320
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $15,270
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,277
Despite its high acceptance rate, City Tech is highly respected, ranking as the 16th best public school in the U.S., according to U.S. News. It serves a crucial role in New York, particularly for those interested in tech-related fields.
6) The City College of New York (CCNY)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- SAT Range: 1050-1260
- Four-year Graduation Rate: 24%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,340
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $15,270
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 12,364
CCNY stands as a solid choice among CUNY schools, holding a rich history dating back to 1847 as the first free public institution of higher education in the U.S.
7) John Jay College of Criminal Justice (John Jay)
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- SAT Range: 1000-1150
- Four-year Graduation Rate: N/A
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,470
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,146
Known for its focus on criminal justice and forensics, John Jay also offers a solid liberal arts curriculum. Established in 1964, it’s centrally located in Hell’s Kitchen in midtown Manhattan.
8) Lehman College
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- SAT Range: 960-1080
- Four-year Graduation Rate: 30%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,380
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $15,330
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 12,375
Situated in the Bronx, Lehman College ranks at number 8. Its 37-acre campus boasts a blend of Gothic and modern architecture.
9) Medgar Evers College
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- SAT Range: 710-900
- Four-year Graduation Rate: 17%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $7,250
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $18,920
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,134
Nestled in central Brooklyn near Prospect Park, Medgar Evers College offers a smaller yet engaging educational experience. Popular majors include biology, psychology, and business.
10) College of Staten Island (CSI)
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- SAT Range: 990-1160
- Four-year Graduation Rate: N/A
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- In-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: N/A
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,743
The lone four-year CUNY school in Staten Island, CSI boasts a vast 204-acre campus surrounded by greenery, making it the largest in New York City.
Best CUNY School Ranking – Conclusion
The CUNY system offers a diverse range of educational opportunities across its various campuses, catering to students’ interests and aspirations. From renowned institutions like Baruch College and Hunter College to lesser-known gems like Medgar Evers College and Lehman College, each school within the CUNY system provides unique strengths and resources for students to thrive academically and personally. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling city atmosphere of Manhattan or the serene landscapes of Staten Island, there’s a CUNY school that can offer you a fulfilling college experience. With affordable tuition rates, a commitment to diversity, and a focus on quality education, CUNY continues to stand as a beacon of higher learning in the heart of New York City.