CUNY Brooklyn College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
CUNY Brooklyn College, founded in 1930, is a public liberal arts college in New York City, known for its affordability and strong programs in education, business, and the arts. Ranked among the top public colleges in the North, it combines academic rigor with urban accessibility.
The campus features a modern library, performance spaces, and research labs. Its diverse student body and Brooklyn location provide rich cultural and professional opportunities, with strong ties to NYC industries.
CUNY Brooklyn College Acceptance Rate
CUNY Brooklyn College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of CUNY Brooklyn College is 53.7%. This means that 54 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Recommended Academic Profile
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Brooklyn College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Brooklyn College is 3.42. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.62-3.82 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.12 and 3.42, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Brooklyn College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Brooklyn College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.42, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Brooklyn College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Brooklyn College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on CUNY Brooklyn College's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
CUNY Brooklyn College (Brooklyn College) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Brooklyn College Without SAT or ACT?
CUNY Brooklyn College Average SAT Score: 1310
The average SAT score of the admitted students at CUNY Brooklyn College is 1310 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1310 on the SAT.
If your score is below 1140, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Brooklyn College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 645 | 580 | 710 |
| SAT Reading | 635 | 560 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1310 | 1140 | 1420 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1140 then you are below most of the admitted students at Brooklyn College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1420 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into CUNY Brooklyn College (Brooklyn College) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at CUNY Brooklyn College (Brooklyn College) are good but the admission staff at Brooklyn College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Brooklyn College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Brooklyn College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Brooklyn College Profile
Is a Brooklyn College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Brooklyn College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Brooklyn College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Brooklyn College is $49,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.38%.
How much does a degree from Brooklyn College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at CUNY Brooklyn College is $13,573. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at CUNY Brooklyn College is $2,943.
56.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Brooklyn College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At CUNY Brooklyn College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Brooklyn College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Brooklyn College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $60,752. An average Brooklyn College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than CUNY Brooklyn College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| Mercer University | Macon, GA | 1280 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as CUNY Brooklyn College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than CUNY Brooklyn College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Brooklyn College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by CUNY Brooklyn College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklyn College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $60,752 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $13,573 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
56.4% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of CUNY Brooklyn College is 53.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.42. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.12, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.12, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.02 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.42, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to CUNY Brooklyn College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1310 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1140–1420.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
