CUNY City College (CCNY), founded in 1847 in New York City, is the flagship campus of the CUNY system and a top public college ranked #105 in National Universities by U.S. News. Known as ??he Harvard of the proletariat,' CCNY offers prestigious programs in engineering, architecture, and the sciences. Its 35-acre campus in Harlem features landmarks like the Shepard Hall and the Grove School of Engineering.
CCNY's legacy includes 10 Nobel laureates and a commitment to accessible, high-quality education. The college's location provides internships at Wall Street firms, tech startups, and cultural institutions. CCNY also boasts diverse student life, NCAA Division III athletics, and cutting-edge research in fields like nanotechnology and climate science.
CUNY City College Acceptance Rate
CUNY City College (City College of New York) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 58.07%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
CUNY City College Admission Requirements
City College of New York GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at City College of New York is 3.2. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.9 and 3.2, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
City College of New York GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at City College of New York utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.2, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.20 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.00 – 3.19 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.80 – 2.99 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.79 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At City College of New York, 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.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
CUNY City College (City College of New York) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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 2025 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.
CUNY City College Average SAT Score: 1340
The average SAT score of the admitted students at CUNY City College is 1340 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1340 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1460 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. CUNY City College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1220, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to City College of New York. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 680 | 610 | 750 |
| SAT Reading | 660 | 610 | 710 |
| SAT Composite | 1340 | 1220 | 1460 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1220 then you are below most of the admitted students at City College of New York and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1460 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 1350
Can I get into CUNY City College (City College of New York) with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at CUNY City College (City College of New York) are good but the admission staff at City College of New York 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.
City College of New York Profile
Name: CUNY City College (City College of New York)
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from City College of New York Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at CUNY City College is USD: 13514. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at CUNY City College is USD: 3486
How can I get a scholarship?
59.58% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 7.48 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to City College of New York and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At CUNY City College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist City College of New York as your choice in the form.
How much a City College of New York Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 66039. An average City College of New York 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 USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than CUNY City College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College, GA | 1296 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as CUNY City College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Bentley University, MA | 1340 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than CUNY City College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Architecture
- Area Studies
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
Frequently Asked Questions About CUNY City College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $66039 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $13514 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of CUNY City College is 58.07 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.2. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: 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 2.9, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.9, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.9 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.8 or less, it may makes 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.
Question: Can I apply to CUNY City College if my GPA is below 2.8
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.2, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to CUNY City College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1340 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1220-1460
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: 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.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: 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.
Full list of All degree programs offered by CUNY City College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.