The CUNY Graduate School and University Center (CUNY Graduate Center) is the principal doctorate-granting institution of the City University of New York system. Located in Manhattan, the Graduate Center offers PhD programs across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, leveraging the expertise of faculty from throughout CUNY. The center's interdisciplinary institutes, like the Advanced Science Research Center, foster cutting-edge scholarship. Students benefit from the Graduate Center's location in the heart of New York City's intellectual and cultural life.
The Graduate Center's public mission emphasizes accessibility and engagement with urban issues. Its student body reflects New York City's diversity, with many students balancing academic work with professional careers. Faculty include distinguished scholars and practitioners who mentor the next generation of researchers and educators. Alumni hold leadership positions in academia, government, and the nonprofit sector, advancing knowledge and serving communities locally and globally.
CUNY Graduate School and University Center Acceptance Rate
CUNY Graduate School and University Center (CUNY Graduate Center) is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 23.81% indicates that only 24 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, CUNY Graduate Center considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
CUNY Graduate School and University Center Admission Requirements
CUNY Graduate Center GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at CUNY Graduate Center utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 0, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| -0.20 – -0.01 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| -0.40 – -0.21 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below -0.41 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At CUNY Graduate Center, 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 Graduate School and University Center (CUNY Graduate Center) 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 Graduate Center Profile
Name: CUNY Graduate School and University Center (CUNY Graduate Center)
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How can I get a scholarship?
34.75% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 13.28 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CUNY Graduate Center and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At CUNY Graduate School and University Center, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CUNY Graduate Center as your choice in the form.
How much a CUNY Graduate Center Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 65991. An average CUNY Graduate Center 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
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Archeology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Architecture
- Area Studies
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
Frequently Asked Questions About CUNY Graduate School and University Center Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $65991 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of CUNY Graduate School and University Center is 23.81 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
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 Graduate School and University Center.
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.