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 is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of CUNY Graduate School and University Center is 38.61%. This means that 39 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
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
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CUNY Graduate School and University Center (CUNY Graduate Center) 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 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)
Can I Get Into CUNY Graduate Center Without SAT Or ACT?: CUNY Graduate School and University Center does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from CUNY Graduate Center Worth It?
Getting into CUNY Graduate Center 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. CUNY Graduate Center 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 CUNY Graduate Center is USD: 60813.25 and unemployment rate is 4.9%.
How can I get a scholarship?
37.88% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 15.07 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 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 Graduate School and University Center is 38.61 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.