The City University of New York

The City University of New York (CUNY) is the largest urban public university system in the United States, serving nearly 240,000 degree-seeking students across New York City. As of January 2026, the system continues to see enrollment growth, particularly through initiatives like CUNY Reconnect for adult learners.

Academic Structure & Campuses

CUNY consists of 25 to 26 institutions located across all five boroughs:

• 11 Senior (4-year) Colleges: Includes notable institutions such as Baruch College, Hunter College, Brooklyn College, and The City College of New York (CCNY).
• 7 Community (2-year) Colleges: Includes schools like Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and LaGuardia Community College.
• Graduate & Professional Schools: Includes the CUNY Graduate Center, CUNY School of Law, and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.

Tuition & Financial Aid (2025–2026)

CUNY is known for its affordability and high social mobility rankings.

• In-State Tuition: Approximately $6,930 per year for four-year colleges and $4,800 per year for community colleges.
• Tuition-Free Opportunities: Under the Excelsior Scholarship, New York State residents from families earning $125,000 or less may attend tuition-free.
• Debt-Free Graduation: About 78% of CUNY undergraduates graduate with zero student debt.

Admissions & Student Resources

• Application: Students can apply to multiple CUNY colleges via a single application on the CUNY Admissions portal. For Fall 2026, applications are currently open.
• CUNYfirst: The central web-based system used by students and faculty to manage academic and financial records.
• Support Programs:
  • ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs): Provides financial and academic resources to help community college students graduate on time.
  • CUNY Online: Offers over 200 fully online degree programs.
  • CUNY CARES: A newer initiative helping students connect to essential services like healthcare and housing.

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