The
City College of New York, also known as “CUNY,” is the quintessential higher education institution in the Big Apple. It's almost unfathomable how it's not as well-known or as prestigious as other universities in New York City, such as Columba, Fordham, and New York University. Granted, those schools are some of the best of the best, but CUNY easily equals them in many things too. It's the largest urban public university in the nation and has a vast array of programs, some of which you won't even find anywhere else.
Source: The City College of New York Facebook Page
History of CUNY
“
Open the doors to all… Let the children of the rich and the poor take their seats together and know of no distinction save that of industry, good conduct, and intellect.” This was the proclamation made by former New York State Governor John Young when he granted permission for the founding of the City College of
New York. Wealthy businessman and former president of the Board of Education Townsend Harris founded the school in 1847. First named the “Free Academy of the City of New York,” it was established to provide higher education to immigrants and the poor.
What Does CUNY Look Like?
CUNY's campus is spread throughout different
neighborhoods in New York City, specifically in Manhattan. Its main building is in Manhattanville and stands out with its striking Gothic architectural design. Its decidedly old-world facade is a stark contrast from the city's more well-known Neoclassical museums and modern skyscrapers. The school's other buildings are also new and contemporary, all standing as proof of how the school stays with the times. What's also notable about CUNY's campus is that it has ample outdoor green spaces, something that not many schools in the middle of the big city have.
Source: The City College of New York Facebook Page
The CUNY Student Body
Surprisingly, CUNY's student body is far from the biggest, at least compared to the other universities in New York City. The school welcomes about 14,500 enrollees per year, composed of both new applicants and returning students who have yet to graduate. While it's a big number in itself, it's also far fewer than the city's other, more well-known academic institutions that have as many as 20,000 to 30,000 students per year. To break the school down even further, the student body is also composed of over 13,100 undergraduates and about 3,400 postgraduates.
CUNY's Best Programs and Courses
CUNY is perhaps the most complex university in New York City, especially with its majors. Much like other higher educational institutions out there, the school offers a myriad of academic programs, ranging from business and science to humanities and the arts. Even its most popular courses are completely different from each other. Its top major, for example, is Psychology, both in undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The second-most popular? Biological sciences. The third is Computer Science and this top trilogy simply proves that CUNY doesn't just specialize in just one field.
Source: The City College of New York Facebook Page
CUNY’s Prerequisites
Is it hard to get into CUNY? Well, compared to other schools of its caliber, it's safe to say that it's not. Or at the very least, less challenging. For one thing, the school's prerequisites are pretty standard. Apart from the usual academic accomplishments (high school diploma for undergraduates or at least a Bachelor's Degree in any related field for postgraduates), you'll need to fill up the application form, submit official school transcripts in English, show proof of English proficiency, and get health insurance. As for your test scores, you need at least an average SAT score of 1050-1260 or an ACT score of around 23-31.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at CUNY?
Since it's a public university, CUNY is far from the most expensive school in the city. Does it still impose high tuition fees? Yes, it does. But since it imposes its tuition per semester, it's relatively easier to manage for those who don't necessarily come from wealthy backgrounds. At the same time, however, the total amount you pay will depend on various factors. For example, the tuition fee for local New York resident students costs up to $7,340.00 per semester while out-of-state and international students have to pay around $19,010.00 per semester. There are also the costs for your study materials and housing fees if you choose to stay in the school dorms instead of
renting an apartment in New York City.
Source: The City College of New York Facebook Page
Where is CUNY in New York City?
As already mentioned, most of CUNY's campus is in Manhattanville, one of the lesser-known neighborhoods in its namesake New York City borough. Located in Upper Manhattan, it's tucked away in one of the quieter parts of the metropolis, decidedly a fair distance away from the city's business hubs. This allows the school and its students to go about their studies in peace. Even its main buildings seem closed off to the rest of the city, guaranteeing the students' safety and giving them a quiet oasis for their education. Hence, the area is also suitable for renting a place close to the school.
CUNY's Famous Graduates
Much like its array of different majors, CUNY’s alumni list is also made up of diverse influential figures. One of the best things to note about is that the school has produced more than a handful of Nobel laureates. They include Julius Axelrod (Medicine), Robert J. Aumann (Economics), Arno Penzias (Physics), and though he didn't technically graduate here, Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Kissinger still studied here for a bit. Its business school has also taught the likes of fashion mogul Ralph Laurent, CEO of HBC North America Holdings William F. Aldinger III, and former CEO of Philip Morris International George Weissman, among many others.
Source: The City College of New York Facebook Page
The City College of New York (CUNY) deserves a lot more recognition as one of the finest schools in the city. As far as universities go, no other offers as vast an education as this academic institution.
