CUNY City College

CUNY City College admitted 60.0% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That means most students who apply get in. Your job is to meet the requirements and apply on time.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1070–1430 on the SAT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what CUNY City College actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

You're unique, why shouldn't your major be, too?

Undergraduate programs lead to either an associate or bachelor's degree, with bachelor's typically requiring 120 college credits, and opportunities exist to build customized majors combining multiple disciplines.

• Business, Management & AccountingBusiness, Management, Accounting
• EducationTeaching, Pedagogy
• Engineering & ArchitectureEngineering, Architecture

Verified from cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu and cuny.edu.

• Next deadlineFebruary 1, 2027 (RD)
• Regular decisionFebruary 1, 2027
• TestingOptional (2026 cycle)

Verified from ccny.cuny.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

• Describe an experience/time that impacted your life. It could be when you learned something new, faced a situation that challenged you, or anything academic, personal, or professional related that has made an impact on you.

  Up to 500 words

• Why do you want to go to college and what are some of your areas of academic interest or career goals? How does your specific Macaulay campus choice fit with those plans? What do you expect to contribute and gain from the campus-based and Macaulay communities?

  Up to 500 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from ccny.cuny.edu.

The sticker price is about $14,403. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $3,776.

Scholarships are available, often awarded based on academic merit, and CUNY's financial aid enables 75% of students to graduate debt-free.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $66,039.

Verified from ccny.cuny.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

• Psychology, General19% of degrees
• Biology, General9% of degrees
• Fine and Studio Arts5% of degrees
• Computer Science5% of degrees
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities5% of degrees
• Mechanical Engineering4% of degrees

As part of the CUNY system, City College contributes to a vibrant urban university experience with campuses spread throughout New York City.

Is CUNY City College test-optional?

For the 2026 application cycle, standardized testing at CUNY City College is optional.

How hard is it to get into CUNY City College?

Very hard. CUNY City College admits 60.0% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070 to 1430 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

When is the CUNY City College application deadline?

The next deadline is February 1, 2027 (RD). Regular Decision closes February 1, 2027.

How much does CUNY City College cost?

The list price is about $14,403. After aid, families pay $3,776 on average.

Is CUNY City College worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $66,039 ten years after enrolling. 56% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.