CUNY Bernard M Baruch College admits 50.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Baruch in the moderately selective category, with admission standards more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining academic quality. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that Baruch is more selective than typical public institutions, making it a competitive option that requires solid academic credentials. This selectivity level means that qualified students with strong academic records have reasonable admission prospects, but applicants should still demonstrate preparation for rigorous coursework. Students should view Baruch as a match or slight reach school depending on their academic profile, and build college lists that include both more and less selective options. The combination of moderate selectivity with exceptional outcomes makes Baruch an attractive choice for students seeking value and career preparation. Given the institution's urban New York location and strong business programs, competition may be particularly intense among business-focused applicants. Students should ensure their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles and consider the institution's emphasis on quantitative preparation given its business focus.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Baruch typically score 1210-1410 on the SAT, with a median of 1310, demonstrating strong academic preparation. The middle 50% range means that 25% of enrolled students scored below 1210 and 25% scored above 1410, indicating that students outside this range are admitted but in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores range from 610-730, while SAT Verbal scores range from 600-680, showing balanced preparation across disciplines. Compared to the peer median SAT of 1198, Baruch students score 112 points higher on average, reflecting the institution's ability to attract well-prepared students despite its public mission. Students scoring below 1210 should expect to face competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. The relatively balanced Math and Verbal score ranges suggest the institution values comprehensive academic preparation rather than specialization in a single area. For business-focused programs, students should particularly emphasize quantitative preparation given the mathematical demands of finance, accounting, and economics coursework. Applicants should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, using the SAT ranges as guidance for realistic self-assessment rather than absolute requirements.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Baruch College enrolls a highly diverse student body that reflects its urban New York location and public mission. The institution enrolls 55.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating that more than half the student body comes from lower-income families with significant financial need. First-generation college students comprise 51.1% of enrollment, demonstrating the institution's role in expanding educational opportunity for families new to higher education. Transfer students represent 35.9% of enrollment, reflecting significant pathways from community colleges and other institutions. This composition indicates an institution committed to serving diverse student populations while maintaining academic standards. The high shares of Pell-eligible and first-generation students distinguish Baruch from many selective institutions, which often serve more privileged populations. Students from lower-income families should view the 55.3% Pell share as evidence of strong institutional support and peer community. First-generation students should find confidence in the 51.1% share of students who share their background, suggesting robust support systems and cultural understanding. Transfer applicants should note the substantial 35.9% transfer enrollment as evidence of successful pathways from two-year institutions. This student composition creates a learning environment where diverse backgrounds and experiences enhance the educational experience for all students.
Given Baruch's 50.5% acceptance rate and strong academic profile, students should build comprehensive college lists that include alternatives with different selectivity levels and cost structures.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Students who enroll at Baruch demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes across demographic groups. The institution maintains an 88.4% freshman retention rate, exceeding the peer median of 83.7%, indicating effective student support and academic preparation. Six-year graduation rates reach 72.1%, demonstrating solid degree completion despite the challenges many students face. Pell-eligible students graduate at 64.8%, creating a 7.3 percentage point gap with the overall completion rate. While this gap exists, both rates demonstrate that students from diverse economic backgrounds can succeed at Baruch with appropriate support. The retention rate advantage over peer institutions suggests effective first-year programming and academic support systems. Students who gain admission should expect an environment that supports degree completion through academic resources and student services. Lower-income students should carefully consider the Pell completion gap when evaluating fit, while recognizing that nearly two-thirds of Pell students do graduate successfully. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of institutional commitment to student success rather than guarantees of individual outcomes. The combination of strong retention and solid completion rates suggests that students who persist through the first year have strong prospects for degree completion.
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