CUNY City College admits 58.1% of applicants, falling within the moderately selective tier where roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive admission offers. This admission rate places the institution at the 23rd percentile nationally, indicating more selective standards than the majority of four-year colleges. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% demonstrates that CUNY City College maintains more competitive admission standards than typical institutions of similar size and type. For prospective students, this selectivity level means that admission is competitive but not extraordinarily difficult to achieve. Students should expect to present solid academic credentials, though the institution's commitment to access suggests holistic evaluation of applicant potential. The 58.1% admission rate indicates that students with strong academic preparation have favorable chances, while those below typical admitted student profiles should consider CUNY City College as a reach option. Building a balanced college list with schools offering higher acceptance rates represents sound application strategy. The institution's Mobility Engine designation reflects its ability to serve diverse student populations effectively, suggesting that competitive admission standards coexist with institutional commitment to economic mobility and student success.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at CUNY City College typically present strong academic credentials with SAT scores ranging from 1220 at the 25th percentile to 1460 at the 75th percentile, with a median of 1340. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students with scores outside this band are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores range from 610 to 750, while SAT Verbal scores span 610 to 710, indicating balanced strength across both sections. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, CUNY City College students score 142 points higher on average, ranking at the 98th percentile nationally for test score performance. This places the institution among the most academically selective in terms of standardized testing, reflecting the competitive academic environment students can expect. The 25th percentile score of 1220 suggests that students scoring below this level face competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. Students scoring within the 1220-1460 range are academically competitive for admission and should view their test scores as meeting institutional expectations. For students considering CUNY City College, scores below 1200 indicate the need for particularly strong performance in other application areas to compensate for below-typical testing. The combination of moderate admission rates with high test score expectations suggests that admitted students represent a academically well-prepared cohort.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
CUNY City College enrolls a notably diverse student body with 59.6% of students receiving Pell grants, indicating enrollment of students from lower-income families well above national averages. First-generation students comprise 46.0% of the enrolled population, reflecting the institution's role in providing educational access to students whose families lack college experience. Transfer students represent 27.0% of enrollment, suggesting multiple pathways to degree completion at the institution. This student composition indicates that CUNY City College prioritizes socioeconomic diversity while maintaining competitive academic standards. The high Pell share distinguishes the institution from many selective colleges and reflects its mission as part of the CUNY system to serve New York's diverse communities. For prospective students, these demographics suggest an environment where students from various economic backgrounds learn alongside each other. First-generation students should recognize that nearly half of enrolled students share their background, indicating institutional experience supporting students navigating college as family pioneers. Students from lower-income families should view the 59.6% Pell share as evidence of the institution's commitment to affordability and access. The substantial transfer population suggests flexibility in admission pathways and recognition of diverse educational journeys. This composition creates a learning environment where diverse perspectives and experiences contribute to the educational experience.
Given CUNY City College's 58.1% admission rate and high test score requirements, students scoring below 1200 on the SAT or seeking more admission certainty should consider alternative options that deliver comparable career outcomes.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
CUNY City College retains 78.6% of freshmen for sophomore year, below the peer median of 83.7%, indicating some challenges in first-year transition support. However, 54.7% of students graduate within six years compared to a peer median of 65.8%. Notably, Pell-eligible students graduate at 48.6%, creating a 6.1 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This gap suggests some differential outcomes for lower-income students, though the institution still successfully graduates nearly half of its Pell-eligible population. The retention and completion data indicate that students who enroll should expect an environment that requires strong personal commitment to degree completion. For prospective students, these metrics suggest the importance of utilizing available academic support services and engaging actively with faculty and peers. Lower-income students should be aware of the completion gap but recognize that the institution still produces positive economic mobility outcomes for nearly half of Pell recipients. The 78.6% retention rate means that roughly 4 in 5 students successfully transition to sophomore year, while completion patterns suggest that persistence through graduation requires sustained effort. Students considering CUNY City College should evaluate their readiness for the academic rigor and personal responsibility required for success in this environment.
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