CUNY City College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $13,514 annually, significantly below typical four-year institutions. This breaks down to $7,340 in-state tuition, $18,104 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $13,514 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,290 |
| Room and Board | $18,104 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,028 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $3,486 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $1,579 |
| $30–48k | $3,087 |
| $48–75k | $7,188 |
| $75–110k | $9,487 |
| $110k+ | $11,887 |
CUNY City College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $13,514 annually, significantly below typical four-year institutions. This breaks down to $7,340 in-state tuition, $18,104 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $3,486 after financial aid, representing financial aid savings of $10,028.
Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $15,590, CUNY City College costs $12,104 less annually, ranking at the 98th percentile for affordability. This dramatic difference between sticker price and actual cost reflects the institution's commitment to accessible public education and robust financial aid programs. The net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $1,579 for families earning under $30,000 to $11,887 for families earning over $110,000.
CUNY City College's financial aid effectiveness reflects its role as a public institution serving diverse economic backgrounds. With 59.6% of students receiving Pell grants, well above national averages, the institution demonstrates commitment to enrolling students from lower-income families.
The $10,028 average financial aid savings reduces the published cost by 74%, making higher education accessible to students who might otherwise face financial barriers. The progressive net pricing structure ensures that families across income levels receive proportionate support, with the greatest assistance directed toward those with lowest incomes.
Financial aid concentration among Pell-eligible students supports the institution's Mobility Engine designation by enabling access for students positioned to benefit most from economic mobility. The substantial aid awards relative to published costs indicate that most students receive meaningful financial assistance, contributing to the institution's exceptional affordability ranking at the 98th percentile.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
CUNY City College graduates carry remarkably low debt burdens with a median of $11,990, well below the peer median of $20,000. Debt levels range from $4,058 at the 25th percentile to $18,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student population.
The institution ranks at the 89th percentile for favorable debt outcomes, reflecting both low costs and effective financial aid. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates highly manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, with annual debt payments representing less than one-fifth of typical graduate earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,994 with monthly payments of $210.63, though families should use the Financial GPS tool for personalized cost analysis. The combination of low institutional costs and substantial aid prevents excessive borrowing, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
CUNY City College represents exceptional value through the combination of minimal debt burden and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $13,211 beyond expectations relative to their demographics, ranking at the 89.4th percentile for value-added performance while carrying debt $8,010 below peer institutions.
The median earnings of $66,039 exceed peer institutional earnings by $5,496 annually, creating favorable return on investment. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates that educational investment pays dividends without creating financial strain.
Graduates earn top-quartile incomes nationally while accessing education at costs well below national averages. The institution's Mobility Engine designation reflects this combination of accessibility and outcomes, demonstrating effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement.
