CUNY Hunter College demonstrates exceptional affordability through a combination of low sticker prices and substantial financial aid. The institution's published cost of attendance is $13,310 per year—$7,382 in in-state tuition, $11,324 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) | $13,310 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,332 |
| Room and Board | $11,324 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,864 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $2,446 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $262 |
| $30–48k | $2,264 |
| $48–75k | $6,457 |
| $75–110k | $8,551 |
| $110k+ | $12,135 |
CUNY Hunter College demonstrates exceptional affordability through a combination of low sticker prices and substantial financial aid. The institution's published cost of attendance is $13,310 per year—$7,382 in in-state tuition, $11,324 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $2,446 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,864 from the sticker price.
This net price falls $13,144 below the peer median net price of $15,590, making Hunter College significantly more affordable than comparable institutions. The substantial financial aid savings reflect both New York State's investment in public higher education and federal aid targeting the institution's high-need student population. With 55.0% of students receiving Pell grants, the majority of Hunter College students qualify for need-based aid that dramatically reduces college costs.
CUNY Hunter College's financial aid profile reflects its mission of serving economically disadvantaged students in New York City. With 55.0% of students receiving Pell grants—well above national averages—the institution concentrates aid resources on those with the greatest financial need.
The $10,864 difference between sticker price and average net price demonstrates substantial aid packaging that makes college accessible to working-class families. Aid targeting appears highly effective, with the lowest-income students paying virtually nothing while middle-income families receive meaningful support.
This aid distribution aligns with the institution's student composition and commitment to economic mobility for first-generation and immigrant students who represent large portions of the student body.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
CUNY Hunter College maintains exceptionally low student debt levels that support long-term financial stability for graduates. Median student debt reaches just $11,000, ranking in the 89th percentile nationally for low debt levels.
Debt ranges from $4,500 at the 25th percentile to $18,025 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with manageable obligations. The $11,000 median falls $9,000 below the peer median debt of $20,000, demonstrating exceptional debt control relative to similar institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 means typical graduates owe less than one-fifth of their first-year earnings, creating favorable repayment conditions. Parent PLUS median debt reaches $19,686 with monthly payments of $259, though this affects a smaller portion of families given the institution's low net prices.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
CUNY Hunter College represents exceptional educational value through the combination of minimal costs, low debt, and solid post-graduation earnings. Graduates earn $9,762 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing the institution in the 85.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.
With median earnings of $63,163 compared to peer median earnings of $60,543, Hunter College graduates out-earn peers from similar institutions by $2,620 annually. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 indicates highly manageable debt service relative to income, while the $11,000 median debt level ranks among the lowest nationally.
This combination creates compelling return on investment, particularly for students who would otherwise face significant financial barriers to higher education. The institution's ranking in the top 25 nationally for value-added earnings, combined with near-zero costs for low-income students, positions Hunter College as an exceptional opportunity for economic advancement through higher education.
