Cuny Queens College

Queens College admits approximately 68.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Queens College in the moderately selective category, making admission more accessible than highly competitive institutions while maintaining meaningful academic standards.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that Queens College is somewhat more selective than typical institutions in its comparison group, accepting 9.6 percentage points fewer applicants than the peer median. This moderate selectivity level creates a balanced admissions environment where qualified students have reasonable admission chances while the institution maintains academic rigor.

For most students with solid academic preparation, Queens College represents an attainable option that doesn't require exceptional credentials for admission. Students should approach Queens College as a realistic target school rather than a reach institution, though strong academic performance will enhance admission prospects.

The moderate selectivity also means that students should still demonstrate genuine interest and preparation in their applications, as admission is not automatic despite the relatively accessible acceptance rate.

Queens College demonstrates exceptional affordability through a combination of low published prices and substantial financial aid. The institution's published cost of attendance totals $13,643 annually, including $7,538 in-state tuition, $16,464 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies.

However, the average student pays just $3,830 after financial aid, representing financial aid savings of $9,813 annually. This places Queens College's net price substantially below the peer median of $15,590, a difference of $11,760 annually.

The dramatic gap between sticker price and actual cost reflects the institution's commitment to accessible higher education and New York state's investment in public education funding. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $1,816 for the lowest-income families to $12,359 for the highest-income families, demonstrating progressive aid targeting.

This pricing structure makes Queens College one of the most affordable options in higher education, particularly benefiting students from lower- and middle-income backgrounds who comprise the majority of enrollment.

Queens College graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with outcomes based on substantial cohort sizes providing high confidence in reported figures. Median earnings rise from $48,548 six years after enrollment to $55,518 at eight years and $62,763 at ten years, representing 29.3% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 1,922 graduates, ensuring reliable earnings projections. Graduates earn $10,328 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Queens College at the 86.2nd percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in generating strong post-graduation outcomes.

Low-income graduates earn $50,100, showing solid economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds. Earnings span from $33,563 at the 25th percentile to $89,659 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 21.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry across the institution's diverse program portfolio.

Queens College offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #1 nationally and #1 in New York state, producing 113 graduates with median earnings of $57,988 and an exceptional value score of 100.0.

Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology ranks #7 nationally and #2 in state, graduating 78 students with median earnings of $60,508. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #15 nationally and #6 in state, with 127 graduates earning $53,787.

Computer Science ranks #45 nationally and #7 in state, graduating 272 students with median earnings of $97,630. Applied/Public Sociology ranks #24 nationally and #4 in state, graduating 205 students with median earnings of $50,156.

Psychology represents the largest program by enrollment, graduating 641 students annually and ranking #37 nationally, reflecting strong student demand across diverse academic fields.