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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Queens College typically score between 1100-1320 on the SAT, with the middle 50% of enrolled students falling within this range. The median SAT score reaches 1210, demonstrating solid academic preparation among the student body. SAT Math scores range from 560-660, while SAT Verbal scores span 540-660, showing balanced strength across both sections. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, Queens College enrolled students score 12 points higher, indicating slightly stronger academic preparation than typical comparison schools. These ranges mean that students scoring below 1100 face more competitive odds but are not automatically excluded, while those scoring above 1320 will be academically competitive for admission. The 220-point spread between the 25th and 75th percentiles demonstrates that Queens College enrolls students with varied academic backgrounds, not just those at the highest achievement levels. Students should consider whether their SAT scores fall within this range when assessing their competitiveness for admission. If scores fall below the 25th percentile, applicants should emphasize other strengths in their application while recognizing they may face additional competition during the review process.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Queens College enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to educational access and opportunity. The institution serves 47.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating that nearly half of enrolled students come from lower-income families and receive federal financial aid. First-generation college students comprise 46.9% of the student body, demonstrating the college's role in providing higher education opportunities to students whose families lack prior college experience. Transfer students represent 41.0% of enrollment, highlighting Queens College's accessibility to students beginning their college journey at community colleges or other institutions. This composition indicates that Queens College prioritizes educational access while maintaining academic standards, creating a diverse learning environment where students from various backgrounds can succeed. The high percentage of Pell-eligible and first-generation students suggests that the institution actively supports students who may face additional challenges in pursuing higher education. Students from these backgrounds should know that they will find substantial peer support and institutional resources designed to facilitate their success at Queens College.
Given Queens College's 68.5% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should consider it an accessible target rather than a reach school, though alternatives can provide different advantages.
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Queens College maintains a 78.2% retention rate, meaning roughly 4 in 5 freshmen return for their sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%. The institution achieves a 60.2% six-year graduation rate, compared to a peer median of 65.8%. While these completion metrics trail peer institutions slightly, they demonstrate that most students who enroll at Queens College persist toward degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at a 45.9% rate compared to the overall 60.2% completion rate, creating a 14.3 percentage point gap that indicates additional challenges faced by lower-income students. This gap suggests that while Queens College enrolls substantial numbers of Pell-eligible students, institutional support systems may need enhancement to fully close completion equity gaps. Prospective students should consider these retention and completion patterns when evaluating fit, particularly those from backgrounds that may require additional academic or financial support. Students who gain admission can expect institutional commitment to their success, though individual preparation and engagement will significantly influence outcomes. The data indicates that students who actively utilize available resources and maintain academic focus have strong prospects for degree completion at Queens College.
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