CUNY York College admits 59.4% of applicants, meaning approximately 3 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This admission rate places York College in the Moderately Selective tier, with standards that are accessible to well-prepared students while maintaining academic quality. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that York College is more selective than typical institutions serving similar populations, being 25.2 percentage points more competitive than peer institutions. This selectivity level reflects the institution's position within the CUNY system, where individual colleges maintain higher standards than many comparable public institutions nationally. The 59.4% acceptance rate means that students should treat York College as a target school rather than a safety, particularly given the competitive applicant pool drawn to the institution's strong value proposition and location in New York City. Students building college lists should include institutions with higher acceptance rates alongside York College to ensure admission options. The combination of moderate selectivity with exceptional affordability makes York College attractive to high-achieving students seeking value, which can increase competition among applicants. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates the importance of presenting strong academic credentials and demonstrating genuine interest in the institution's programs and mission.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at CUNY York College typically demonstrate strong academic preparation, with SAT scores ranging from 990 at the 25th percentile to 1210 at the 75th percentile. The SAT midpoint of 1100 indicates that most successful applicants score near or above this level. The SAT Math range extends from 490 to 610, while SAT Verbal scores span from 500 to 600, showing relatively balanced performance across test sections. These score ranges reflect solid academic preparation, with the middle 50% of enrolled students falling within these parameters. However, students scoring below 990 are admitted in smaller numbers, while those scoring above 1210 represent the top quarter of the incoming class. York College's SAT performance ranks in the 90th percentile nationally, indicating that admitted students demonstrate stronger academic preparation than at most four-year institutions. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1090, York College's admitted students score 10 points higher on average. This 10-point advantage suggests that York College attracts academically stronger applicants than typical institutions serving similar demographic populations. Students should view the 990-1210 range as the competitive zone for admission, though scores outside this range do not automatically exclude candidates. The institution's holistic review process considers factors beyond test scores, including academic rigor, grades, and demonstrated commitment to educational goals. Students whose scores fall below the 25th percentile should strengthen other application components and consider York College alongside institutions with more accessible admission profiles.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
CUNY York College enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its mission to provide educational access to underrepresented populations. The institution serves 43.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating that nearly half of enrolled students come from lower-income families qualifying for federal need-based aid. First-generation college students comprise 49.6% of the student body, meaning that approximately half of York College students are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Transfer students represent 43.8% of enrollment, reflecting the institution's role in providing pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions. This substantial transfer population indicates that York College actively supports students seeking to complete bachelor's degrees after beginning their post-secondary education elsewhere. The composition suggests that York College prioritizes access and opportunity for students who might face barriers at more traditional four-year institutions. The high proportion of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, combined with moderate selectivity, indicates that the institution successfully balances accessibility with academic standards. Students from similar backgrounds should recognize that York College has extensive experience supporting their success and transitions. The substantial transfer population also suggests that students considering transferring from community colleges or other institutions will find established support systems and pathways. Prospective students should understand that York College's diverse environment provides opportunities to learn alongside peers from varied educational and economic backgrounds, enhancing the overall educational experience through multiple perspectives and experiences.
With a 59.4% acceptance rate, York College admits roughly 3 in 5 applicants, making backup options essential for most students. The alternatives below offer similar career outcomes with different admission, location, or cost profiles.
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Student success outcomes at CUNY York College show mixed patterns that reflect both opportunities and challenges typical of institutions serving diverse populations with significant access missions. The retention rate of 59.5% indicates that approximately 3 in 5 freshmen return for sophomore year, which falls below the peer median retention rate of 73.2%. This 13.7 percentage point gap suggests that students may face adjustment challenges or external pressures that affect persistence. The overall graduation rate of 30.3% within six years compares unfavorably to the peer median completion rate of 49.3%, indicating that degree completion remains challenging for many students. However, Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 43.0%, which exceeds the overall institutional completion rate by 12.7 percentage points. This positive Pell gap is notable because it indicates that lower-income students who persist actually complete degrees at higher rates than the general student population, suggesting effective support systems for students who overcome initial barriers. The higher completion rate among Pell recipients may reflect greater motivation, better utilization of support services, or more focused career objectives among students with greater financial stakes in their education. Students considering York College should understand that degree completion requires persistence and engagement with available support resources. The institution's track record with Pell-eligible students suggests that students who actively seek assistance and remain committed to their educational goals can achieve success despite institutional completion challenges. Prospective students should plan to utilize academic support services, maintain strong connections with faculty and advisors, and develop clear degree completion strategies from the outset of their enrollment.
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