The Best CUNY Schools: A Ranking
The Best CUNY Schools: A Ranking of NYC’s Public University Powerhouses
Beyond the Ivy League: CUNY’s Role as NYC’s Engine of Opportunity
While NYC is famous for its elite private universities, the true educational engine for the majority of New Yorkers is the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
As the nation’s largest urban public university, CUNY offers an incredibly diverse range of programs across 25 campuses in all five boroughs, providing an accessible and affordable pathway to higher education and upward mobility for millions.
But CUNY isn’t just about access; it’s also home to academic excellence. Several CUNY colleges—often referred to as “Public Ivies”—boast highly selective honors programs, renowned faculty, and impressive graduate outcomes, particularly in fields like business, engineering, and the health sciences. This ranking highlights the “best of the best” within the CUNY system, based on reputation, selectivity, and program strength.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
| Related Topic | Primary Vibe & Focus |
|---|---|
| The Top 10 Universities in NY State | The Overall Elite (Ivy, Private, Public) |
| The 10 Biggest Educational Groups in NYC | The Power Brokers (CUNY, NYU, etc.) |
| The 10 Best Private Schools in NYC | The K-12 “Ivy Pipeline” |
| Guide to NYC Private School Tiers | Decoding the “Types” of Schools |
| The 10 Best Charter Schools in NYC | The Rise of Charter Networks |
Strategic Tips for Navigating CUNY
- Senior Colleges vs. Community Colleges: CUNY includes both four-year “senior” colleges (like Hunter, Baruch) and two-year “community” colleges (like BMCC, LaGuardia). Many students start at a community college and then transfer to a senior college to complete their bachelor’s degree.
- The Honors Advantage: The *best* CUNY experience is often found within the honors programs. The Macaulay Honors College (university-wide) and individual college honors programs (like Baruch Honors) offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, dedicated advisors, and smaller class sizes, creating an “elite public” experience.
- Location Matters: With campuses in every borough, choosing a CUNY often comes down to commute and convenience. However, certain colleges have specific strengths (Baruch for business, City College for engineering).
- Affordability & Value: CUNY’s primary strength is its incredible value. For NYC residents, tuition is significantly lower than private universities and even SUNY schools, making a high-quality degree accessible.
The CUNY X-Factor: NYC is Your Campus. While CUNY colleges have distinct campuses, the entire city serves as a resource. Students leverage internships on Wall Street, research opportunities at world-class hospitals, and cultural access that is simply unmatched. CUNY is deeply embedded in the city’s fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is CUNY free?
No, but it is highly affordable for New York State residents. The Excelsior Scholarship program offers tuition-free enrollment for eligible middle-class families. Additionally, CUNY has generous financial aid programs. Macaulay Honors College students receive full-tuition scholarships.
Which CUNY is hardest to get into?
Baruch College is generally considered the most selective CUNY senior college, particularly for its Zicklin School of Business. The Macaulay Honors College (a program across multiple campuses) also has extremely competitive admissions.
Can I transfer from a CUNY community college to a senior college?
Yes. CUNY has a strong system for transfers. Many students complete their associate’s degree at a community college and then seamlessly transfer to a senior college like Hunter or Queens College to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Ranking: The 10 Best CUNY Colleges
This list focuses on the four-year “senior” colleges, ranked by academic reputation, selectivity, and program strength.
1. Baruch College (Flatiron, Manhattan)
Highlight: The flagship for business and finance. Home to the prestigious Zicklin School of Business.
Justification: Baruch is CUNY’s pipeline to Wall Street. Its location and strong industry connections make it the top choice for business, finance, and accounting majors. Admission is highly competitive.
Address: 55 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (646) 312-1000
Website: baruch.cuny.edu
2. Hunter College (UES, Manhattan)
Highlight: CUNY’s largest college, strong in liberal arts, education, nursing, and health sciences.
Justification: Hunter offers a classic liberal arts education with renowned programs in pre-med, nursing, and teacher education. Its location on the Upper East Side provides access to top hospitals and cultural institutions.
Address: 695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
Phone: (212) 772-4000
Website: hunter.cuny.edu
3. The City College of New York (CCNY) (Hamilton Heights, Manhattan)
Highlight: CUNY’s founding institution, strong in engineering, architecture, and the sciences. Historic campus.
Justification: CCNY boasts the Grove School of Engineering and the Spitzer School of Architecture. Its beautiful Gothic campus and legacy as the “Harvard of the Proletariat” make it a prestigious choice, especially for STEM fields.
Address: 160 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031
Phone: (212) 650-7000
Website: ccny.cuny.edu
4. Queens College (Flushing, Queens)
Highlight: Strong liberal arts and sciences, education, and renowned music program (Aaron Copland School of Music).
Justification: Queens College offers a traditional, leafy campus feel within the city. It’s highly regarded for its well-rounded education, strong pre-professional programs, and exceptional music school.
Address: 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens, NY 11367
Phone: (718) 997-5000
Website: qc.cuny.edu
5. Brooklyn College (Midwood, Brooklyn)
Highlight: Beautiful campus, strong in liberal arts, performing arts (Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema), and education.
Justification: Brooklyn College is known for its picturesque campus and strong programs in the humanities and arts. Its graduate film school is gaining national recognition.
Address: 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
Phone: (718) 951-5000
Website: brooklyn.cuny.edu
6. John Jay College of Criminal Justice (Midtown West, Manhattan)
Highlight: A national leader in criminal justice, forensic science, and public service.
Justification: John Jay has a specific, powerful mission. It’s the premier institution for students aiming for careers in law enforcement, forensic psychology, cybersecurity, and related public safety fields.
Address: 524 West 59th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 237-8000
Website: jjay.cuny.edu
7. Lehman College (Bedford Park, Bronx)
Highlight: The only CUNY senior college in the Bronx. Strong in liberal arts, health sciences, and education.
Justification: Lehman provides a comprehensive university experience with a beautiful campus. It’s a key institution for Bronx residents, known for its nursing program and commitment to community engagement.
Address: 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, The Bronx, NY 10468
Phone: (718) 960-8000
Website: lehman.cuny.edu
8. College of Staten Island (CSI) (Staten Island)
Highlight: CUNY’s largest campus by area. Comprehensive programs with strengths in engineering and health sciences.
Justification: CSI offers a sprawling, suburban-style campus unique within CUNY. It provides a wide range of programs and serves as the primary public higher education hub for Staten Island residents.
Address: 2800 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: (718) 982-2000
Website: csi.cuny.edu
9. New York City College of Technology (City Tech) (Downtown Brooklyn)
Highlight: CUNY’s designated college of technology, strong in engineering tech, healthcare, and design.
Justification: City Tech focuses on applied sciences and career-oriented programs. It’s a leader in fields like dental hygiene, architectural technology, and entertainment technology, providing direct pathways to skilled jobs.
Address: 300 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 260-5000
Website: citytech.cuny.edu
10. CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS) (Online/Manhattan)
Highlight: CUNY’s hub for online degrees and adult learners.
Justification: SPS is a leader in online education, offering flexible bachelor’s and master’s degree programs designed for working adults and non-traditional students across the CUNY system.
Address: 119 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 652-CUNY (2869)
Website: sps.cuny.edu
Check Out Our Other Education Guides
- The Top 10 Universities in New York State
- The 10 Biggest Educational Groups in NYC
- Guide to NYC Private School Tiers
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