CUNY City College

    New York, NY · Public · Doctoral / R2 research university

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    1070–1430
    Median ~1250
    Acceptance rate
    60%
    Enrollment
    12,505
    ACT middle 50%

    Current admissions guidance for City

    The City College of New York is the founding college of CUNY and a public institution in Manhattan. Its federal College Scorecard snapshot reports a 1070–1430 SAT middle-50% range, but selective schools and programs may use additional requirements.

    SAT/ACT policy

    CUNY's current freshman process does not require SAT or ACT scores for general admission. Applicants are reviewed primarily through their high school record, while some selective CCNY programs may set separate academic or supplemental requirements.

    Application deadlines

    CUNY gives fall freshman applications priority when they are complete by February 1. Macaulay Honors uses an earlier December 1 deadline, and selective CCNY programs may publish their own dates.

    How to use your SAT score

    • Treat the reported 1070–1430 range as historical peer context, not a general CCNY testing requirement.
    • Prioritize grades and required high school coursework because CUNY's general review does not require SAT or ACT scores.
    • Check the specific school or selective program before applying because architecture, engineering, honors, and other pathways can add requirements.

    Admissions details checked July 17, 2026. Verify policies before applying: CCNY undergraduate admissions · CUNY freshman application process.

    How City compares

    • The ~1250 SAT midpoint ranks #102 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #17 of 26 in NY.
    • Its 60% acceptance rate is more selective than 62% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
    • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($66,039) are $2,973 above the $63,066 median across that pool.
    • Out-of-state students pay $7,950 more per year than in-state students ($15,290 vs $7,340).
    National SAT rank
    #102 of 197
    SAT rank in NY
    #17 of 26
    More selective than
    62% of ranked colleges
    Earnings vs national median
    +$2,973

    What the numbers say about City

    • The reported middle 50% spans 360 points, from 1070 to 1430. A planning score near or above 1470 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
    • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 60% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
    • Reported outcomes include a 57% completion rate and $66,039 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $7,340
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $15,290
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $66,039
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    57%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; repository snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

    How your SAT score lines up

    The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 1070 and 1430. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

    • 1470 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1430 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1250 SAT (median): Within the upper half of the reported range.
    • 1070 SAT (reported 25th percentile): Within the lower half of the reported range.
    At or above 1430

    Strong relative score

    At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

    1070–1420

    Within the reported range

    Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

    Below 1070

    Below the reported range

    Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

    Compare to other colleges →

    Colleges with similar SAT scores

    Ranked by proximity to City's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

    Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

    CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
    University of ArizonaTucson, AZ1150–142086%
    University of HoustonHouston, TX1160–134074%
    Kettering UniversityFlint, MI1160–133079%
    Albany College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesAlbany, NY1110–138053%
    University of Illinois ChicagoChicago, IL1130–135077%
    The College of New JerseyEwing, NJ1140–134062%

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for City?

    CUNY City College's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 1070–1430, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1470 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

    What is City's acceptance rate?

    CUNY City College's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 60%.

    How much does it cost to attend City?

    In-state tuition is approximately $7,340 and out-of-state is approximately $15,290. These figures exclude room, board, and fees.

    Is City test-optional?

    CUNY's current freshman process does not require SAT or ACT scores for general admission. Applicants are reviewed primarily through their high school record, while some selective CCNY programs may set separate academic or supplemental requirements.

    When are City's application deadlines?

    CUNY gives fall freshman applications priority when they are complete by February 1. Macaulay Honors uses an earlier December 1 deadline, and selective CCNY programs may publish their own dates.

    Official site: www.ccny.cuny.edu