Your chances of getting into CUNY City College
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at City College of New York is 66.6%. Its admission rate is the 62nd lowest in New York.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into City College of New York and can you get accepted?
City College of New York is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 22,410 out of the 33,648 who applied were admitted.
CUNY City College typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.2. 12% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into City College of New York?
67% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to CUNY City College you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.2 or better
- Earn B grades in high school
- Score 1160 on the SAT
- Score 27 on the ACT
City College of New York GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into CUNY City College?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into City College of New York are to have around a 3.2 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as City College of New York accepts 67% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at City College of New York is 3.2 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #89 in New York for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since City College of New York is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
City College of New York SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by CUNY City College. The school has a test blind policy.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 520 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 530 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1050 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 610 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 650 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1260 |
| Average SAT Score | 1160
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to CUNY City College?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at City College of New York is 1160 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1050-1260. Students who get into CUNY City College score in the top 51 percent of all SAT test takers.. City College of New York ranks #70 in the state of New York for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1160 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. City College of New York regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1050 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1050, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 940, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
CUNY City College is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1160 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1155, you have around a 67% chance of being admitted. A 1260 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 79% chance of getting in.
City College of New York ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 23 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 24 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 23 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 32 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 30 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 31 |
| Average ACT Score | 27
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into City College of New York?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to City College of New York is 27, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 23 and 31. The school ranks #43 in New York for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 27. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 23 and score in the score in the top 32 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 19.
0 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to CUNY City College.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as CUNY City College is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into City College of New York for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 27 score has around 67% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 79% with a 31 ACT score.
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 17,872 | 15,576 | 33,648 |
| Accepted | 13,209 | 9,094 | 22,410 |
| Acceptance Rate | 74% | 58% | 67% |
| Enrolled | 1,319 | 1,411 | 2,733 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 10% | 16% | 12% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 38 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Feb 1, 2025.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to CUNY City College is $65.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to CUNY City College and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because City College of New York is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.2 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1160 on the SAT and 27 on the ACT will further lock in your application.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to CUNY City College often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=190567 IPEDS survey data for CUNY City College.
Last updated February 24, 2024