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$7,490Tuition
9,387Students
33%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$53,501Earnings
Public4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About College of Staten Island CUNY

The College of Staten Island serves as CUNY's full campus on New York's forgotten borough, enrolling 9,387 students in a setting that feels more suburban than urban despite its city classification. This public senior college has built its reputation as an accessible pathway to four-year degrees for working-class New Yorkers who need flexibility and affordability. The campus attracts students who value small class sizes with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio while staying close to home, as 92% of students come from within New York State.

Students pay an average net price of $5,115 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in the metropolitan area. Low-income families with household incomes under $30,000 pay just $3,243 annually. Graduates earn a median of $53,501 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of $14,350. The math works for most students, though the 33% four-year graduation rate suggests many take longer to finish.

The Dolphins compete in NCAA Division II with 14 varsity sports and 206 total athletes. The student body reflects Staten Island's diversity, with 40% white students, 27% Hispanic, and 14% Black students. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, underscoring the college's mission to serve first-generation and low-income students.

Academics & Faculty

College of Staten Island operates as a full public college within the CUNY system, serving students who want affordable access to professional programs. The school maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors despite its size. However, only 33% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many working students face balancing academics with jobs and family responsibilities. The college has built a strong reputation in nursing, education, and business programs that directly connect to Staten Island's job market. Many students commute from the local community, with 92% coming from in-state. The campus attracts students seeking practical degrees without the debt load of private colleges.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
38.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
33.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
32.8%
Retention Rate
76.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,501
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision. Certificate $109,286
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $94,579
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $66,104
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Bachelor $63,005
Special Education and Teaching. Master $61,888
Computer Science. Bachelor $59,948
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $59,350
Engineering, General. Bachelor $56,776
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,713
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Master $53,775

View all 98 programs →

Campus Life

Staten Island sits just 25 minutes by ferry from Manhattan, giving students easy access to internships and jobs in the city. Nearly 95% of the 9,387 students commute from home, creating a campus that empties out after classes. Only 440 students can live on campus, making dorm life rare and competitive.

The 204-acre campus feels suburban despite being in New York City, with modern buildings and plenty of parking. Students bundle up for snowy winters and enjoy mild summers near the water. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay manageable even at this large CUNY school. The Dolphins compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports, though athletics draw smaller crowds than at traditional college towns. Many students work part-time jobs while studying, reflected in the 90.4% employment rate after graduation. Weekends often mean heading into Manhattan or Brooklyn rather than staying on Staten Island. The diverse student body includes 27% Hispanic and 41% white students, creating a multicultural environment that mirrors New York City itself.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
440 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 2 1 0 0
Stalking 3 0 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
25°–40°F
July Avg
69°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
31.5"

Student Demographics

Staten Island's own public college draws overwhelmingly from New York, with 92% in-state enrollment reflecting its role as the borough's primary higher education destination. Nearly half the students receive Pell Grants, making this a pathway to college for working families across the five boroughs. The student body mirrors New York's diversity, with significant representation from Latino, Black, Asian, and white communities. As part of the CUNY system, the college serves as an accessible option for first-generation college students and those seeking affordable four-year degrees close to home.
Men
48.7%
Women
51.3%
White
40.4%
Black
13.6%
Hispanic
27.5%
Asian
12.9%
In-State Students
92.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
49.3%

Location

Staten Island sits across New York Harbor from Manhattan, accessible by the free Staten Island Ferry that takes 25 minutes each way. The borough feels more suburban than the other four boroughs of New York City, with tree-lined neighborhoods and single-family homes. Nearly 92% of CSI students come from in-state, mostly from the local area. The campus sits on 204 acres in the Willowbrook section, making it one of the largest college campuses in NYC. Students get a quieter college experience while staying connected to Manhattan's internships and cultural opportunities. The island's beaches and parks provide outdoor recreation that's harder to find in denser parts of the city. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare College of Staten Island with similar schools in the region.
Address
Staten Island, New York 10314
College of Staten Island CUNY campus
College of Staten Island CUNY campus
College of Staten Island CUNY campus
College of Staten Island CUNY campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,501
Median Earnings (5 years)
$64,960
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,900
Loan Repayment Rate
49.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$152/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,350

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the graduation rate at College of Staten Island CUNY?

The six-year graduation rate is 32.80%, which reflects the challenges many working students face at this commuter campus. Nearly half of all students receive Pell grants, indicating a predominantly working-class student body that often balances education with employment. The retention rate of 76.24% shows students generally stay enrolled once they start.

How much does College of Staten Island CUNY cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $5,115 annually, making it one of New York's most affordable four-year options. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,243 on average after aid. With median debt of only $14,350 upon graduation, CSI delivers a relatively low-cost degree compared to private alternatives.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Staten Island CUNY?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 across the 9,387 enrolled students. This CUNY campus is known for offering comprehensive liberal arts and professional programs on Staten Island's largest college campus. The school serves a diverse population with 40.43% white students, 27.45% Hispanic, and 13.56% Black students.

What do graduates of College of Staten Island CUNY typically earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $53,501 ten years after graduation, with an impressive employment rate of 90.4%. The school has strong programs in nursing, education, and business that prepare students for stable middle-class careers. Monthly loan payments average just $152, keeping debt manageable for most graduates.

Does College of Staten Island CUNY have on-campus housing?

Housing capacity is limited to just 440 students out of 9,387 total enrollment, reflecting CSI's nature as primarily a commuter school. Room and board costs $20,535 for those who do live on campus. Most students are from Staten Island or nearby areas, with 92.17% being New York state residents.

What sports does College of Staten Island CUNY compete in?

The Dolphins compete in NCAA Division II with 14 varsity sports and 206 total athletes. The athletic program awards $726,861 in scholarships across all sports as part of the East Coast Conference. CSI is known for having competitive programs despite being a primarily commuter campus focused on academics over athletics.