CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College: $5,170 Tuition

$5,170Tuition

16,850Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,306Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College serves as a launching pad for students seeking affordable higher education in the heart of Manhattan. The college enrolls 16,850 students who benefit from its prime location near financial and business districts. BMCC has built its reputation on career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions. The student-faculty ratio of 19:1 allows for reasonable class sizes despite the large enrollment.

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,990 net price annually, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive New York City. Even families earning up to $75,000 face net costs under $7,600 per year. Graduates who borrow money typically owe $7,574 in total debt with monthly payments around $80. Ten years after starting, alumni earn a median of $42,306, though the 25.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school.

The student body is majority Hispanic at 45.4% and female at 55.8%, reflecting the diverse neighborhoods BMCC serves. Nearly 93% of students come from in-state, creating a distinctly local atmosphere. The Panthers compete in 15 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 143 total athletes.

Academics & Faculty

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College serves as a gateway to higher education for working-class New Yorkers, with 56.74% of students receiving Pell Grants. The college offers career-focused associate degree programs in health sciences, business, and liberal arts that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year schools. With a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors despite the large enrollment of 16,850. The 25.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. BMCC's nursing and allied health programs have strong reputations for placing graduates in New York's healthcare system.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,306

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$72,762
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$65,238
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$31,374
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$29,250
Community Organization and Advocacy.	Associate	$28,013
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$27,753
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,987
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$24,489
Teaching Assistants/Aides.	Associate	$23,906
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$22,578

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

BMCC sits in the heart of Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood, putting students within walking distance of Wall Street and SoHo. The campus operates across multiple buildings rather than a traditional quad setup. With 92.97% of students from New York State, most commute from the five boroughs rather than live on campus. The college doesn't offer dormitories.

Students navigate typical New York winters with heavy coats and snow boots from December through March. Summer classes mean dealing with humid 80-degree heat. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes despite the 16,850 total enrollment. With 55.8% women and a diverse student body that's 45.39% Hispanic and 25.13% Black, BMCC reflects the city's multicultural character.

Weekend life revolves around the city rather than campus activities. Students explore nearby neighborhoods, work part-time jobs, or head home to family. The Panthers compete in 15 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 143 total athletes. Most students balance classes with jobs or family responsibilities, treating BMCC as a stepping stone toward transfer degrees or workforce entry.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Robbery	1	3
Dating Violence	2	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	2
Domestic Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–39°F
July Avg: 70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.5"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

BMCC draws heavily from New York's diverse communities, with nearly 93% of students coming from in-state. The college serves as an educational gateway for working-class families, as more than half receive Pell Grants. Hispanic students make up the largest group at 45%, followed by Black students at 25%, reflecting the demographics of Manhattan and the broader boroughs. Women slightly outnumber men at 56%, typical for community colleges nationwide. The student body represents the economic mobility aspirations of New York's immigrant and minority communities seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or immediate workforce entry.

Men: 44.2%
Women: 55.8%
White: 8.4%
Black: 25.1%
Hispanic: 45.4%
Asian: 11.1%
In-State Students: 93.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 56.7%

Location

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College sits in the heart of Manhattan, one of the world's most active urban centers. The campus operates within New York City's dense network of neighborhoods, placing students directly in America's largest metropolitan area. Manhattan's towering skyscrapers, strong museums, and endless internship opportunities create an unmatched urban college experience. The college draws 92.97% of its students from within New York state, many seeking affordable education in an expensive city. Public transportation connects students to every corner of the five boroughs and beyond. The average net price of $4,907 makes this Manhattan location surprisingly accessible. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: New York, New York 10007

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,306
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,947
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 38.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $80/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,574

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?

BMCC operates under an open enrollment policy typical of CUNY community colleges, accepting all students with a high school diploma or GED. The college serves 16,850 students and is designed as an accessible entry point to higher education in Manhattan. Nearly 93% of students come from New York state, reflecting its role serving local communities.

How much does CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,907 annually, with costs varying by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,990 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $11,345. Over 56% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves primarily low-income populations seeking affordable education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 19:1, which is typical for large urban community colleges. BMCC operates on a semester system and focuses on providing foundational education and workforce preparation programs. The college is known for its diverse academic offerings designed to either transfer to four-year institutions or lead directly to employment.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 25.9%, reflecting the challenges many community college students face with work and family obligations. However, 85.8% of graduates find employment, with median earnings of $42,306 ten years after enrollment. Graduates typically carry low debt loads with a median of $7,574 and monthly payments of just $80.

Where is CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in the heart of Manhattan, giving students access to internships and job opportunities throughout the city. Campus life includes 15 varsity sports with 143 total athletes competing as the Panthers in NCCAA athletics. The urban setting provides no traditional college campus experience, but offers the cultural and professional resources of New York City.

How diverse is the student body at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?

BMCC serves one of the most diverse student populations in higher education, with 45.39% Hispanic students, 25.13% Black students, and 11.12% Asian students. Women make up 55.8% of the enrollment while men comprise 44.2%. The college has built a strong reputation as a gateway institution for first-generation college students and immigrants pursuing the American dream through education.