About CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn College has built its reputation as a gateway to opportunity for working-class students seeking quality liberal arts education. The school serves 10,443 students in the heart of Brooklyn, drawing from the city's incredible diversity. Notable graduates include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt and trailblazing congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, who broke barriers as the first Black woman elected to Congress. The college accepts 54.54% of applicants while maintaining strong academic standards.
The financial value proposition is compelling. Students pay an average net price of just $2,943 after aid, making this one of the most affordable quality educations in New York City. Graduates earn a median of $60,752 ten years after leaving school, creating an excellent return on investment. With median debt of only $11,000 and monthly loan payments of $117, students avoid the crushing debt loads common elsewhere. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving first-generation college students.
The student body mirrors Brooklyn's demographics, with roughly equal representation across White (24.49%), Black (20.70%), Hispanic (23.60%), and Asian (24.51%) communities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the urban setting. Brooklyn College transforms lives through accessible excellence, staying true to CUNY's mission of education for all.
The financial value proposition is compelling. Students pay an average net price of just $2,943 after aid, making this one of the most affordable quality educations in New York City. Graduates earn a median of $60,752 ten years after leaving school, creating an excellent return on investment. With median debt of only $11,000 and monthly loan payments of $117, students avoid the crushing debt loads common elsewhere. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving first-generation college students.
The student body mirrors Brooklyn's demographics, with roughly equal representation across White (24.49%), Black (20.70%), Hispanic (23.60%), and Asian (24.51%) communities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the urban setting. Brooklyn College transforms lives through accessible excellence, staying true to CUNY's mission of education for all.
Academics & Faculty
Brooklyn College built its reputation as one of the strongest liberal arts programs in the CUNY system, earning recognition for producing notable graduates like author Frank McCourt and pioneering politician Shirley Chisholm. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personalized attention than typical public universities. However, the 56% graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face balancing academics with jobs and family responsibilities. The college excels in creative writing, film, and television production programs that take advantage of New York City's media landscape. Students benefit from rigorous academics at an affordable price, with strong programs in education, psychology, and the performing arts drawing students who want quality instruction without private school costs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.6%
- Retention Rate
- 79.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,752
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $94,408 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $69,050 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Certificate | $66,461 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $65,936 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $64,394 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $63,005 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $61,417 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $59,045 |
| Economics. | Master | $57,995 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $57,995 |
Campus Life
Brooklyn College sits in the heart of Midwood, surrounded by tree-lined residential streets and ethnic restaurants that reflect the borough's diversity. The campus blends historic Georgian-style buildings with modern facilities across 35 acres. Students need winter coats for snowy January mornings and light layers for humid August orientations in New York's four-season climate.
With 95% of students from New York state and most commuting from home, campus life revolves around day-to-day interactions rather than dorm culture. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class discussions where professors know students by name. Weekends bring students to nearby Prospect Park, Manhattan museums, or the campus's own Leonard & Claire Tow Center performances. The diverse student body reflects the borough itself, with roughly equal representation across white, Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities. Many students work part-time jobs while studying, contributing to the 89% employment rate after graduation. The Bulldogs compete in Division III sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics and the rich cultural opportunities that Brooklyn provides.
With 95% of students from New York state and most commuting from home, campus life revolves around day-to-day interactions rather than dorm culture. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class discussions where professors know students by name. Weekends bring students to nearby Prospect Park, Manhattan museums, or the campus's own Leonard & Claire Tow Center performances. The diverse student body reflects the borough itself, with roughly equal representation across white, Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities. Many students work part-time jobs while studying, contributing to the 89% employment rate after graduation. The Bulldogs compete in Division III sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics and the rich cultural opportunities that Brooklyn provides.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–39°F
- July Avg
- 70°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 24.5"
Student Demographics
Brooklyn College draws students from across New York City's diverse neighborhoods, with 95% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the borough's rich cultural mix, with roughly equal representation among White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian students. Over half receive Pell Grants, making this a pathway to higher education for working-class families. Women outnumber men by about ten percentage points, typical for liberal arts institutions. The college has built its reputation serving first-generation college students and immigrants seeking affordable quality education without leaving home.
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.3%
- White
- 24.5%
- Black
- 20.7%
- Hispanic
- 23.6%
- Asian
- 24.5%
- In-State Students
- 95.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 56.4%
Location
Brooklyn College sits in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, just 10 miles from Manhattan. The campus occupies 35 acres in one of America's most diverse boroughs, where over 95% of students come from in-state. Brooklyn's cultural richness mirrors the college's student body, which is 24% Asian, 24% Hispanic, 21% Black, and 24% White. The surrounding area offers internship opportunities across media, finance, and arts industries. Students can reach Manhattan via subway in under an hour, accessing strong museums, theaters, and job markets. The urban setting provides real-world experience that complements classroom learning. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Brooklyn College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Brooklyn, New York 11210
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,752
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,329
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at CUNY Brooklyn College?
Brooklyn College admits 54.54% of applicants, making it moderately selective within the CUNY system. The college has built its reputation as one of the more competitive CUNY schools while maintaining accessibility for working-class students.
How much does CUNY Brooklyn College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $2,943 annually, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $1,466. This affordability reflects Brooklyn College's mission to provide quality education to diverse communities across New York City.
What is the student-faculty ratio at CUNY Brooklyn College?
The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its liberal arts programs. Brooklyn College has earned recognition for strong departments in education, theater, and creative writing, producing notable alumni like author Frank McCourt.
What are the graduation rates at CUNY Brooklyn College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 56.60%, with graduates earning a median of $60,752 ten years after enrollment. Many students work while attending, which affects traditional graduation timelines but leads to strong employment outcomes.
Where is CUNY Brooklyn College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, serving 10,443 students who are 95.34% from New York State. The college attracts a remarkably diverse student body, with no racial group comprising more than 25% of enrollment.
Does CUNY Brooklyn College offer athletic scholarships?
The college offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution with 13 varsity sports and 187 total athletes. Brooklyn College emphasizes academics over athletics, focusing resources on maintaining its strong liberal arts tradition and affordable tuition.
