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47.9%Acceptance
$7,382Tuition
16,642Students
61%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$63,163Earnings
#21 in New YorkPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About CUNY Hunter College

Hunter College draws 16,642 students to Manhattan's Upper East Side, making it one of the largest campuses in the strong CUNY system. The school has built a reputation for excellence in nursing, social work, and education programs that serve New York City's diverse communities. Notable graduates include actors Ruby Dee, Vin Diesel, and Bobby Cannavale, reflecting the creative energy that flows through this urban campus.

The financial picture tells a compelling story. Students pay an average net price of just $2,446 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $63,163 ten years after graduation. With typical debt loads of only $11,000, Hunter delivers strong value in expensive New York City. Over 55% of students receive Pell Grants, and the lowest-income families pay practically nothing at $262 net price annually.

Hunter's student body reflects New York's diversity, with 32% Hispanic students and 31% Asian students creating a active multicultural environment. Women make up 65% of enrollment, typical for a school strong in education and health fields. The 80% retention rate shows students stick around, though the urban setting means most commute rather than live on campus in the 706 available beds.

Academics & Faculty

Hunter College operates as one of CUNY's flagship liberal arts institutions, drawing students who want quality education without crushing debt. The school has built its reputation on strong professional programs, particularly nursing, social work, and education, which consistently place graduates in competitive positions. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at many large public universities. The 58.74% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work while studying in expensive New York City. Hunter's diverse academic offerings span from pre-med tracks to creative writing, attracting students who thrive in an urban environment where internships and job opportunities are abundant.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
33.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
58.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
61.0%
Retention Rate
80.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$63,163
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $114,807
Educational Administration and Supervision. Certificate $111,673
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $94,255
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. Certificate $86,867
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. Certificate $81,702
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $78,971
Accounting and Related Services. Master $71,015
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. Master $68,296
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Master $68,219
Research and Experimental Psychology. Certificate $67,660

View all 137 programs →

Campus Life

Hunter College sits on Manhattan's Upper East Side, just blocks from Central Park and Museum Mile. The campus spans several city blocks with a mix of historic and modern buildings. With housing capacity for only 706 students out of 16,642 enrolled, about 96% of students commute from across New York City's five boroughs. You'll need a winter coat for snowy January mornings and lighter layers for humid summers.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes despite the large enrollment. Women make up 64.84% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The diverse campus reflects New York itself, with 31.95% Hispanic students and 30.72% Asian students. Since 90.29% are in-state residents, most students head home to family after classes rather than staying for campus activities. Weekend life often means exploring Manhattan's neighborhoods, museums, and cultural events rather than traditional college parties. The Hawks compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports, though athletics draw smaller crowds than academic and cultural programming.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
706 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 9 0 0 0
Fondling 5 0 0 0
Dating Violence 2 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Hunter College draws students seeking quality education without crushing debt in America's most expensive city. With 90% of students from New York, the school has built a strong local reputation for career preparation. The student body is 65% women, reflecting Hunter's historically strong programs in nursing, social work, and education. Over half receive Pell Grants, making this one of the most economically accessible paths to a four-year degree in Manhattan. Asian and Hispanic students each comprise about 31% of enrollment, mirroring the diversity of New York's working families who rely on CUNY's affordability.
Men
35.2%
Women
64.8%
White
17.9%
Black
11.3%
Hispanic
32.0%
Asian
30.7%
In-State Students
90.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
55.0%

Location

Hunter College sits in Manhattan's Upper East Side, placing students directly in America's largest city. The campus spans multiple blocks in one of New York's most strong neighborhoods, just minutes from Central Park and strong museums. With 90.29% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with navigating the city's energy and opportunities. The urban setting means no traditional college town atmosphere, but students gain access to internships, cultural events, and networking opportunities that only New York can provide. The location attracts a diverse student body, with 31.95% Hispanic and 30.72% Asian students. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Hunter College with similar schools in the region.
Address
New York, New York 10065
Hunter College North Building
Hunter College North Building
Normal College of Women 801201
Normal College of Women 801201
West Building Hunter College CUNY
West Building Hunter College CUNY

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$63,163
Median Earnings (5 years)
$70,493
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,300
Loan Repayment Rate
56.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at CUNY Hunter College?

Hunter College accepts 47.86% of applicants, making it moderately selective within the CUNY system. The college attracts strong students who want quality education in Manhattan without the price tag of private institutions.

How much does CUNY Hunter College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is just $2,446, making Hunter one of the most affordable college options in New York City. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $262 after aid, while those from higher-income families still benefit from reasonable costs compared to private colleges.

What programs is CUNY Hunter College known for?

Hunter is well-known for its nursing, social work, and education programs within the CUNY system. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students get solid attention from professors while studying in the heart of Manhattan's Upper East Side.

What do CUNY Hunter College graduates earn?

Hunter graduates earn a median of $63,163 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's strong job placement in New York's competitive market. The 91.6% employment rate shows that Hunter's career services and alumni network help students land jobs in the city.

Where do students live at CUNY Hunter College?

Housing capacity is limited to just 706 students out of 16,642 total enrollment, so most students commute from home or find off-campus housing. The campus sits on Manhattan's Upper East Side, giving students access to museums, internships, and the energy of New York City.

Is CUNY Hunter College diverse?

Hunter's student body is 31.95% Hispanic, 30.72% Asian, 17.91% White, and 11.28% Black, reflecting New York City's multicultural population. Women make up 64.84% of students, and 55.01% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves many first-generation and low-income students.