About CUNY Queens College
Queens College draws 13,060 students to its campus in one of New York City's most diverse boroughs. The school has built a reputation as a liberal arts powerhouse that mirrors the multicultural fabric of Queens itself. Comedy legends Jerry Seinfeld and Ray Romano both got their start here, along with musician Paul Simon. With an acceptance rate of 69.48%, Queens College remains accessible while maintaining academic rigor. The student body reflects the borough's diversity, with Asian students making up 31.34% of enrollment and Hispanic students comprising 30.05%.
The financial picture makes Queens College particularly attractive. After aid, students pay an average net price of just $3,830 per year. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,816 annually. Graduates earn a median of $62,763 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of just $10,298. Monthly loan payments average only $109, making this one of the best educational values in the region.
Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, underscoring the school's mission to serve working-class families. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the large enrollment. With 85.68% of students coming from New York State, Queens College maintains strong ties to the local community while preparing graduates for success in the global marketplace.
The financial picture makes Queens College particularly attractive. After aid, students pay an average net price of just $3,830 per year. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,816 annually. Graduates earn a median of $62,763 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of just $10,298. Monthly loan payments average only $109, making this one of the best educational values in the region.
Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, underscoring the school's mission to serve working-class families. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the large enrollment. With 85.68% of students coming from New York State, Queens College maintains strong ties to the local community while preparing graduates for success in the global marketplace.
Academics & Faculty
Queens College is one of CUNY's top liberal arts institutions, offering broad academic exploration across disciplines. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides meaningful access to professors in a system known for quality education at affordable prices. The college has built a strong reputation in music, education, and the arts, producing notable alumni like Paul Simon and Jerry Seinfeld. With a 58% four-year graduation rate, students often balance academics with work and family responsibilities typical of urban commuter schools. The liberal arts focus means students develop critical thinking and communication skills across multiple fields rather than narrow specialization. This approach prepares graduates for diverse career paths in New York's competitive job market.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 45.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.2%
- Retention Rate
- 78.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,763
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $107,163 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Certificate | $71,015 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $68,666 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $67,765 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $65,797 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $65,131 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $63,005 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Certificate | $61,516 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,873 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,221 |
Campus Life
Queens College sits on a sprawling 80-acre campus in Flushing, just 20 minutes by subway from Manhattan. With housing for only 510 students out of 13,060 total enrollment, less than 4% live on campus. Most students commute from across the five boroughs, creating a distinctly urban college experience where you'll hear conversations in dozens of languages between classes.
The red-brick Georgian buildings feel more like an established university than a commuter school. You'll need a solid winter coat for January temperatures that regularly drop below freezing, plus layers for the humid summers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite the large enrollment. With 85.68% of students from New York State and the campus reflecting the incredible diversity of Queens itself, weekends often mean heading home to family or exploring the authentic ethnic food scene surrounding campus. The Rosenthal Library becomes a social center during finals, while the quad fills with pickup games when weather permits. Many students work part-time, balancing academics with jobs in the city.
The red-brick Georgian buildings feel more like an established university than a commuter school. You'll need a solid winter coat for January temperatures that regularly drop below freezing, plus layers for the humid summers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite the large enrollment. With 85.68% of students from New York State and the campus reflecting the incredible diversity of Queens itself, weekends often mean heading home to family or exploring the authentic ethnic food scene surrounding campus. The Rosenthal Library becomes a social center during finals, while the quad fills with pickup games when weather permits. Many students work part-time, balancing academics with jobs in the city.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 510 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–40°F
- July Avg
- 71°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.8"
Student Demographics
Queens College draws students who want quality education without crushing debt. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families. The student body is among America's most diverse, with Asian and Hispanic students each making up about 30% of enrollment. Most students come from New York, giving the campus a distinctly local feel rooted in Queens' immigrant communities. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts colleges. Students here often work while studying, balancing academics with real-world responsibilities in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Men
- 48.7%
- Women
- 51.3%
- White
- 18.7%
- Black
- 9.8%
- Hispanic
- 30.1%
- Asian
- 31.3%
- In-State Students
- 85.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.7%
Location
Queens College sits in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York, just 20 minutes from Manhattan by subway. The campus serves over 13,000 students in one of the most ethnically diverse boroughs in America. Asian students make up 31.34% of enrollment while Hispanic students represent 30.05%, reflecting Queens' incredible cultural mix. The surrounding area offers authentic food from dozens of countries and easy access to both the city's cultural attractions and quieter residential neighborhoods. With 85.68% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with navigating New York's extensive public transportation system. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Queens College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Queens, New York 11367
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,763
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,545
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $109/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,298
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at CUNY Queens College?
Queens College accepts 69.48% of applicants, making it moderately selective among CUNY schools. The college attracts students seeking strong liberal arts programs at an affordable price in one of New York's most diverse boroughs.
How much does CUNY Queens College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $3,830, making it one of the most affordable colleges in New York City. Nearly half of students (47.72%) receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,816 annually.
What is the student-faculty ratio at CUNY Queens College?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 across the college's 13,060 students. Queens College is known for its strong liberal arts programs and has produced notable alumni like comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Ray Romano.
What are the graduation rates at CUNY Queens College?
The six-year graduation rate is 60.20%, while 58.35% of students graduate within four years. Graduates earn a median salary of $62,763 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the value of the college's career-focused programs.
Where do students live at CUNY Queens College?
Housing capacity is limited to just 510 students on the Queens campus. Most of the 85.68% in-state student body commutes from throughout the New York metropolitan area, creating a active mix of cultures and backgrounds.
How diverse is CUNY Queens College?
Asian students make up 31.34% of enrollment, Hispanic students 30.05%, and the college is known as one of the most diverse in America. Only 18.71% of students are white, reflecting the multicultural character of Queens and the broader CUNY system.
