CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College

$5,194Tuition

1,054Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College

Guttman Community College represents CUNY's bold experiment in reimagining community college education. The school enrolls just over 1,000 students in Manhattan and focuses on accelerated degree completion through modern full-time cohort programs. Students move through structured pathways designed to get them to graduation faster than traditional community college models. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for more personalized attention in this urban setting.

The financial picture looks promising for working-class families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $4,723 after aid, while those from families earning $30,000-$48,000 pay $5,468. Graduates earn a median of $36,140 five years after completing their programs. With typical debt loads of just $6,500 and monthly loan payments of $69, the return on investment works out well for most students.

The student body reflects New York City's diversity, with 54% Hispanic students and 30% Black students making up the majority. Men slightly outnumber women at 57% of enrollment. The 25% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, though Guttman's structured approach aims to improve these outcomes through its cohort-based model.

Academics & Faculty

Guttman stands out as CUNY's experimental community college, designed around accelerated pathways and structured student support. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personal attention than typical community colleges. However, the 24.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face here. The school requires all students to take a first-year experience program that combines academics with career exploration. Guttman eliminates traditional remedial courses, instead integrating basic skills into credit-bearing classes. The college focuses heavily on transfer preparation and workforce development programs. Students must complete an internship before graduating. This intensive approach works for motivated students but requires significant commitment from day one.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 76.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.8%

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Human Services, General.	Associate	$27,669
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$16,663

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

Guttman Community College sits in Manhattan's Midtown West, putting students in the heart of New York City's energy. Just 96% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community where 53% are Hispanic and 30% are Black. The small enrollment of 1,054 means you'll recognize faces across campus quickly.

Manhattan winters demand heavy coats and layers, while summers call for light clothing and plenty of water. Students commute from across the five boroughs since no on-campus housing exists. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention in this accelerated learning environment. Weekends often mean exploring nearby Times Square, Central Park, or the countless museums within subway reach.

The college emphasizes rapid degree completion and career readiness rather than traditional college social life. With 63% receiving Pell Grants, most students balance work and studies seriously. The 91.6% employment rate reflects the practical focus here. Students graduate with a median debt of just $6,500, keeping monthly loan payments at $69.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
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

The newest addition to the CUNY system draws overwhelmingly from New York's working-class communities. Over half the students are Hispanic, with Black students comprising another third of enrollment. Nearly two-thirds receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve lower-income families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or immediate career entry. The slight male majority likely stems from the college's emphasis on career-focused programs that appeal to students looking for quick workforce preparation. Most students work while attending classes in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.

Men: 57.4%
Women: 42.6%
White: 4.5%
Black: 30.4%
Hispanic: 53.7%
Asian: 5.9%
In-State Students: 96.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 63.2%

Location

Guttman Community College sits in the heart of Manhattan, serving the nation's largest city with over 8 million residents. The campus operates within New York's dense urban environment, where 96% of students come from in-state. Students navigate one of the world's major financial and cultural centers, with access to internships, jobs, and networking opportunities across all five boroughs. The college draws heavily from the city's diverse population, with 54% Hispanic and 30% Black students reflecting NYC's demographics. Monthly living costs in Manhattan rank among the nation's highest, though the college's $5,643 average net price helps offset expenses. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Guttman Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: New York, New York 10018-2602

After College

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

Median Earnings (5 years): $36,140
Monthly Loan Payment: $69/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is it to get into CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College?

As a community college, Guttman maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,054 students and focuses on helping working adults and first-generation college students access higher education. With 96.06% of students coming from in-state, it primarily serves the New York City community.

What does CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,643 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,723 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $12,204. About 63.18% of students receive financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in expensive New York City.

What academic programs is CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College known for?

Guttman specializes in accelerated degree completion with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. As CUNY's newest community college, it emphasizes career preparation and helping students transfer to four-year institutions. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on modern teaching methods designed for non-traditional students.

What are the job outcomes for CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 91.6% employment rate, though the 6-year graduation rate stands at 24.80%. Those who complete their programs earn a median of $21,190 in their first year after graduation and $36,140 after five years. The relatively low median debt of $6,500 means monthly loan payments average just $69.

Where is CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in the heart of New York City, giving students access to countless internship and job opportunities. With just over 1,000 students, it maintains an intimate campus environment despite being in a large urban setting. The student body is predominantly male at 57.40% and reflects NYC's diversity with 53.70% Hispanic and 30.36% Black students.

What makes CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College unique among community colleges?

As CUNY's newest community college, Guttman pioneered an modern model focusing on accelerated pathways and structured academic support. Only 1.07% of students take out federal loans, reflecting the school's commitment to affordability. The college specifically targets students who need extra support to succeed, with 63.18% qualifying for Pell Grants and many being first-generation college students.