About CUNY York College
York College draws 4,439 students to its Queens campus, serving as a gateway to higher education for working families across New York City. This CUNY institution has built its reputation around health sciences and teacher preparation programs that directly feed into the city's workforce needs. The student body reflects Queens' incredible diversity, with 37.96% Black students, 26.33% Hispanic students, and 21.87% Asian students creating one of the most multicultural learning environments in the CUNY system. Over 92% of students come from in-state, making this a deeply local institution.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious families. Students pay an average net price of just $4,734 after aid, with the lowest-income families paying only $3,267. Graduates earn a median of $56,945 ten years out, creating a strong return on investment despite the college's modest profile. Monthly loan payments average just $117, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping debt manageable.
York's 30.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of its student population, many of whom work while studying and attend part-time. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that helps students navigate these challenges. The Cardinals compete in 17 Division III sports with 133 total athletes, offering opportunities beyond academics on this urban campus.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious families. Students pay an average net price of just $4,734 after aid, with the lowest-income families paying only $3,267. Graduates earn a median of $56,945 ten years out, creating a strong return on investment despite the college's modest profile. Monthly loan payments average just $117, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping debt manageable.
York's 30.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of its student population, many of whom work while studying and attend part-time. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that helps students navigate these challenges. The Cardinals compete in 17 Division III sports with 133 total athletes, offering opportunities beyond academics on this urban campus.
Academics & Faculty
York College serves as a commuter-focused CUNY campus where 64.52% of students are women, many pursuing careers in health sciences and education. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 30.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges facing working students who often attend part-time. The college has built a reputation for teacher preparation programs that supply Queens public schools with diverse educators. Health science programs attract students seeking affordable pathways to medical careers. With 92.58% of students coming from New York State, York functions as a local pipeline for professional careers. The semester system accommodates students balancing work and family responsibilities alongside their studies.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 38.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 31.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 30.3%
- Retention Rate
- 59.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,945
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $87,973 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $71,351 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Pharmacology and Toxicology. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,341 |
Campus Life
York College sits in Jamaica, Queens, just 30 minutes from Manhattan by subway. The 50-acre campus features modern buildings surrounded by a diverse urban neighborhood where students can find everything from Caribbean restaurants to Korean BBQs. With 64.52% women and strong representation from Black (37.96%), Hispanic (26.33%), and Asian (21.87%) communities, the campus reflects Queens' multicultural character.
Most students commute since York doesn't offer traditional dormitories. The 59.54% retention rate reflects the challenge many face balancing work and studies. Weekends often mean catching up on coursework or working jobs, as 43.43% receive Pell Grants. You'll need a winter coat for New York's cold months and lighter clothes for humid summers. The Cardinals compete in 17 NCAA Division III sports with 133 total athletes, though campus life centers more around academics than athletics. Students often study in groups between classes, grab lunch in the student center, or use the library's extended hours. The commuter culture means building connections takes effort, but the small 13:1 student-faculty ratio helps create meaningful relationships with professors.
Most students commute since York doesn't offer traditional dormitories. The 59.54% retention rate reflects the challenge many face balancing work and studies. Weekends often mean catching up on coursework or working jobs, as 43.43% receive Pell Grants. You'll need a winter coat for New York's cold months and lighter clothes for humid summers. The Cardinals compete in 17 NCAA Division III sports with 133 total athletes, though campus life centers more around academics than athletics. Students often study in groups between classes, grab lunch in the student center, or use the library's extended hours. The commuter culture means building connections takes effort, but the small 13:1 student-faculty ratio helps create meaningful relationships with professors.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–39°F
- July Avg
- 68°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 25.9"
Student Demographics
York College draws heavily from Queens and the broader New York area, with over 90% of students staying in-state for this affordable CUNY option. The student body is predominantly women, reflecting the college's strength in health sciences and education programs that traditionally attract female students. This is one of the most diverse campuses in the CUNY system, serving a largely working-class population where nearly half receive Pell Grants. The college has built its reputation as a pathway to healthcare and teaching careers for first-generation college students from immigrant families across Queens.
- Men
- 35.5%
- Women
- 64.5%
- White
- 4.0%
- Black
- 38.0%
- Hispanic
- 26.3%
- Asian
- 21.9%
- In-State Students
- 92.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.4%
Location
York College sits in Jamaica, Queens, about 20 miles from Manhattan. The campus serves a heavily commuter population, with 92.58% of students coming from New York State. Jamaica is a diverse neighborhood in southeastern Queens known for its Caribbean culture and proximity to JFK Airport. The area offers urban amenities without the intensity of Manhattan, making it accessible for working students. The college draws heavily from local communities, with 64.52% female enrollment reflecting many students pursuing careers in education and healthcare. Public transportation connects students to internships and jobs throughout the five boroughs. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare York College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Jamaica, New York 11451
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,945
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $60,074
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at CUNY York College?
CUNY York College accepts 59.14% of applicants, making it moderately selective among CUNY schools. The college serves primarily working students and commuters from Queens, with 92.58% of students coming from in-state.
How much does CUNY York College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,734 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $3,267. With 43.43% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college maintains affordability for working-class families in Queens.
What is the student-faculty ratio at CUNY York College?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 among the 4,439 enrolled students. York College is known for strong programs in health sciences and teacher preparation, serving a diverse student body where classes focus on practical career preparation.
What are the graduation rates at CUNY York College?
The six-year graduation rate is 30.30%, which reflects the college's role serving working students who often attend part-time. Despite the lower graduation rate, 91.2% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $56,945 ten years after graduation.
Where is CUNY York College located and what is the campus like?
The college sits in Jamaica, Queens, serving as a commuter campus in New York City. With 17 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III and 133 total athletes, the Cardinals provide athletic opportunities despite the primarily commuter student body.
How diverse is the student body at CUNY York College?
Women make up 64.52% of students, while the racial composition includes 37.96% Black students, 26.33% Hispanic students, and 21.87% Asian students. This diversity reflects York College's mission to serve the multicultural communities of Queens and provide accessible higher education.
