City College of New York of The City University of New York (CCNY)

The City College of New York—the founding institution of the City University of New York (CUNY)—provides its students with “strong STEM programs, diverse academic paths, and…access to research labs and professors.” The college “makes students aware of the resources available to them,” including “help at The Hub (for example, with class selection and major requirements) and tech loans.” Students also value City College’s connections with organizations and “the opportunity to network with professionals” through career development events, which open the door for “mentorships, volunteer work, or internships, so that students can gain experience and develop their skills.” There are “many advisors that truly want to see students doing well,” and this enthusiasm for education is spread across the board, as professors “truly make material accessible.” The members of the faculty have “an extensive background or are currently practicing, [which] helps a lot with creating a realistic and driven academic experience.” Professors are “engaging and effective,” and students “like the balance between interactive classes and strong, clear lectures.” Some professors also “incorporate case studies, peer teaching, and in-class problem-solving activities that make the material feel more practical and engaging.” No matter where students were before City College or where they are looking to go, “professors meet students…where they are and…encourage them to be the best they can be.”

City College is a microcosm of its location, with a student body that is “constantly in motion” and “very much representative of New York City.” To wit, students “are proud” of their backgrounds and appreciate that there are “many different clubs to find and connect with people [of the] same heritage.” This rich tapestry of people is “a culturally diverse group of students who think differently but work well collaboratively.” There is a “heavy emphasis on lending a helping hand and giving people the push they need to get to the destination they need to make.” As one student explains, “We share ideas, help when someone doesn’t understand something, and motivate each other to keep going. It feels like a community where everyone is trying to grow and move forward.” The student body “includes everyone from young adults just beginning their academic journey to older students returning to school after time away, [and] each person brings a unique blend of life experience, ambition, and insight that feels both distinct and deeply connected.”

Life at City College “is as dynamic as the city it sits in,” and on a typical day, “you’ll see students hanging out on the quad between lectures, grabbing empanadas from food trucks, or catching their breath in the [North Academic Center] rotunda,” while some will “study together in the library, others hold club meetings, rehearse performances, or unwind in the student lounges.” The school’s uptown campus location “is great…[an] ideal combination of green space, tranquility, with easy access to all Harlem has to offer.” Students say “everything is pretty accessible…nothing is too far, and you don’t have to wander down streets to get anywhere.” Many students like to “explore places around campus and try new restaurants together.” This Division III school has more than 100 student clubs, and they are known for “offering multiple events during club hours where you can get free food, meet other students and learn.” In addition, there are “tons of student showcases all the time.” With its active clubs and frequent events, “for students who do desire a larger community on campus, there are plenty of opportunities if they seek them out.”

City College graduates who visited PayScale.com reported a median starting salary of $51,400, and 55 percent of graduates feel their jobs have a lot of meaning in their lives. Students feel that City College “thoroughly prepares its students for their future careers, with emphasis placed on the effects of the current economic climate,” and that there are veritable “tons of internship/research opportunities,” which students receive frequent email updates about. City College's Career and Professional Development Institute offers a number of services to students and alumni including individual career counseling, internship and job opportunities, resume writing, career fairs, and workshops aimed at developing the professional identity of students and alumni.