Admit rate has ranged 49%–69% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
CUNY Queens College is a public institution in Flushing, Queens, offering an affordable yet rigorous education with a diverse student body representing over 100 countries. Known for its strong programs in psychology, business, and computer science, the college balances academic excellence with a commuter-school vibe, where most students live off-campus. Its graduates earn median wages that outpace peers across CUNY and SUNY systems.
Admission requirements
Test-blind — scores not considered
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
12,550
In-state tuition
$7,538
Out-of-state tuition
$15,488
Acceptance Rate
48–68.5%
Graduation Rate
60%
Avg. Need-Based Aid
$10,100
Most Popular Majors
Psychology, Computer Science, Accounting
Student Body Diversity
100+ countries represented
Median Salary (5 Years)
$65K
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,763
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
15.0×
Median debt at graduation
$10,298
Graduation rate
53%
First-year retention
79%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
56%
Pell (lower-income) share
88%
First-generation share
47%
Endowment / student
$5,148
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer Science$59,873
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$41,565
Accounting and Related Services$41,308
Finance and Financial Management Services$39,909
Urban Studies/Affairs$38,289
International Business$38,289
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
2
Per 1,000 students
0.16
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
93
Summer high
82°F
Winter low
29°F
Annual rain
54.4"
Annual snow
17.7"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
7.1%
Bottom → top quintile
35%
From bottom quintile
20%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at CUNY Queens College?
CUNY Queens College's acceptance rate is approximately 64% (Queens, NY), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for CUNY Queens College?
Admitted students at CUNY Queens College typically score 1010–1290 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does CUNY Queens College cost?
At CUNY Queens College, the average net price (after aid) is about $4,195 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend CUNY Queens College?
CUNY Queens College enrolls approximately 12,550 undergraduate students.
Where is CUNY Queens College located?
CUNY Queens College is located in Queens, NY.
Admissions
Queens College is moderately selective, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 48% to 68.5% across sources. For fall 2023, the college received 22,181 applications and admitted 14,271 students, with 13,464 enrolling. Mid-range SAT scores for admitted students hover around 1010, though Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. policies may affect this data. Admissions consider high school grades, academic program rigor, and standardized test scores (if submitted). The college emphasizes accessibility, with no application fee for CUNY system applications.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
History$38,289
Natural Resources Conservation and Research$37,779
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
The college offers 70+ undergraduate majors, including standout programs in psychology (the most popular major), computer science, and accounting. The School of Business provides accredited programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Other strengths include:
Over 100 graduate degree programs
40+ accelerated master’s options
Education and social sciences programs
Queens College is known for its affordability and value, with many students balancing coursework with part-time jobs. The academic culture leans practical, with a focus on career readiness.
A commuter-heavy campus (97% live off-campus) with a diverse population—students hail from 100+ countries and speak 83 languages. Social life revolves around:
100+ student clubs and organizations
The Student Union, a hub for events and activities
NCAA Division II athletics (the Knights)
While not a party school (no Greek life or traditional 'spring break'), the college hosts cultural festivals and academic events. Students describe the vibe as 'independent' and 'self-directed,' with many working part-time.
Queens College graduates outperform peers across CUNY and SUNY in earnings:
Median salary at 5 years: $65K
Median salary at 10 years: $84K
The 60% graduation rate exceeds many public peers, and ASAP program students graduate at 47.4% within three years. Early-career earnings average $36,427, with stronger outcomes in business and tech fields. Alumni surveys, though limited by low response rates (10–20%), highlight career advancement in NYC’s competitive job market.
A budget-friendly option with robust financial aid:
72% of first-year students receive Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements.
Average need-based award: $10,100
Federal grants average $6,139; state grants $3,939
Tuition for NYC residents is among the lowest for four-year colleges in the area. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps estimate costs, which often include commuting expenses rather than housing.
Queens College delivers Manhattan-caliber academics at public-school prices, wrapped in one of the most diverse student bodies in the U.S. Its location in Flushing—a global microcosm with subway access to NYC internships—gives students real-world advantages. The college punches above its weight in alumni earnings, proving that affordability and excellence aren’t mutually exclusive. Ideal for self-starters who want a no-frills education with serious ROI.
CUNY Queens College logo · sourceCampus Map | Queens College, CUNY · sourceQueens College, CUNY | We Learn So That We May Serve · sourceQueens College – The City University of New York · source
