Mission
The Nation’s Leading Urban University
The City University of New York is the nation’s largest urban public university, a transformative engine of social mobility that is a critical component of the lifeblood of New York City. Founded in 1847 as the nation’s first free public institution of higher education, CUNY today has 25 colleges spread across New York City’s five boroughs, serving more than 225,000 degree-seeking students of all ages and awarding 50,000 degrees each year. More than 80 percent of the University’s graduates stay in New York, contributing to all aspects of the city’s economic, civic and cultural life and diversifying the city’s workforce in every sector. The University’s historic mission continues to this day: provide a public first-rate education to all students, regardless of means or background.
The mission of The City University of New York is embodied in state education law, Article 125, Section 6201, as the finding and intent of the New York State Legislature. Here is the text of the law.
History
Helping Students Succeed Since 1847
Founded in 1847 as the nation’s first free public institution of higher education, today CUNY serves more than 225,000 students of all ages and awards 50,000 degrees each year. CUNY’s graduates and faculty have received many prestigious honors recognizing their contributions to the advancement of the sciences, business, the arts and myriad other fields — including 13 Nobel Prizes and 26 MacArthur “Genius” Grants.
Colleges and Schools
1 University, 25 Colleges
The University spans 25 campuses across the city’s five boroughs providing exceptional access for high school graduates, high academic quality, numerous programs to support student completion and deep connections with important industries for career success.
Leadership
Teamwork Makes the American Dream Work
Our esteemed leaders are dedicated to serving the mission of CUNY. They work hard every day to make CUNY the nation’s premier public university.
225,000
Undergraduate & Graduate Students
60%
First Generation
to go to College
82%
Alumni stay
in New York City
82%
Freshmen
are NYC Public High School Graduates
Diverse
22%
Asian/Pacific Islander
26%
Black
31%
Hispanic
21%
White
BestColleges
for Your Money
Money Magazine
$33.2
BILLION
in added value per year to NYS
13
Nobel
Laureates
26
MacArthur
Winners
151
Fulbright
Scholars