City College of New York, CUNY

The City College of New York (CCNY), the founding institution of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, has been a landmark of accessible academic excellence since 1847. Known as the "Harvard of the Proletariat" for its historic role in educating New York City's diverse working class, CCNY is a premier public research university that combines a rich legacy with cutting-edge innovation. In 2026, it continues to lead the nation in social mobility, ranked #1 by Harvard’s Opportunity Insights for its unparalleled ability to move students into higher income brackets.

Located on a stunning neo-Gothic campus in Upper Manhattan, CCNY is classified as a Carnegie R2 institution for its high research activity. It is home to world-renowned schools, including the Grove School of Engineering, the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, and the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. The campus also hosts the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), a global hub for nanotechnology, neuroscience, and photonics.

With a legacy that includes 10 Nobel Prize winners and the discovery of the polio vaccine, CCNY remains a catalyst for scientific and social change. The university serves over 14,000 students across 115+ undergraduate and graduate programs, offering a personalized 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. From its prestigious Macaulay Honors College to its leading role in NASA-funded climate missions, The City College of New York remains a beacon of opportunity, transforming lives through high-impact research and exceptional economic value.