CUNY

The City University of New York (CUNY) is the public university system of New York City. It is one of the largest urban public university systems in the United States, with 25 campuses across the five boroughs. CUNY's campuses include 11 senior colleges offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees; seven community colleges offering associate degrees and certificates; and several graduate and professional schools, including the CUNY Graduate Center.

The system traces its modern form to 1961, when the New York State Legislature established CUNY to oversee the city’s public colleges, building on a lineage of higher education institutions dating to the 19th century. Throughout its history, CUNY has expanded access to higher education and broadened its program mix to include diverse professional, scientific, and arts programs.

CUNY's mission emphasizes accessible higher education, diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, workforce development, and community engagement. The university supports research, artistic creation, and public service across its campuses, and it serves students from a wide range of backgrounds, including many first-generation college students.

Governance and funding are provided through a Board of Trustees, with oversight and support from state and city government, tuition, and private gifts. As a major public higher education network, CUNY educates hundreds of thousands of students each year and plays a central role in New York City's educational, economic, and cultural life.