Overview
Founded in 1937 as part of the City University of New York system, Queens College was established to provide a rigorous, tuition-free public education to the residents of Queens and New York City. It quickly built a reputation for academic excellence, particularly in the sciences, music, and pre-professional programs, producing numerous Nobel laureates, MacArthur 'genius' grant winners, and prominent scholars. The college is consistently recognized for its strong return on investment and its role in advancing socioeconomic mobility for first-generation and immigrant students.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Queens, New York |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Total students | 17,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 64% |
| Graduation rate | 62% |
| Average starting salary | $50,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $7,470 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $17,470 |
| Room & board | $14,000 |
| Average financial aid | $8,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1290 |
| ACT range | 20-27 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Top Programs
- Music (Aaron Copland School of Music)
- Psychology
- Accounting
- Elementary Education
- Computer Science
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.