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CUNY Queens College (QC) is a public, four-year institution located in the Queens borough of New York City. Founded in 1937 and located in Riverside, California, it offers liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Known for its outstanding academics, generous financial aid packages, and affordability, the school has been cited for 28 consecutive years as the “Best Value” college in the Princeton Review. It’s also worth noting that the college produces more education graduates who become employees for New York City public schools than any other institution in the metropolitan area.


Overview of University of Queens College (QC)


The college works hard to prepare those enrolled to serve as innovative leaders in a diverse world. To promote equality and inclusion, Queens College (QC) recognizes every student’s potential and facilitates opportunities to achieve it. It is dedicated to preparing undergraduate and graduate students through rigorous academics, as well as providing support to ensure those enrolled are able to complete their courses of study and find the right paths after graduation.

There are about 18,772 students enrolled at Queens College. Of these, 15,883 are seeking undergraduate degrees. The total number of full-time faculty employed by the institution as of fall 2021 was 548. There were also 799 part-time faculty members. All of these professionals provide instructional support only, with no one working in research or public service. The institution also maintains 51 instructional graduate assistants. Overall, the school’s student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1, which is slightly better than the average for most institutions in the United States.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 16:1
Graduation Rate 56%
Year Founded 1937

Student Enrollment


Total Students19,923

Undergraduate
16,866
Graduate
3,057

Undergraduate Student

Male 7,758
7,758
Female 9,108
9,108

Graduate Student

Male 1,406
1,406
Female 1,651
1,651

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QC Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS24,277

Male 10,825
Female 13,452

ACCEPTANCE11,896

Male 5,088
Female 6,726

Acceptance Rate49%

Male 47%
Female 50%

Enrollment 2,260

Male 1,059
Female 1,201
Admissions
Application Fee $65
High School GPA Required
High School Rank
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations Required
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline February 1
Common Application Accepted Yes

QC Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The cost of attending Queens College depends on several factors, including residency, degree type, and the number of courses taken. As of 2019, tuition for in-state, undergraduate students enrolled in 12 or more credits was $3,465 per semester. Those taking fewer than 12 credit hours of classes, however, pay $305 per credit hour. Notably, it’s possible to enroll as a non-degree student, but these individuals pay $445 per credit hour.

It is also important to realize that out-of-state residents and international students pay a higher rate per credit hour. These students are responsible for $620 in tuition per credit hour. Graduate students also pay a different rate for enrollment. Those with New York residency who are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours owe $5,545 per semester in tuition. When taking fewer than 12 credits, the cost is $305 per credit hour.

Once registered, students are also responsible for several mandatory fees. These include activity fees, consolidation service fees, senate fees, and technology fees. Those enrolled at the undergraduate level will owe between $209 and $304, depending on the number of courses taken. Graduate fees range from $198 to $261. Students are also responsible for the cost of supplies, housing, food, and transportation.

At Queens College, students have the option to live on campus or off campus. The institution offers apartment-style housing with single and shared bedrooms. The cost of these accommodations ranges between $11,694 and $15,200 per academic year. Meal plans are also available.

As of the 2020-2021 academic year, 87% of beginning undergraduate students attending Queens College received some amount of financial aid. The institution offers several types of aid, including scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and loans. To be considered for any type of financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). New York residents must also complete the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $4,471
Average Total Aid $9,111
Students Receiving Financial Aid 79%
Room & Board $15,102

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $7,538
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $15,488
  • Books and Supplies - $1,364
  • Room & Board - $15,102
  • Other - $5,504

Popular Educational Academics at Queens College


Queens College takes an aspirational, yet practical, approach to liberal arts and professional education. It seeks to engage students in learning, knowledge creation, and co-curricular activities that broaden their minds while giving them tangible skills to succeed in careers and life. Those enrolled can choose from 69 undergraduate programs and over 100 career-building master’s and certificate degree programs.

Students can choose from numerous areas of study and advanced training in the following schools:

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Math and Natural Science
  • Education
  • Social Science
  • Business
  • Interdisciplinary Programs
  • Graduate Studies

For the convenience of students with more difficult schedules, the institution also has several graduate degree options offered completely online. Those interested can choose from many great major areas of study including bilingual education, ethical and equitable practice, and special education.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the retention rate for first-time students pursuing bachelor’s degrees full-time in 2020 at Queens College was 80%. The retention rate for part-time students was slightly lower, with 72% returning. Notably, both of these stats are above the national average of 68% retention for all higher education institutions in the United States. This rate indicates that the majority of those enrolled were pleased with their experiences and decided to return for a second year of study in 2021.

Graduation rates are lower, however, which is not a surprise at a public institution. The overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time degree or certificate-seeking students who began their studies at Queens College in fall 2015 was 55%, with a transfer-out rate of 24%. This data is significant, as it indicates the number of students who successfully earned their degrees or certificates within 150% of the standard completion time, which is about six years. While most students strive to graduate within four years of enrollment, only 28% of those who began their studies in fall 2015 were able to achieve this. However, it’s important to note that students who transfer out and then graduate from another institution are not included in the graduation rate no matter if they finish their degrees within four years or not. The decent transfer-out rate may indicate that many students transfer to another CUNY program with exactly the degree they want and graduate from there.

Queens College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), an accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The institution is also accredited by the State of New York Department of Education (NYSDOE). Additionally, many academic departments and schools have received national accreditation from specific agencies. Some prominent examples include the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP), Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ASCEND), American Psychological Association (APA), and Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA-CAA).

Student Population Total


Student Population 19,923

Undergraduate
16,866
Graduate
3,057
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Social Science Majors 662 Total Graduates / 20%
Economics, General 319 Graduates
Sociology, General 158 Graduates
Political Science and Government, General 111 Graduates
Urban Studies/Affairs 35 Graduates
All Psychology Majors 602 Total Graduates / 18%
Psychology, General 602 Graduates
All Business Majors 542 Total Graduates / 16%
Accounting 451 Graduates
Finance, General 62 Graduates
International Business/Trade/Commerce 17 Graduates
Labor Studies 10 Graduates
All Computer and Information Majors 272 Total Graduates / 8%
Computer Science 272 Graduates
All Education Majors 254 Total Graduates / 8%
Elementary Education and Teaching 105 Graduates
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 29 Graduates
Mathematics Teacher Education 22 Graduates
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor 22 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 31%

Outcome & Salary


The Center for Career Engagement and Internships at Queens College is passionate about preparing students for career success. The department provides career education in the form of coaching, internships, jobs, and professional connections. It also implements qualify and innovative services through the engagement of students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and the community. So far, the department has made over 1,000 employer and recruiter connections, as well as awarded $2,550 to each student in the internships stipend program.

While no graduation or alumni job-placement data is provided, the institution does dedicate resources to helping students find employment. Queens College students have access to HireQC, a job posting platform that professional and internship positions. Those enrolled can also take advantage of workshops and career fairs, during which speakers share valuable resources and recruitment opportunities.

According to PayScale, graduates from Queens College earn an average base salary of $72,000 per year.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $53,500
College Grads Average Salary $67,833
College Grads Mid Career Salary $98,700
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $678,330
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,665,330
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $17,884
10 Year Projected ROI $660,446
20 Year Projected ROI $1,647,446
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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