City University of New York
The City University of New York is a public university system of 26 colleges across New York City serving over 243,000 students with 2,800+ academic programs, providing affordable higher education primarily to first-generation, low-income, and international students funded through state appropriations, tuition, grants, and philanthropy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1847
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What City University of New York does
The City University of New York is a public university system comprising 26 colleges and graduate schools across New York City's five boroughs, serving over 243,000 degree-seeking students with more than 2,800 academic programs. Founded in 1847 with City College and formally unified in 1964, CUNY operates 11 four-year senior colleges, 7 two-year community colleges, and 8 graduate or professional schools. The student body skews toward first-generation, low-income New Yorkers — 60 percent are first-generation college students, 50 percent come from households earning under $30,000, and 72 percent attend tuition-free — alongside more than 8,000 international students from over 100 countries. CUNY generates an estimated $33.2 billion in annual economic impact for New York State and secures over $600 million in annual research grants.
The system's academic technology stack is built primarily on third-party platforms rather than proprietary systems: Brightspace serves as the learning management system, YuJa provides AI-driven online proctoring, CUNYfirst functions as the student information system, and the CUNY AI Academic Hub coordinates system-wide AI initiatives. CUNY holds an active research portfolio spanning quantum materials, wearable and environmental health AI, and drug discovery, and is expanding into green workforce training through partnerships with the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
CUNY's revenue model combines four streams: New York State and City appropriations (the dominant funding source), tuition at $620 per credit for four-year senior colleges and $320 per credit for two-year community colleges, federal and research grants, and philanthropic gifts. The system is pursuing multiple growth vectors — career-connected advising through the CUNY Beyond initiative, green workforce training, AI literacy at scale, and real estate expansion including the $40 million acquisition of Metropolitan College of New York condominium properties. CUNY also faces regulatory headwinds, including an active U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the Black Male Initiative program and an external complaint filed with the Department of Education.
City University of New York firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- City University of New York
- Legal name
- The City University of New York
- Website
- https://cuny.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1847
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- The City University of New York is a public university system of 26 colleges across New York City serving over 243,000 students with 2,800+ academic programs, providing affordable higher education primarily to first-generation, low-income, and international students funded through state appropriations, tuition, grants, and philanthropy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
City University of New York industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Junior Colleges (611210)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Urban/Metropolitan Public Research Universities (EDAHAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Urban/Metropolitan Community Colleges (EDAHADAL)
Keywords
Where City University of New York is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
City University of New York business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: Public university system funded by tuition from in-state and out-of-state students. Tuition rates: $620/credit for four-year colleges, $320/credit for two-year colleges. 72% of in-state undergraduates attend tuition-free.
- State and City Funding: CUNY receives operational funding from New York State and New York City as a public university system.
- Government Grants and Capital Investment: Federal, state, and city grants for workforce training, research, and infrastructure. Includes $7 million NYCEDC capital investment for green workforce training facilities.
- Federal Appropriations: Congressionally directed spending for specific programs such as $800,000 for Brooklyn College perinatal mental health initiative.
- Philanthropic Donations: Major gifts from foundations and donors, including $50 million from MacKenzie Scott to Lehman College.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | In-state undergraduate tuition (Four-year colleges) |
| Subscription | Annual | In-state undergraduate tuition (Two-year colleges) |
| Unit Pricing | Annual | International student total first year expenses (Four-year) |
| Unit Pricing | Annual | International student total first year expenses (Two-year) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
City University of New York product offering
Product offeringCore offering
City University of New York (CUNY) is a public university system operating 26 colleges across New York City that delivers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs to more than 2,800 majors and academic programs. The system offers in-person and online education, supports student success through programs such as CUNY Reconnect, ASAP, and CUNY Beyond, and operates as a direct-to-consumer educational institution funded by tuition, state and city appropriations, and philanthropic donations.
Product overview
CUNY (City University of New York) is a public university system comprising 26 colleges across New York City's five boroughs, offering a unified platform of educational services rather than a traditional product architecture. The core offerings include over 2,800 academic programs across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees through CUNY's 26 constituent institutions, supported by the CUNY Online platform for distance education and the AI Academic Hub for artificial intelligence initiatives. Key supporting services include CUNY Reconnect for returning students, the ASAP model for completion support, CUNY Beyond for career integration, International Student Services for F-1 and J-1 visa holders, the Malave Leadership Academy for student development, and specialized certificate programs. Technology infrastructure includes YuJa online proctoring, Brightspace LMS, and CUNYfirst student information system.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CUNY Academic Programs Over 2,800 majors and programs across 26 colleges including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in business, engineering, health, humanities, science, technology, and liberal arts disciplines. Designed for prospective and current students seeking accredited higher education credentials.
- CUNY Online Online education platform offering 230 programs across 25 campuses with hybrid and fully online degree delivery using the Brightspace learning management system. Designed for students seeking flexible remote learning options.
- AI Academic Hub University-wide centralized hub for artificial intelligence academic resources and coordination, which has awarded $3 million to fund 113 campus-led AI initiatives focused on advancing student success, research, and workforce readiness. Designed for CUNY faculty and students across 25 campuses.
- CUNY Reconnect A reenrollment program helping former CUNY students and adult learners return to complete their degrees, connecting workers with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and offering free college programs through SUNY and CUNY Reconnect partnerships. Designed for adult learners and returning students.
- CUNY ASAP The Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) model provides personalized advising, structured pathways, wraparound services, and financial support to improve student completion rates. Designed for associate-degree students seeking completion support.
- CUNY Beyond Career Initiative A comprehensive career initiative aiming to integrate career preparation into classwork and triple the number of students in paid internships by 2030. Designed for CUNY students seeking career readiness and employer connections.
- CUNY Career Discovery Week An annual program connecting CUNY students with major employers including Accenture, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, IBM, Mastercard, and Memorial Sloan Kettering through site visits, panels, and networking opportunities. Designed for CUNY students seeking employment connections.
- International Student Services Comprehensive support services for approximately 8,000+ international students from over 100 countries including visa guidance, immigration support, cultural adjustment programs, and academic advising through designated F-1 and J-1 officials at each campus. Designed for international students on F-1 and J-1 visas.
- CUNY Malave Leadership Academy The principal source for leadership education, research, and opportunities at CUNY where students develop skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to become global leaders. Designed for CUNY students seeking leadership development.
- Brooklyn College Perinatal Mental Health Certificate One-year Advanced Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health, the first credit-bearing certificate of its kind in the New York metropolitan area, with 120 hours of supervised clinical training for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Designed for graduate-level clinical professionals.
- CUNY Citizenship Now Immigration resources and legal assistance program helping students and community members navigate citizenship processes and immigration status requirements. Designed for CUNY students and community members needing immigration support.
- Green Workforce Training Facilities Green economy workforce training infrastructure including specialized labs, classrooms, and equipment distributed across six campuses, supporting NYC's goal of creating nearly 400,000 green economy jobs by 2040. Designed for CUNY students pursuing green economy careers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 77% of students graduate with zero debt
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use City University of New York
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
City University of New York technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
AI capability8 records
Feature2 records
City University of New York partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- SUNY and Workers' Compensation BoardcoreGovernor Hochul announced collaboration between SUNY, CUNY, and the Workers' Compensation Board to help injured workers return to school through free college programs. Workers connected with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors for enrollment in SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs at no cost.
- Vascarta Inc.coreVascarta and CUNY researchers report preclinical breakthrough in glioblastoma treatment using drug candidate STO-1, which selectively eliminates tumor cells in mice with high survival rate. Promising advances in cancer therapy with further clinical development expected.
- New York Jobs CEO Council and Partnership for New York CitycoreLaunched inaugural CUNY Career Discovery Week (November 3-11, 2025) to connect CUNY students with major employers. Program offers site visits, panels, and networking with leading companies including Accenture, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, IBM, Mastercard, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
- Centerbridge PartnerscoreHunter College strengthening collaboration with private equity firm Centerbridge Partners to enhance programs supporting students in securing employment after graduation.
- Bain & Co.coreHunter College deepening partnership with consulting firm Bain & Co. to help students land jobs after graduation through enhanced career preparation programs.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
City University of New York competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- State University of New York (SUNY): SUNY is the sister public university system for New York State; CUNY and SUNY jointly administer the CUNY/SUNY Reconnect program with the Workers' Compensation Board, making SUNY the most directly comparable peer in scale, public mission, and geography.
- Miami Dade College: Miami Dade College is the largest college in the U.S. by enrollment, an urban-serving public institution with strong workforce-development partnerships; comparable to CUNY in mission, scale, and demographic focus on first-generation and low-income students.
- Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA): NOVA is one of the largest community colleges in the U.S., serving a diverse, urban-suburban population with transfer and workforce pathways — a strong analog to CUNY's seven community colleges and the ASAP-style completion model.
- Houston Community College: HCC is a multi-campus urban-serving community college system in a major U.S. metro with comparable transfer, workforce, and ESL priorities; directly comparable to CUNY's network of community colleges on mission and demographics.
Broad incumbents
- University of California (UC): The University of California is the largest U.S. public research university system, sharing a public urban-serving research university structure with CUNY across multiple campuses; relevant as a benchmark for scale, research output, and governance.
- California State University (CSU): CSU is a very large multi-campus public university system with significant community-college feeder alignment and a low-cost, high-access mission analogous to CUNY's tuition-free outcomes — a direct structural analog at higher altitude.
- New York University (NYU): NYU is a leading private urban research university serving the same New York City student market as CUNY; relevant as a private-sector alternative on the city's higher-ed landscape, especially for international students.
- Columbia University: Columbia is an Ivy League private research university headquartered in NYC; comparable as a research-intensive NYC peer competing for faculty, research grants, and highly skilled students in the same metropolitan talent pool.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
City University of New York social profiles
Digital presenceCity University of New York financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
City University of New York leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
City University of New York subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries26 records
City University of New York funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
City University of New York M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about City University of New York
What does City University of New York do?
City University of New York (CUNY) is a public university system operating 26 colleges across New York City that delivers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs to more than 2,800 majors and academic programs. The system offers in-person and online education, supports student success through programs such as CUNY Reconnect, ASAP, and CUNY Beyond, and operates as a direct-to-consumer educational institution funded by tuition, state and city appropriations, and philanthropic donations.
Is City University of New York a public or private company?
City University of New York is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was City University of New York founded?
City University of New York was founded in 1847. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is City University of New York based?
City University of New York is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does City University of New York make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are state and City Funding, government Grants and Capital Investment, federal Appropriations and philanthropic Donations.
Who are City University of New York's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are State University of New York (SUNY), Miami Dade College, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Houston Community College. Broad incumbents are University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), New York University (NYU) and Columbia University.
Does City University of New York have an API?
No public API is recorded for City University of New York.
What industry is City University of New York in?
City University of New York's product category is Public Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAAAH, Urban/Metropolitan Public Research Universities, with a secondary code of EDAHADAL, Urban/Metropolitan Community Colleges. Its NAICS code is 6113.