York College, also referred to as York, is an institution for higher learning that is part of The City University of New York (CUNY)—the largest city university system in the world.
Established in 1966, York was the first-ever senior college founded under the then newly-formed CUNY network. CUNY was founded in 1961 in an effort to unite multiple formerly-independent public schools into one public university system. York is also a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
York College Acceptance Rate
York College Acceptance RateDuring the 2017 to 2018 admissions cycle, York College had a 41% acceptance rate. This means that out of 100 students who applied, only 41 were accepted into the school.
Students who wish to apply as freshmen may do so by completing and submitting a Freshman Application online. They will also be required to settle a nonrefundable application fee, submit SAT or ACT scores, and present official high school transcripts or GED scores and diploma.
There are applicants who are good candidates for the Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK) program. This initiative is aimed at helping economically-disadvantaged students gain admission even though they are not qualified by the standard requirements.
Incoming freshmen who are found to have considerable financial need and a C average will be considered for admission via the said program. These students will have to submit all necessary documents for freshman admission, including a FAFSA. They also need to meet with a counselor in the Student Financial Services Office and take the CUNY Assessment Test.
Admitted Students Profile
The student body of York College perfectly mirrors the rich ethnic diversity of the surrounding community. Students speak more than 37 languages and hail from over 50 countries. Academics at the school are supported by a 19 to 1 student-faculty ratio.
A total of 462 students enrolled in the campus in the recent school year—431 students were admitted into undergraduate programs while 31 students pursued graduate programs. By gender distribution, 244 male and 218 female students are attending York College. Based on race or ethnicity, the school has 278 White, 66 Black and 6 Asian students out of total 462.
Tuition Figures
2019 data show that the undergraduate tuition and fees of York College amount to $19,310, while graduate school tuition and fees are priced at $5,100. 405 students or 93.97% of the enrolled undergraduate students have received financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships, which takes the average amount to $11,662.
York students have access to various state and federal grants such as the Aid for Part-Time Students (APTS), the Federal Pell Grant, the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Students who need to take out a loan to finance their college education may do so via the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans and the Federal Perkins Loans.
For incoming freshmen, scholarships available include the York College Foundation Scholarships, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships, the FDA Scholars Program, the Peter Vallone Scholarship, and the Dennis Moorman Scholarship.
International students have many opportunities to obtain scholarships as well, such as the Barbara Wiedner and Dorothy Vandercook Memorial Peace Scholarship, the Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest, the La Unidad Latino Foundation, Inc., the Donald and Mary Ellen Passantino Scholarship Award, the Ayn Rand Essay Contest, and the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund.
Location
York College is located at 94-20 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11451. Spanning 50 acres, the school is home to the CUNY Aviation Institute and the Queens High School for the Sciences. York College is a commuter campus, meaning there are no residence halls for students.
At the heart of the campus is the Academic Core Building, which is where classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, art studios, the library, computer facilities, academic and administrative offices are found. It also houses multiple dining facilities and a bookstore.
There is also a 1,500-seat Performing Arts Center, the Health and Physical Education facility, which includes a gymnasium and swimming pool, Classroom and Science Buildings, Athletic Fields and parking facilities.
Academics
York College offers more than 40 different majors scattered among its three schools; the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Information Systems, and the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences.
The campus has an Aviation Institute that was established in 2003. This facility offers a program that enables students to obtain a B.S. in Aviation Management and an Aviation Policy Minor. Students have an option to take courses on a non-credit basis.
An Honors Program is being offered in the campus for students with a minimum 3.5 GPA as well. To complete this program, students are required to put in at least 12 to 18 credit hours of Honors Program courses. Those who are enrolled in the program should also attend cultural and scholarly events.
Student Life
York College has an active student life. The school aims to complement the academic experience with co- and extra-curricular programs promoting personal and social growth. Student groups get assistance from the York College staff when it comes to planning social, educational, and recreational programs. They also offer opportunities for the development of leadership skills.
Academic, social, athletic, cultural, recreational, political, and special interest groups add more valuable learning experiences for the entire York College community. The Student Government Association (SGA) works hand-in-hand with the student activities department. SGA is made up of students who were elected by their peers to represent and advocate for the student body.
Athletics
On the athletic front, York is a proud member of the NCAA Division III and the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC). The York College Cardinals also take part in the Northeast Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA) and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
Many types of sports teams are offered for both men and women, including basketball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Men may also join the soccer team while women have the additional option of participating in a softball team.
Notable Alums
Some of the most famous York College graduates include:
- Sal F. Albanese (’72), a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor in 2013 and 2017. He was elected to the New York City Council in 1982 and served until 1998, representing part of Brooklyn. After leaving the City Council, Albanese became Marketing Director for INVESCO and then Managing Director, Institutional Sales & Marketing, at Mesirow Financial.
- Deborah Persaud, M.D. (’81), a virologist and associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who received a $700,000 Elizabeth Glazer award for pediatric AIDS research
- Gerald A. Reynolds (’89), served as Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights from 2004 to 2010
- James Siegel (’77), author of Derailed, and Political Advisor to New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer
