Head-to-head · 2026
CUNY City College vs CUNY York College
Compare average net price ($3,776 at CUNY City College; $4,456 at CUNY York College), ROI score (43.72 vs 31.95), ten-year median earnings ($66,039 vs $56,945), and admissions selectivity (60% acceptance at CUNY City College; 64.1% at CUNY York College) using federal College Scorecard data. CUNY City College has a 6-1 metric-level edge. CUNY City College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | CUNY City College | CUNY York College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 43.72 ✓ | 31.95 |
| Avg net price | $3,776 ✓ | $4,456 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $66,039 ✓ | $56,945 |
| Acceptance rate | 60% ✓ | 64.1% |
| Graduation rate | 56.8% ✓ | 32.3% |
| Median debt | $11,990 | $11,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 12,505 | 4,345 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1260 ✓ | 880 |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
CUNY York College costs $680 more per year than CUNY City College ($4,456 vs $3,776). CUNY City College graduates report $9,094 higher median earnings after ten years ($66,039 vs $56,945). On EduGradify's model that puts CUNY City College ahead on projected ROI (43.72 vs 31.95, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (CUNY City College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, CUNY City College is accessible at 60% acceptance versus 64.1% (accessible) at CUNY York College.
Frequently asked
CUNY City College vs CUNY York College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is CUNY City College or CUNY York College the better value?
CUNY City College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (43.72 vs 31.95), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
CUNY City College is cheaper — average net price $3,776 per year vs $4,456 at CUNY York College. The annual difference of $680 adds up to about $2,720 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
CUNY City College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $66,039 vs $56,945 at CUNY York College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,094.
Which school is harder to get into?
CUNY City College is more selective at 60% acceptance vs 64.1% at CUNY York College.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. CUNY City College reports a A+ value grade; CUNY York College reports A+.