If you are researching York College as a potential destination for your undergraduate education, understanding its admissions landscape is a critical first step. York College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, located in Jamaica, Queens, is known for its accessibility, diversity, and career-focused academic programs.
York College's acceptance rate is 59.42% for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. A total of 14,236 students applied, and 8,459 were admitted to the college. This places York College firmly in the moderately selective category, meaning your academic profile matters, but a strong application gives you a genuinely realistic shot at admission.
York College's acceptance rate places it 32nd out of 166 New York colleges with competitive admissions, making it a well-regarded choice within the CUNY system and a strong option for students seeking affordable, quality higher education in New York City.
Before diving into the numbers, it is worth understanding what makes York College a compelling option:
For the 2023–24 academic year, 6,063 men and 7,979 women applied to York College. The yield rate, the proportion of admitted students who ultimately chose to enroll, stood at 8.09%, with 684 first-year students enrolling in total.
Here is a snapshot of York College's key admissions statistics:
| Metric | Data |
| Acceptance Rate | 59.42% |
| Total Applicants | 14,236 |
| Total Admitted | 8,459 |
| Enrolled (First-Year) | 684 |
| Yield Rate | 8.09% |
| Median SAT Score | 1,100 |
| SAT Middle 50% Range | 990-1,210 |
| Application Deadline | February 1 (Regular) |
| Application Fee | Varies by programme |
The regular admissions application deadline for CUNY York is February 1, and the college operates on a semester-based academic calendar.
One of the most common questions prospective students ask is around test scores. York College takes a flexible approach.
The SAT and ACT scores are not required but are considered in the admissions process at York College. The median SAT score for admitted students is 1,100, which includes 560 in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 540 in SAT Math. The 75th percentile SAT EBRW score is 600, and the 25th percentile is 500. For SAT Math, the 75th percentile score is 610, and the 25th percentile is 490.
Admissions officials at York College consider a student's GPA a very important academic factor. An applicant's high school class rank, when available, is also considered very important.
York College does not require or recommend a personal essay or personal statement for admission, making the application process more streamlined compared to many other institutions.
Meeting York College's entry requirements is essential for a successful application. Here is what domestic and international students need to know:
For Undergraduate Applicants:
GPA Requirements: Graduate applicants require a GPA of 2.0 or higher to secure admission. For undergraduate applicants, a competitive high school GPA is expected, with stronger academic records improving admission prospects significantly.
For International Students: York College requires international applicants to submit an English proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, as part of the application.
Transcripts in languages other than English must be translated word-for-word by an acknowledged agency. After a student is selected for admission, the university will email the Certificate of Eligibility for a Student Visa (Form I-20 A/B). Required visa documents include a completed non-immigrant visa application form (DS-156) with a passport-size photo, a valid passport, and receipt of the visa application fee.
For international applicants, the CUNY acceptance rate can be slightly lower due to additional admission requirements such as English proficiency tests and transcript evaluations, so it is important to prepare these documents well in advance of deadlines.
CUNY York College has granted 972 bachelor's degrees across 42 programs and 123 master's degrees across 6 programs.
York College offers undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, accounting and business, journalism, communications technology, biotechnology, computer science, social work, and various health professions.
The college is particularly well known for its pre-professional health tracks, which serve as feeder pathways into medical schools and healthcare careers, a major draw for ambitious students in the Queens and broader New York City area.
York College's student body is richly diverse, with 37% Black students, 27% Hispanic students, and 23% Asian and Pacific Islander students among its domestic student population reflecting the cultural richness of its Queens community and the broader CUNY mission of educational access and equity.
Affordability is one of York College's strongest selling points.
The average net price to attend York College is $20,163 per year, calculated as the sum of tuition, room and board, books, and supplies, reduced by average financial aid received. An impressive 99% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid amount of $12,987.
This makes York College one of the most cost-effective pathways to a four-year degree in New York City, particularly for students from lower- and middle-income households who qualify for CUNY's generous need-based aid packages.
Even with a moderately high acceptance rate, presenting a competitive application will always work in your favor, especially for sought-after programs in health sciences, business, and computing. Here is how to make your application stand out:
1. Prioritise Your GPA Above All Else Admissions officials at York College consider a student's GPA a very important academic factor. Focus on maintaining strong grades throughout high school, especially in subjects relevant to your intended major.
2. Submit SAT or ACT Scores if They Strengthen Your Profile While not mandatory, submitting competitive test scores, ideally above the median of 1,100, signals academic readiness and can differentiate your application in competitive programs.
3. Apply Before the Deadline The regular admissions application deadline is February 1. Applying early reduces stress, gives you time to correct errors, and signals genuine interest to the admissions office.
4. International Students: Prepare English Proficiency Documents Early TOEFL and IELTS scores take time to process and report. Begin your language test preparation months ahead of your intended application cycle to avoid missing critical deadlines.
5. Research Your Program Specifically Not all programs at York College are equally competitive. Pre-health and business programs attract higher volumes of applicants. If these are your target areas, ensure your academic record and relevant activities are particularly strong.
6. Use the CUNY Application Strategically The CUNY system allows you to apply to multiple colleges using a single application. Consider listing York College alongside other CUNY campuses that match your profile and academic interests to maximize your options.
What is York College's acceptance rate?
York College's acceptance rate is 59.42% for the 2023–24 admissions cycle, with 8,459 students admitted out of 14,236 applicants.
Is York College hard to get into?
York College is among the top 21% of the most difficult universities to gain admission to in the United States, though it is more accessible than many other CUNY campuses and well within reach for prepared applicants.
What SAT score do I need for York College?
Students who get into CUNY York College have an average SAT score between 990 and 1,210. The median is 1,100, but SAT submission is optional.
Does York College accept international students?
Yes. York College has a diverse student body coming from over 50 countries, and international students are welcomed through a dedicated admissions process that includes English proficiency testing and visa support.
What is the application deadline for York College?
The regular admissions application deadline for CUNY York College is February 1.
York College's acceptance rate of approximately 59% makes it one of the more accessible colleges within the CUNY system, but do not mistake accessibility for mediocrity. York College offers a genuinely strong academic environment, an exceptionally diverse student community, and outstanding affordability in one of the world's greatest cities.
Whether you are a domestic student building towards a healthcare career or an international student seeking a quality, affordable US degree in New York City, York College is a compelling option that deserves serious consideration.
For more expert guidance on student life, university applications, and living as a student, visit Acolyte Living, your trusted companion through every step of the academic journey.