City University of New York (CUNY) Undergraduate Tuition Fees 2026: Cost of Attendance & Living Expenses

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Are you planning to earn your undergraduate degree at the City University of New York (CUNY)? Before applying, it is important to understand the latest tuition fees, mandatory student charges, and estimated living expenses. Knowing the total cost of attendance will help you prepare your finances and determine whether you qualify for scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial aid.

This guide covers the latest officially published undergraduate tuition rates, student fees, and estimated living expenses for students attending CUNY senior and community colleges.

CUNY Undergraduate Tuition

The tuition you pay depends on your residency status and whether you attend a senior college or a community college.

Senior Colleges

Student Type	Full-Time (12+ Credits)	Part-Time	Online Programs
New York State Resident	$3,465 per semester	$305 per credit	$305 per credit
Out-of-State Resident	$620 per credit	$620 per credit	$350 per credit

Non-Degree Students (Senior Colleges)

Student Type	Tuition
New York State Resident	$445 per credit
Out-of-State Resident	$915 per credit

Community College Tuition

Degree Students

Student Type	Full-Time (12+ Credits)	Part-Time	Online Programs
New York City Resident	$2,400 per semester	$210 per credit	$210 per credit
Non-Resident	$320 per credit	$320 per credit	$320 per credit

Community College Non-Degree Students

Student Type	Tuition
New York City Resident	$265 per credit
Non-Resident	$420 per credit

Annual Tuition Summary

Student Category	Annual Tuition
New York State Resident (Senior College)	$6,930
Out-of-State Resident (Senior College, Full-Time Equivalent)	$18,600
New York City Resident (Community College)	$4,800
Out-of-State Resident (Community College, Full-Time Equivalent)	$9,600

CUNY Undergraduate Fees

In addition to tuition, undergraduate students are required to pay several mandatory fees.

Fee	Amount
Technology Fee (Full-Time)	$125 per semester
Technology Fee (Part-Time)	$62.50 per semester
Student Activity Fee	Approximately $60 to $180 per semester
Consolidated Service Fee	$15 per semester

Some campuses may charge additional program-specific or laboratory fees depending on your course of study.

Estimated Nine-Month Living Expenses

Students Living at Home

Expense	Estimated Cost
Books and Supplies	$1,500
Transportation	$1,188
Meals	$4,550
Personal Expenses	$2,088
Living Expenses	$6,990
Total	$16,316

Students Living Away From Home

Expense	Estimated Cost
Books and Supplies	$1,500
Transportation	$1,188
Meals	$4,550
Medical Expenses	$2,335
Personal Expenses	$2,885
Housing	$20,124
Total	$32,582

Your actual expenses may differ depending on your housing arrangement, lifestyle, transportation needs, and the campus you attend.

Read Also: Emerson College Acceptance Rate 2026, Tuition Fees, SAT, ACT, GPA Requirements, Admission Requirements & Acceptance Rate Chart

Financial Aid at CUNY

CUNY offers a wide range of financial aid opportunities to eligible students, including:

• Federal Pell Grants
• New York State TAP Grants
• CUNY Scholarships
• Federal Work-Study
• Student Loans
• Merit-based Scholarships
• Campus-specific financial assistance

Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and any required New York State financial aid applications as early as possible.

Conclusion

The City University of New York remains one of the most affordable public university systems in the United States. With relatively low tuition rates, flexible study options, and numerous financial aid opportunities, CUNY continues to provide quality higher education at an accessible cost. Before enrolling, review your expected tuition, mandatory fees, housing, transportation, and other living expenses so you can create a realistic budget for your undergraduate education.

This educational content was carefully researched and prepared by the editorial team at Labari Web Education to support students, researchers, educators, and lifelong learners. Our goal is to provide practical, accurate, and easy, to, understand resources for JAMB, POST, UTME, WAEC, WAEC/GCE, NECO, undergraduate studies, postgraduate research, thesis and dissertation writing, academic success, scholarships, and career development. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify official information where applicable.

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