CUNY reports a 3.6% increase in enrollment compared to last year as recovery from COVID continues.
Enrollment at the City University of New York (CUNY) has experienced a notable increase this fall, with a rise of 3.6% compared to the previous year. This growth represents approximately 8,000 new students who registered at various CUNY campuses, as announced by Chancellor Felix Matos Rodríguez during his annual address at Hostos Community College in the Bronx.
The uptick in enrollment marks the third consecutive year of growth following significant declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted college registrations and posed financial challenges for many institutions. CUNY’s community colleges faced particular difficulties as prospective students delayed their education while balancing work and family responsibilities amid the health crisis.
To drive enrollment recovery, CUNY has implemented several recruitment initiatives. These include a free community college program for adults initiated by Governor Hochul, aimed at individuals looking to enter in-demand fields such as artificial intelligence and nursing. Notable increases in enrollment have been observed at the Borough of Manhattan, Guttman, and LaGuardia Community Colleges, as well as the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and City College.
CUNY has also bolstered its efforts through collaborations with New York City Public Schools, focusing on early college and admissions initiatives, and working alongside the City Council to encourage former college dropouts to re-enroll. This combined approach has contributed to the recent surge in enrollment figures.
Further emphasizing the university’s commitment to student success, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez announced a new jobs program designed to integrate career advising, networking, and work experience into all undergraduate programs. This initiative aims to position graduates for success by ensuring that they leave with job offers or acceptance letters for advanced studies. The program is set to roll out over the next five years, beginning at several colleges, and is projected to serve 180,000 students annually by 2030.
However, while CUNY celebrates these achievements, challenges remain for the institution and the broader higher education sector. According to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, uncertainties regarding federal financial aid and international student enrollment may jeopardize the upward trend in enrollment. Over 48% of CUNY and SUNY undergraduates rely on Pell Grants, a federal assistance program whose eligibility criteria are evolving, raising concerns about access for future students.
In response to the changing landscape, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez has acknowledged the pressures faced by college campuses from external political and financial factors. He has pledged to provide rapid-response resources and legal support to address the needs of immigrant students, reaffirming CUNY’s commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.
As CUNY navigates these challenges, its recent enrollment increases reflect a robust effort to recover from the pandemic’s impact and adapt to the evolving educational needs of New Yorkers.
