City University of New York

The City University of New York (CUNY) is a public university system that encompasses 23 institutions of higher education, including six community colleges, eleven four-year colleges, and five graduate and professional schools. Although CUNY is headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, its colleges and schools are spread throughout New York City's five boroughs.

History

CUNY's history dates back to May 7, 1847, when New York State Governor John Young signed the Free Academy Act, which authorized New York City's Board of Education to create a free institution of higher education for graduates of the city's primary and secondary public schools.

Schools

Four-year colleges

The CUNY system includes eleven four-year "senior" colleges, including four in Manhattan, three in Brooklyn, two in Queens, one in Staten Island, and one in the Bronx.

City College of New York

The City College of New York (CCNY) is CUNY's oldest institution.

Hunter College

Hunter College, which is currently the largest of the CUNY colleges, was founded by Thomas H. Hunter in 1870 as the Normal College for Girls.

Community colleges

There are six community colleges within the CUNY system, including two in the Bronx, two in Queens, one in Manhattan, and one in Brooklyn.