Education
VanderCook College of Music: Courses, Fees, and Rankings 2025
September 22, 2025
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10 min read
So, you’re daydreaming about living it up in New York City—probably picturing yourself power-walking through Manhattan, cold brew in hand, right? But then reality checks in: the price tag! Here’s the thing, though—what if you could get access to the best education, lots of internship opportunities, and all the city buzz without selling your kidneys to pay tuition?
Enter Hunter College. Located in the middle of Manhattan, right in the CUNY family, and honestly, it’s got way more street cred than folks realize. Tuition’s way more doable than those wallet-draining Ivies, the academic curriculum is well structured, and the student scene? Very lively. Whether you’re from around the block or halfway across the globe, Hunter’s worth a look. This blog will serve as the ultimate guide on everything you need to know about Hunter College —what to study, what you’ll pay, how to get in, where this place even ranks, and yep, where you might crash between classes. Let’s get into it.
About Hunter College
Hunter College? Oh, it’s a classic New York story. Situated in the Upper East Side—so yes, you’re neighbors with Central Park and you have access to popular cafes and the best vegan restaurant in NYC. It has been around since 1870. It’s one of the best colleges in CUNY, with over 23,000 students, and a great alumni network of over 15000 alumni. Seriously, you will meet Hunter grads in every corner of NYC and all over the planet.
The school’s got this reputation for being tough, but worth it, especially since it won’t drain your bank account like some other Manhattan schools. Hunter wears the Hispanic-Serving Institution badge with pride, and the campus is buzzing with people from all sorts of places—over 5% are international students, so you get to network with people from all around the globe.
Academically, there’s no shortage of choices. Whether you’re into the arts, sciences, business, or some other unique grad program, there are like 170+ program options. Plus, there’s a real push for social mobility and public service—Hunter isn’t just a place to earn a degree—it’s where students start making a real impact on the world.
Hunter College Courses and Programs
Hunter College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across liberal arts, sciences, education, social work, health professions, and more.
Popular Courses at Hunter College
Hunter's nursing, social work, and education programs are powerful and lead to excellent job prospects within New York City and beyond.
Admission Requirements & Acceptance Rate
Hunter College has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 42%. Hunter College admission considers GPA, coursework, and program-specific requirements.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 to 3.5+
- SAT/ACT: Not required (test-blind policy)
- English proficiency (for international students):
- Academic Transcripts and a personal essay
Graduate Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- GRE: Required for select programs
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
- Statement of purpose and resume
Application Deadlines (Fall 2025):
- Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025
- Regular Deadline: March 15, 2025
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Hunter College offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities to both in-state and out-of-state students.
In 2024, over 74% of Hunter students received some form of financial aid.
Tuition Fees & Living Costs
Hunter College offers some of the most affordable tuition rates among colleges in New York City.
Tuition Fees (2025 Estimates)
Estimated Monthly Living Costs in NYC
Estimated Total Annual Cost (Tuition + Living):
- NY Resident: ~$26,000
- Out-of-State/International: ~$34,000+
Hunter College Rankings & Reputation
Hunter College is widely recognized for academic quality and value.
Hunter College ranking is among the top 15 U.S. colleges for social mobility, helping low-income students achieve strong academic and career outcomes.
Hunter College Campus Life
Hunter College is located on 68th and Lex, so you’re living in the middle of Manhattan, with chaos, bagel shops, and endless honking as your daily soundtrack.
What’s cool? There are over 100 different clubs, so whether you’re into anime, activism, music, or dance, you’ll find your people. Gym junkies and casual treadmill-walkers both get their pick of athletic spots right on campus. Not to mention, you’ve got research labs, libraries that are worth spending time in, and studios for all the artsy types.
And Central Park is your backyard. Plus, museums, restaurants, and coffee shops —all just a quick walk or subway ride away. Internships? Yes, think UN, the Mayor’s Office, Bloomberg. Name a big-deal NYC spot—someone from Hunter’s probably worked there.
Hunter College vs Other Top Universities
Choosing the right university in New York City can be challenging, given the variety of programs, campus cultures, and costs. This table compares Hunter College with other top NYC universities, highlighting differences in tuition, location, acceptance rates, and what each school is best known for.
Hunter provides excellent academic and professional outcomes at a fraction of the cost of private NYC universities.
Off-Campus Student Housing
While there are on-campus student housing options available, students usually opt for off-campus student apartments as they offer flexibility, comfort, and modern amenities, all while being located close to their university, promoting hassle-free travel. With amber, you can book apartments at the best price with utmost ease. A few of the best apartments in New York, near Hunter College, are mentioned below:
Kips Bay Court, New York City - Spacious, furnished apartments with a gym and outdoor spaces—just minutes from Midtown and campus.
Columbia Heights Waterfront, New York - Wake up to skyline views in this waterfront residence with sleek interiors and fast access to Manhattan.
East Village 429, New York - Live in the heart of NYC’s coolest neighborhood—fully furnished, Wi-Fi ready, and steps from cafés and nightlife.
161 Maujer St, New York - Modern loft-style living in Williamsburg with shared kitchens, student-friendly pricing, and direct subway to Hunter.
Malcolm X 36, New York - Affordable, renovated housing —perfect for students who want style, comfort, and community.
Hunter College offers a unique combination of affordable tuition, strong academic programs, and a diverse campus community in the heart of New York City. With over 170 programs, small class sizes, and opportunities to engage in student life and city resources, it provides a solid foundation for both academic and personal growth. For students seeking a high-quality education without the high price tag, Hunter College stands out as a compelling choice in comparison to other top NYC universities.
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