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CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

New York, NY·Public·11,340 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and in-state New York residents. no major red flags in the data. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker; 59% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

57%
Accept
11,340
Students
$3,046
Net Price
55%
Grad Rate
$50,000
Earnings
10 yr
$9,250
Debt

About This School

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public institution located in New York, New York with approximately 11,340 undergraduate students enrolled. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 57%. The average net price after financial aid is $3,046 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, and the typical graduate earns $50,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public college focused on criminal justice and located in New York City. It is a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY). John Jay was founded as the only liberal arts college with a criminal justice and forensic focus in the United States.

This is a strong option for students serious about criminal justice, forensic science, or public policy who want a New York City education at a genuinely affordable price — the average net cost of just $3,046 per year is hard to beat. The numbers tell a mixed story, though: a 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students who start here don't finish, which is worth asking hard questions about before enrolling. The upside is that debt at graduation is low ($9,250 median), and a $50,000 median earnings figure 10 years out is reasonable given the specialized field — just go in with a clear plan to stay on track.

Founded
1964
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Psychology16%
Social Sciences13%
Computer Science6%
Biological Sciences1%
English1%
Mathematics0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Eric AdamsPauley PerretteJimmy Iovine

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1140
Reading 75th %ile640
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,470
Out-of-State Tuition
$15,420
Avg Net Price
$3,046
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants59%
Median debt at graduation$9,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
55%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
81%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$9,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$9,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 5.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White14%
Black17%
Hispanic/Latino51%
Asian12%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (11,340 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

524 W 59th St

New York, NY 10019

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Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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