City College of New York

The City College of the City University of New York (also known as the City College of New York, or simply City College or CCNY) is a publicresearch university within the City University of New York (CUNY) system in New York City. Founded in 1847, City College was the first free public institution of higher education in the United States, although in modern times it charges tuition. It is the oldest of CUNY's 26 institutions of higher learning and is considered its flagship institution.

The main campus is located in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. City College's 35-acre (14 ha) campus spans Convent Avenue from 130th to 141st Streets. It was built by architects George B. Post and William Stone Post. City College's satellite campus, City College Downtown, in the Cunard Building has been active since 1981, offering degree programs for working adults.

Among the precedents set by City College that helped shape the culture of American higher education are the following: what has been said by the college to be the first student government in the nation in 1867; the first national fraternity to accept members without any regard to religion, race, color or creed (Delta Sigma Phi, 1899); the first degree-granting evening program (School of Education, 1907); and, with the objective of racially integrating the college dormitories, "the first general strike at a municipal institution of higher learning" led by students (1949). The college has a 48% graduation rate within six years. It is categorized among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity."