“New York City's purpose-driven urban college — equipping adult learners for professional careers in public service, business, and human services since 1964.”
Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is a small, innovative private nonprofit institution in lower Manhattan, founded in 1964 by Audrey Cohen as the Women's Talent Corps — a program designed to train motivated women from underserved New York communities for career and community service. Growing into the College for Human Services in 1970 and later renamed Audrey Cohen College in 1992, the institution became Metropolitan College of New York in 2002. Today, MCNY serves approximately 1,100 students across campuses in lower Manhattan and the Bronx, with approximately 95% identifying as adult learners — many working full-time while earning their degrees. The college has awarded degrees to over 12,000 alumni who serve communities across New York City and the nation. MCNY's academic philosophy is structured around Purpose-Centered Education, a distinctive model developed by Audrey Cohen that organizes each term around a central 'purpose' or unifying professional theme rather than traditional subject silos. This approach integrates academic coursework with community service and professional practice, preparing graduates for meaningful impact across public service, business, healthcare, and education. Three schools — the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education, the School for Public Affairs and Administration, and the School for Business — offer accelerated bachelor's and master's programs in Business Administration, Human Services, Public Administration, Health Care Administration, Emergency Management, Information Technology, and Social Work. Located in New York City's Financial District at 60 West Street, MCNY students are immersed in one of the world's most dynamic and diverse urban environments. Without residential dormitories, the college functions as a commuter institution — with New York City itself serving as the living laboratory for service-learning, internships, and career development. Students benefit from proximity to city government agencies, Fortune 500 corporations, major healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions. The college's diverse student body, representing more than 40 countries, reflects MCNY's mission of serving first-generation, immigrant, and working-adult students who seek accessible, purpose-driven higher education in America's largest city.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Social Mobility (Regional Universities North)
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceFall Priority
Rolling admissions; apply before classes begin. Fall semester begins immediately after Labor Day.
Spring Priority
Rolling admissions; Spring semester begins first week of January.
Summer Priority
Rolling admissions; Summer semester begins late April/early May.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$20,188
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Programs training professionals in social work, community health, education, and youth development through service-integrated learning.
Programs preparing leaders for careers in government, nonprofit management, public policy, and emergency management.
Accelerated business programs emphasizing practical skills, leadership, and ethical decision-making for the New York City economy.
4 years
MCNY's most enrolled bachelor's program, combining foundational business theory with Purpose-Centered learning, leadership development, and real-world service projects in New York City's business community.
4 years
A distinctive program preparing students for careers in public safety, emergency response, and homeland security — particularly relevant in one of the most complex urban environments in the world.
4 years
Trains future leaders for roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and community agencies, with hands-on service projects integrated throughout each term.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $20,188
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
