Understanding Baruch College Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Baruch College, a distinguished institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, stands as a hub of academic excellence and opportunity in the heart of New York City. Established in 1919 as the City College School of Business and Civic Administration and evolving into Baruch College in 1968, it is named after financier and statesman Bernard M. Baruch. Baruch College offers an affordable yet prestigious education with a strong focus on career readiness. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top public colleges, Baruch College boasts one of the most diverse student bodies and a prime location that offers unparalleled networking opportunities. This article delves into the details of tuition, fees, and financial aid options available to students at Baruch College.

Baruch College: An Overview

Baruch College is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and accessibility. Situated on a compact 3-acre urban campus in Manhattan, Baruch serves a diverse student body of over 19,700 individuals, including approximately 15,774 undergraduates and 3,966 graduate students. The college has over 1600 international students, which reflects the diversity that the campus has! The college offers a range of programs through its three schools: the Zicklin School of Business, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 19:1, with an average class size of 30 students, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. Notable alumni who have emerged from Baruch's halls include Abraham Beame, the 104th Mayor of New York City, and business magnate and fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Chairman of Ralph Lauren Corporation.

Baruch College programs are divided into a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses designed to prepare students for success in various industries. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, students benefit from internships, research projects, and real-world applications, ensuring they graduate ready to excel in their fields.

Baruch College Rankings

Baruch College consistently earns recognition for its academic excellence and value, securing its position as one of the best universities in US. News & World Report's Best Colleges, Baruch is ranked 11th among Regional Universities North and 3rd in Top Public Schools, reflecting its dedication to providing quality education. Baruch College QS Ranking is in the 451-500th bracket globally for subjects, highlighting its international reputation. News & World Report (2025)Top Public Schools3rdQS World University Rankings (2023)Global Universities (Subjects)451-500thForbes (2025)America's Top Colleges74thForbes (2025)Public Colleges24thRisk.net (2025) Quant Finance Master's Guide 1st

Tuition and Fees: Understanding the Sticker Price

CUNY--Baruch College's tuition is $7,461 for in-state and $19,131 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, CUNY--Baruch College is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.

Graduate Instructional Costs

For graduate programs, tuition rates vary based on the degree program and residency status:

Masters Degree: For New York State residents, tuition is $5,545 per semester for full-time students (12 or more billable credits/hours) or $470 per credit for part-time students (fewer than 12 billable credits/hours). Out-of-state residents and students on temporary visas pay $855 per credit for on-campus programs and $565 per credit for fully online degree programs.
Masters of Business Administration: New York State residents pay $8,155 per semester for full-time study or $725 per credit for part-time study. Out-of-state residents and students on temporary visas pay $1,110 per credit for on-campus programs and $870 per credit for fully online degree programs.
Masters of Public Administration: Tuition for New York State residents is $6,375 per semester for full-time students or $545 per credit for part-time students. Out-of-state residents and students on temporary visas pay $1,010 per credit for on-campus programs and $655 per credit for fully online degree programs.
Masters of International Affairs: New York State residents pay $6,375 per semester for full-time students or $545 per credit for part-time students. Out-of-state residents and students on temporary visas pay $1,010 per credit for both full-time and part-time study.
Advanced Certificate: For New York State residents, the cost is $470 per credit. Out-of-state residents and students on temporary visas pay $855 per credit.

Instructional Fees

In addition to tuition, students are required to pay instructional fees, which are non-refundable:

Technology Fee: $125.00 per semester ($62.50 per semester for part-time and fully online programs).
Consolidated Fee: $15.00 per semester for all students.
Student Activity Fee: $125.00 per semester ($85.60 per semester for part-time and fully online programs).
Infrastructure Fee: $75.00 per semester for fully online programs only.
Maintenance of Matriculation: $225.00 per semester for residents and $370.00 per semester for non-residents.
Excess Contact Hours: $65.00 per semester for residents and $85.00 per semester for non-residents.

Academic Excellence Fees (AEF)

Baruch College also charges Academic Excellence Fees (AEF) for certain graduate programs. These fees are non-refundable and vary by program:

MS Financial Engineering: $4,000 per semester for full-time students and $3,000 per semester for part-time students.
Business Program MS Degrees: $1,000 per semester for full-time students and $750 per semester for part-time and fully online students.
Masters of Business Administration: $1,000 per semester for full-time students and $750 per semester for part-time and fully online students ($120 per credit).
MA Public Administration: $500 per semester for all students ($80 per credit effective Fall 2025).
MA International Affairs: $500 per semester for all students ($80 per credit effective Fall 2025).
MA & MS Non-Business Programs: $500 per semester for all students.

Effective Fall 2025, most AEF charges will be per credit, year-round. For example, the AEF for MBA programs will be $125 per credit and for MA Public Administration and MA International Affairs, it will be $80 per credit. The MS in Mental Health Counseling program will continue to be charged on a per semester basis ($500 per semester).

Other Costs to Consider

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. At CUNY--Baruch College, the total cost is $31,937 for in-state students and $43,607 for out-of-state students.

The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.

Books and Supplies: $1,500 per year
Personal Expenses: $2,005 per year
Transportation: $1,188 per year

Net Price: What You Actually Pay

Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

The average net price, which reflects the actual cost after accounting for financial aid, is a more realistic figure.

CostsAverage Per Year After Aid$4,991Students Receiving Financial Aid76.05%Average Aid Package$6,235

Financial Aid: Making Education Accessible

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Read also: Choosing Your Major at Baruch

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid can come in various forms:

Grants: These are typically need-based and do not need to be repaid.
Scholarships: These are merit-based or need-based and also do not need to be repaid.
Loans: These must be repaid with interest.
Work-study jobs: These provide part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need.

Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 76.05%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 86.22%
Average Aid Packages Awarded: $6,235
Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $9,405
Need-Based Loan Amount: $4,183
Debt at Graduation: The typical amount of loans a student must pay back is $3,810.

Important Financial Aid Dates

*Financial Aid Application DueJune 30The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.Priority Application DueNot availableApplications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.Notification DateNot availableWhen students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.Response DueNot availableThe deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Baruch College Scholarships

Baruch College offers a range of scholarships to support students based on academic excellence, leadership, and financial needs. The Baruch Scholars Program provides full-tuition scholarships for in-state undergraduate students, while awards like the Donald P. Brennan Family Scholarship and the Financial Women's Association Scholarship assist graduate students in business and finance. These awards ensure that students have either partly or fully funded scholarships to reduce Baruch College costs and achieve their dreams. An incredible opportunity for students looking to ease their financial burden is amberscholar, which provides $12,000 in scholarships for those pursuing higher education at their dream university.

Baruch College Admissions Process

The admission process at Baruch College is structured to assist prospective students through their application journey, whether they are applying for undergraduate or graduate programs. By familiarizing themselves with the specific requirements and deadlines of each program, applicants can ensure a comprehensive and timely submission. Whether you're interested in Baruch's programs in business, arts, and sciences, or public and international affairs, the following step-by-step guide will help you navigate the admission process effectively.

Admission Process for Bachelor’s Degrees

Fill out the Application Form: Submit your application online through the CUNY Application by the priority deadline.
Pay the Application Fee: You have to pay a non-refundable $65 application fee. Payments can be made online using major credit cards or electronic checks.
Submit Official High School Transcripts: Provide an official transcript from your high school or equivalent academic records.
Standardized Test Scores: Baruch College considers SAT or ACT scores if submitted. While not mandatory, submitting these scores can enhance your application.
Letters of Recommendation: While not required, letters of recommendation are considered and can strengthen your application.
Personal Essay: You are supposed to write a personal essay that provides an insight into your academic goals, experiences, and reasons for choosing Baruch College.

Admission Process for Master’s Degrees

Fill out the Application Form: Apply online through the respective graduate school's admission portal.
Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required for most graduate programs. Payments can be made online during the application process.
Submit Official Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required for admission.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are typically required, though some programs may have specific requirements. These should be from individuals who can assess your academic or professional qualifications.
Personal Statement or Essay: Submit a personal statement outlining your career objectives, academic interests, and reasons for selecting the specific program at Baruch.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Provide a current resume or CV detailing your academic background, professional experience, and any relevant achievements.
Standardized Test Scores: Some programs may require standardized test scores such as the GRE or GMAT. It's essential to review the specific requirements of each program to determine if these tests are necessary.
English Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English may need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or other English proficiency test scores unless they have completed a degree in an English-speaking country.
Program-Specific Requirements: Certain programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or prerequisite coursework. It's crucial to consult the specific program's admissions page for detailed information.

Baruch College Eligibility Criteria

Baruch College in New York City maintains rigorous academic standards, seeking prospective students who demonstrate strong preparation and commitment to their chosen fields. Admission criteria vary by program and degree level, ensuring that students are well-equipped for academic success. So please check whether you are eligible for the course you want to apply for before applying!

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor’s Degrees

Educational Qualification: Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
GPA Requirement: A competitive high school GPA is essential. The average admitted student's GPA is approximately 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
Standardized Test Scores: Baruch College considers SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. While not mandatory, submitting these scores can enhance your application. Students applying to Baruch usually have SAT scores above 1170 on a scale of 1600 and ACT scores over 27 on a scale of 36.
English Language Proficiency: International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Program-Specific Requirements: Certain programs, especially within the Zicklin School of Business, require completion of specific pre-business courses with a minimum GPA. For instance, courses like Principles of Accounting, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Statistics must be completed with a minimum average GPA of 2.25.

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s Degrees

Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required. Applicants in their final undergraduate semester may apply with a current transcript, pending the completion of their degree.
GPA Requirement: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred. Some programs may consider applicants with lower GPAs if they present additional qualifications or relevant experience.
Standardized Test Scores: Depending on the specific program, applicants may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the GMAT or GRE.
Work Experience: Certain programs may require or prefer applicants with relevant work experience. This is particularly common for MBA and other professional programs.
English Language Proficiency: International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.

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