Brooklyn College: Admissions, Courses, Acceptance Rate, Scholarship, & Housing Guide
Table of Contents
Founded in 1930 and part of the prestigious City University of New York (CUNY) system, Brooklyn College is home to a vibrant campus community spread across 35 acres in one of the world’s most iconic boroughs. With an acceptance rate of 54%, the college welcomes bright minds from around the world, offering competitive programs in Business, Computer Science, Psychology, Film, and Education.
Even better? The annual tuition for international students ranges between $15,000 and $20,000, making it a great value for a New York-based education. And when it comes to outcomes, you’re in good company—64.1% of graduates land jobs or pursue further studies soon after graduation, with top employers like JPMorgan Chase, NYU Langone, PwC, Bloomberg, and more knocking on the door. In this blog, we will talk about everything you should know about Brooklyn College.
Why Should You Choose Brooklyn College in 2025?
Brooklyn College, established in 1930, the college is part of the prestigious City University of New York (CUNY) system and offers students access to one of the most multicultural urban learning environments in the U.S. Brooklyn College is especially attractive to international students for its well-ranked programs in Business, Computer Science, Psychology, Film, and Education. It maintains a moderately selective acceptance rate of 54% and requires proof of English proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
The college boasts a placement rate of 64.1%, with top recruiters including JPMorgan Chase & Co., NYC Department of Education, CUNY, NYU Langone Health, Bloomberg, PwC, and Goldman Sachs. Add to that affordable international tuition fees of $15,000 to $20,000 per year, and you’ve got a solid, career-oriented educational choice that blends quality, location, and diversity. Below are Brooklyn College key highlights
Category | Details |
Year of Establishment | 1930 |
Campus Size | 35 acres |
Campus Location | Brooklyn, New York |
Placement Rate | 64.1% |
Top Recruiters | JP Morgan Chase & Co, NYC Department of Education, The City University of New York (CUNY), and NYU Langone Health, along with others like Aon, Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). |
Popular Courses for International Students | Business, Computer Science, Psychology, Film, Education |
English Language Exam Required | TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 54% |
Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | $15,000–$20,000 |
Website | www.brooklyn.cuny.edu |
Which Courses Are Popular at Brooklyn College in 2025 and What Are Their Fees and Eligibility?
Brooklyn College offers high demand courses in fields such as Computer Science and Business to creative and social sciences. Tuition fees are pretty budget-friendly too—ranging between $13,371 and $18,600 per year depending on the program. And getting in? It’s totally doable! You’ll need a relevant academic background, and to prove your English skills with tests like TOEFL (minimum 61–79) or IELTS (6.0–6.5+).
Whether you’re eyeing an MS, MBA, or B.Sc., Brooklyn College gives you that perfect blend of quality education, career-focused learning, and a multicultural New York experience. Below are the key details of popular courses at Brooklyn College alongside fees and eligibility:
Course Name | 1st Year Tuition Fees (USD) | Eligibility & English Proficiency Requirements |
MS | $13,371 – $18,600 | Bachelor’s in relevant field; TOEFL: 79+, IELTS: 6.5+, GMAT (if applicable) |
MBA/PGDM | $13,371 – $15,000 | Bachelor’s degree; TOEFL: 79+, GMAT preferred |
B.Sc. | $18,600 | High school diploma; IELTS: 6.0+, TOEFL: 61+, PTE: 50+ |
Where Does Brooklyn College Rank in 2025?
In 2025, Brooklyn College continues to shine across multiple metrics that matter to students. According to the U.S. News & World Report, it ranks #39 among Regional Universities in the North, placing it firmly in the top tier for academic performance and student satisfaction.
But what really sets Brooklyn College apart is its #1 ranking for Ethnic Diversity, making it the most culturally inclusive campus in the Northern U.S. for the seventh year in a row. It’s also earned high marks for social mobility (#8) and economic diversity (#6)—meaning the college is doing an exceptional job at helping students from all walks of life succeed. Below are the key details of Brooklyn College rankings 2025:
Ranking Body | Category / Metric | 2025 Rank |
U.S. News & World Report | Regional Universities – North | #39 |
Top Public Schools | #15 | |
Best Colleges for Veterans | #15 | |
Ethnic Diversity | #1 | |
Least Debt at Graduation | #3 | |
Economic Diversity | #6 | |
Social Mobility | #8 | |
Freshman Retention Rate | #46 | |
Most International Students | #49 | |
Forbes | Overall (All U.S. Colleges) | #164 |
How Competitive Is the Acceptance Rate at Brooklyn College in 2025?
Brooklyn College strikes a great balance between accessibility and academic standards, making it an ideal destination for students seeking a solid education in a vibrant urban setting. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the college has an acceptance rate of approximately 54%, classifying it as moderately selective. This means that out of every 100 applicants, around 54 receive admission—providing a fair chance while still maintaining quality.
The application process is flexible and student-friendly. The application fee is $65, and admissions are open for both Fall and Spring intakes. Brooklyn College does not require a minimum number of college credits for transfers, making it accessible for students at various stages in their academic journey. Below are the key details of Brooklyn College acceptance rate 2025:
Metric | Details |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 54% (Moderately selective) |
Application Fee | $65 (non-refundable) |
Admission Intakes | Fall and Spring semesters |
Minimum College GPA (Transfers) | 2.5 GPA required for transfer applicants |
Transfer Students | Applications accepted; flexible entry for eligible students |
Minimum College Credits Needed | No minimum number of college credits required to apply |
Evaluation Method | Holistic review including GPA, test scores (if submitted), and essays |
Recommended High School GPA | Generally 85% or B average for freshman applicants |
Application Portals | CUNY Application Portal |
International Student Policy | English proficiency required: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE accepted |
Which Scholarships Can International Students Apply for at Brooklyn College in 2025?
If you’re an international student planning to join Brooklyn College in 2025, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a generous lineup of scholarships available to ease your financial burden. Whether you’re a high-achiever, passionate about leadership, or pursuing niche programs like language immersion or international research, there’s likely a scholarship tailored for you.
Brooklyn College supports student success through its own funded scholarships and by connecting students with nationally and globally recognized awards. Many of these provide full tuition, while others offer stipends, laptops, leadership programs, and even travel support. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top scholarships for international (and U.S.) students at Brooklyn College in 2025:
Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Award Details / Rewards |
Presidential Scholarship | High-achieving incoming freshmen | Full tuition coverage |
Brooklyn College Foundation Scholarships | Based on merit, need, or academic department | $500 – Full tuition (varies per scholarship) |
Macaulay Honors College Scholarship | Admission to Macaulay Honors with excellent academic credentials | Full tuition, free laptop, cultural access, exclusive internships |
Scholars Program | Top academic achievers with leadership and interdisciplinary interests | Up to $4,000/year + free laptop |
B.A.–M.D. Program Scholarship | Admission to 8-year B.A.–M.D. program | Full undergraduate tuition |
100 Hispanic Women Graduate Fellowship | Latina graduate students excelling academically and professionally | Tuition coverage + leadership workshops |
Beinecke Scholarship | U.S. juniors with financial need in arts/humanities/social sciences | $34,000 for grad school ($4,000 senior year, $15,000/year for 2 years) |
Carnegie Junior Fellows Program | Graduating seniors or recent grads with strong academic credentials | One-year full-time paid research fellowship |
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) | U.S. undergrads/grads interested in language immersion | Fully funded 8–10 week summer program + airfare + housing + stipend |
DAAD Scholarship | Students pursuing study/research in Germany | Monthly stipends (~€861/month), travel costs, health insurance |
Freeman-ASIA Scholarship | U.S. undergraduates with financial need studying in Asia | Up to $7,000 for semester abroad (depending on duration and need) |
NSEP Boren Scholarship | U.S. students studying languages in national security areas | Up to $25,000 (for academic year) |
Where Can You Stay While Studying at Brooklyn College in 2025?
If you’re planning to study at Brooklyn College in 2025, one of the most important things to consider is where you’ll live. While Brooklyn College is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and offers a fantastic urban campus experience, it does not provide traditional on-campus housing like many other universities. This means students need to explore housing options in the surrounding neighborhoods—something that actually turns out to be an advantage for many. Why? Because living in Brooklyn gives you a real taste of New York life, with access to diverse cultures, eateries, community spaces, and extensive transport networks.
On-Campus Accommodation Near Brooklyn College
Brooklyn College does not offer traditional dormitories or university-managed housing. However, the college provides support services through its Student Affairs and Residential Life offices, which guide students toward finding safe and affordable living options nearby. First-time international students are often connected with student housing platforms or community groups to ease their transition. Though you won’t find dormitories, this setup encourages students to be independent and integrate into the larger Brooklyn community, gaining valuable life and budgeting skills along the way.
Off-Campus Accommodation Near Brooklyn College
Most students opt to live off-campus in nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods like Flatbush, Kensington, Ditmas Park, and Midwood. These areas are popular due to their proximity to campus (often walkable or within 10–20 minutes via subway or bus), and they offer a mix of housing styles—from shared apartments and family-owned brownstones to private studios. Below are the key details of off-campus accommodation rent to pay in 2025:
- Shared rooms/apartments: $800 – $1,500/month
- Studio apartments: $2,500 – $2,700/month
- 1-bedroom apartments: $2,800 – $3,000/month
- 2-bedroom apartments: $3,700 – $3,900/month
- 3-bedroom apartments: $4,500 – $4,700/month
Conclusion
Brooklyn College is more than just a campus—it’s an experience. With affordable tuition, a 54% acceptance rate, and a prime Brooklyn location, it offers students real-world career connections, academic flexibility, and a culturally rich environment to grow in. Whether you’re pursuing a business degree, diving into psychology, or exploring film and media, Brooklyn College has the support, scholarships, and student-friendly vibes to make your college years truly meaningful.
Need a place to stay near campus? University Living is here to help you find safe, fully verified, and budget-friendly student housing in Brooklyn—because we believe settling in should be the easiest part of your study abroad journey. Let’s make your move to New York smooth and exciting—Brooklyn is calling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate for Brooklyn College in 2025?
Brooklyn College has an acceptance rate of approximately 54% for the 2025 admissions cycle. This makes it a moderately selective institution, giving students with a strong academic background a fair chance at admission.
What are the most popular courses for international students at Brooklyn College?
The most in-demand courses among international students include Business, Computer Science, Psychology, Film, and Education. These programs are career-focused and designed to prepare students for success in competitive fields.
What are the tuition fees for international students at Brooklyn College?
International undergraduate and graduate students can expect to pay between $15,000 and $20,000 per year, depending on their program. This makes Brooklyn College one of the more affordable options for studying in New York.
Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes! Brooklyn College offers several scholarships such as the Presidential Scholarship, Brooklyn College Foundation Scholarships, and the Scholars Program. Many cover full tuition or provide generous stipends to help with living expenses and study-related costs.
What is the student placement rate after graduation?
Approximately 64.1% of Brooklyn College graduates secure employment or pursue further education within six months of graduating. Top recruiters include JPMorgan Chase, NYU Langone Health, PwC, and Bloomberg.
What is the cost of living around Brooklyn College?
Off-campus accommodation around Brooklyn College varies by housing type. Shared apartments typically cost between $800 and $1,500 per month, while studio and one-bedroom apartments range from $2,500 to $3,000 or more monthly.