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Public, 4-year

CUNY School of Law

Long Island City, New York · www.law.cuny.edu

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About

The CUNY School of Law, part of the City University of New York system, is renowned for its commitment to social justice and public interest law. Established in 1983, the school has carved a niche for itself by preparing students to become advocates for underrepresented communities. The school’s motto, “Law in the Service of Human Needs,” reflects its dedication to using legal training as a tool for achieving social change. This ethos is deeply embedded in the curriculum, which emphasizes experiential learning through clinics and externships, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in various legal settings while serving the community.

Located in Long Island City, Queens, the CUNY School of Law benefits from its proximity to New York City, providing students with unparalleled access to a diverse range of legal experiences and networking opportunities. The school is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms and a comprehensive law library, fostering an environment conducive to learning and collaboration. The faculty is comprised of distinguished scholars and practitioners who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a robust legal education. Graduates of CUNY School of Law are well-prepared for careers in public interest law, government, and various sectors, often finding employment in organizations that align with their values of social justice and advocacy. The school’s strong focus on community engagement and practical training continues to attract students dedicated to making a positive impact through their legal careers.

Trends in Graduate Enrollment and Gender Ratio at CUNY School of Law

The enrollment data for CUNY School of Law shows a steady increase in the number of graduate students over the years, from 431 in 2013 to 699 in 2023. This growth of approximately 62% indicates a rising interest in legal education, possibly fueled by the increasing demand for legal professionals in various sectors. The law school’s capacity to attract more students could be indicative of its reputation and the quality of education provided.

In terms of gender representation, the gender ratio among graduate students has shown some fluctuations. In 2013, the male-to-female ratio was approximately 36% male to 64% female. By 2023, this ratio shifted slightly to 34% male and 66% female. This change highlights a trend towards greater female representation in legal education, reflecting broader societal changes where more women are pursuing advanced degrees and careers in law. This aligns with national trends where women have been increasingly outpacing men in law school enrollment.

Furthermore, the consistent increase in graduate student numbers alongside the growing female representation could suggest that CUNY School of Law is not only becoming a more attractive option for prospective students but also fostering a more inclusive environment for women in the legal profession. As legal education evolves, it will be interesting to monitor how these trends continue to develop in the coming years, especially in light of ongoing discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
New York, about 6 mi
Nearest international airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), about 10 mi
Long Island City, New York
Also known as
CUNY Law
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Natalie Gomez-Velez (Law School Interim Dean)
Phone
7183404200
City
Long Island City, New York
Address
2 Court Square, Long Island City, NY 11101

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Doctoral1953 international (1.5%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Law · Doctoral195 (2% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at CUNY School of Law

The graduation data from CUNY School of Law reveals significant insights into the distribution of degrees awarded in 2023. Notably, there were no graduates in the bachelor's and master's categories, while the Ph.D. programs saw a robust output, with 206 domestic graduates and 6 international graduates. This stark contrast highlights a trend increasingly observed in legal education, where the pathway to a legal career is often pursued through advanced degrees rather than undergraduate studies.

The absence of bachelor's degree graduates could suggest a growing preference for students to enter legal studies directly at the master's or doctoral level, perhaps influenced by the increasing complexity and specialization within the legal profession. Moreover, the limited number of international master's degree graduates may reflect broader trends in higher education, where international students face various barriers to enrollment, including visa restrictions and financial challenges.

Understanding this data is crucial, especially in the context of current global events affecting education, such as the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in immigration policy. These factors have likely contributed to the dynamics of international student enrollment, impacting the diversity and representation within law schools.

In conclusion, while the CUNY School of Law has successfully produced a substantial number of doctoral graduates, the absence of bachelor's and master's degree recipients raises important questions about the evolving landscape of legal education and the factors influencing student choices in pursuing legal careers.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Legal professionshas 195 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryDoctor
Law.$76,740

Students

669 students in 2025

Data insights

Demographic Insights at CUNY School of Law 2023

The 2023 student composition data from CUNY School of Law reveals a diverse and dynamic environment, particularly among graduate students. With a total of 699 graduate students, the gender distribution indicates a notable female majority, with women making up approximately 66.1% of this cohort compared to 33.9% of men. This trend aligns with broader patterns observed in legal education, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing over the years, reflecting a shift towards greater gender equity in the profession.

Moreover, the data provides a breakdown of the racial and ethnic composition of graduate students. While specific figures for Asian, Latinx, and other minority groups are not detailed in this snapshot, it is clear that the representation of White students accounts for a significant portion, with 306 individuals identified in that category. This demographic insight is crucial as law schools strive for a more inclusive environment that mirrors the diversity of society.

The increasing presence of women in law schools and the emphasis on diversity are critical in shaping the future of the legal profession. As societal expectations evolve and the legal field becomes more inclusive, institutions like CUNY School of Law play an essential role in fostering an equitable environment for all students. This aligns with ongoing discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, and the legal profession must continue to adapt to these changing demographics to better serve a diverse clientele in the future.

Analysis of Age Composition at CUNY School of Law

The age distribution of students at CUNY School of Law presents a noteworthy perspective on the demographics of legal education. The data reveals that the majority of students fall within the 25-29 age range, comprising a significant portion of both male and female graduate students. With 92 male and 207 female graduate students in this bracket, it is evident that this age group is particularly attracted to law studies, likely due to the increasing trend of individuals pursuing further education later in life.

Interestingly, the representation of younger undergraduate students (ages 22-24) is completely absent, suggesting a shift towards older applicants who may possess prior professional experience or academic background before entering law school. This trend aligns with broader educational patterns where individuals are opting to gain work experience or further their education later in their careers.

The presence of older students, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, is minimal, indicating that the law school attracts a predominantly younger cohort. This might reflect the societal norm where younger individuals are more willing to invest time in rigorous academic pursuits such as law, while older individuals may prioritize other commitments.

The gender composition also sheds light on the increasing representation of women in legal education, as seen in the higher number of female graduate students across all age categories. This aligns with national trends highlighting the growing presence of women in law schools, paving the way for a more diverse legal profession.

Overall, the age and gender dynamics at CUNY School of Law reflect broader societal shifts in education, career trajectories, and gender representation within the legal field.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 29 law schools in the U.S.

Graduate students1.9%

13 in 2025 · 1.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.7%2017: 3.0%2018: 3.5%2019: 2.7%2020: 1.9%2021: 2.8%2022: 3.4%2023: 3.3%2024: 2.5%2025: 1.9%
2016Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at CUNY School of Law

The data on international students at CUNY School of Law reveals a notable trend, particularly within the graduate programs. Over the years, there has been a gradual increase in the number of international graduate students, with the percentage rising from 1.47% in 2010 to 3.29% in 2023. This increase reflects a growing interest in the law school from overseas students, which may be influenced by the school's reputation, the diversity of its programs, and the opportunities for legal practice in the United States.

The total number of graduate students has fluctuated, peaking at 699 in both 2022 and 2023, which suggests a stable interest in the graduate offerings. Although the number of international students has varied, the general upward trend in percentages indicates that CUNY School of Law is becoming increasingly attractive to international candidates.

In contrast, data for undergraduate students is missing, which limits our understanding of the overall international student demographic in the institution. However, the graduate program's growth can be contextualized within broader national trends, where law schools across the U.S. have seen an increase in international applicants, often due to the global nature of legal practice today.

This trend is particularly significant as it aligns with the U.S. legal education's global appeal, driven by the need for diverse perspectives in legal practice and the internationalization of law. As we move forward, monitoring these trends will be crucial for understanding how CUNY School of Law continues to position itself in the global education landscape.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$44.6M

Government grants and contracts
$31.2M70.0%
Tuition and fees
$10.6M23.7%
Investment return
$201K0.5%
Gifts and private grants
$87K0.2%
Other
$2.5M5.6%

Expenses$47.4M

Instruction
$21.2M44.8%
Institutional support
$11.7M24.6%
Student services
$5.4M11.4%
Academic support
$4.9M10.4%
Public service
$858K1.8%
Research
$398K0.8%
Scholarships
$199K0.4%
Other
$2.7M5.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 29 law schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$150,453peers $103,163
Professor
$175,902peers $117,901
Associate professor
$143,389peers $104,295
Assistant professor
$120,494peers $85,000
Instructor
$98,719

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near CUNY School of Law:

  1. Columbia University in the City of New York - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, Columbia is an Ivy League institution known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.

  2. New York University - With a rank of 35, NYU is one of the largest private universities in the United States, recognized for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life in the heart of Manhattan.

  3. Barnard College - Ranked 11th, Barnard is a prestigious women's liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University, offering a strong liberal arts education and numerous opportunities for research and leadership.

  4. The New School - This university ranks 201 and is known for its progressive approach to education, focusing on the arts, social sciences, and design.

  5. Pace University - With a rank of 249, Pace offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on practical experience and internships.

  6. Fordham University - Ranked 89th, Fordham is a private research university with a strong commitment to social justice and community service.

These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic community surrounding CUNY School of Law.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 29 law schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
5

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at CUNY School of Law

The crime data from CUNY School of Law over the years reveals an intriguing pattern of incidents on campus. The most notable observation is the fluctuation in the number of recorded offenses, particularly violent and drug-related crimes. In 2019, there was a peak with a crime rate of 6.86 per 1000 students, which could be indicative of a specific incident or a broader issue that year. However, it's essential to note that this peak was followed by several years of virtually zero recorded crimes, suggesting effective measures may have been implemented to enhance campus safety.

Interestingly, the most common types of crime reported were related to gun-related arrests and domestic violence, albeit in minimal numbers. The low overall crime rates in recent years reflect positively on the administration's efforts to cultivate a secure environment for students. However, the sporadic incidents highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and the potential for community engagement to address underlying issues.

Furthermore, the low crime statistics during the years 2020 and 2021, coinciding with the pandemic, may also point to the impact of reduced campus activity and gatherings. As universities navigate post-pandemic recovery, it will be crucial to maintain focus on safety protocols and support systems to ensure a welcoming and secure atmosphere for all students.

For further information on how crime rates are calculated, you can visit this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of CUNY School of Law include Eva Golinger (Lawyer, writer and journalist), Iyanla Vanzant (Inspirational speaker, author and television personality) and Rebecca Seawright (New York State Assembly member).

More alumni (3, by field)

Politics and law

  • John O'Hara 1961–

    Lawyer active in Brooklyn politics

  • Brian F. Curran 1968–

    New York State Assembly member

    Also attended: Wilkes University

Arts and media

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.