NEW YORK, August 24, 2009 – The City College of New York (CCNY) ranks first in diversity among masters-level universities where Hispanics comprise the largest minority group, according to the 2010 “U.S. News & World Report America’s Best Colleges” guidebook.  Hispanics comprise 39 percent of CCNY’s student population, the report noted.  

“Diversity imbues everything we do at City College,” said CCNY President Gregory H. Williams.  “It has a profound positive impact on the student experience here since all major ethnic groups have a sizable presence on our campus.  We are heartened to be recognized for it by “U.S. News & World Report.””

CCNY tied with Baruch College for the overall lead in diversity among masters-level universities in the report.  Both institutions had scores of .71 out of 1.0 on “U.S. News’” diversity index.  The index factors in the proportion of minority students, less international students, and the overall mix of minority groups in each institution’s student body. 

Two other senior colleges of The City University of New York, Hunter College and Brooklyn College, were second in the category with diversity index scores of .70.  At Baruch and Hunter, Asian Americans are the largest minority groups; African Americans are the largest minority group at Brooklyn College.

Among all institutions where Hispanics comprise the largest minority group, only University of Houston and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology had higher diversity index scores.  Their scores were .73 and .72, respectively. 

“U.S. News” ranks schools in four categories with regional subdivisions for two: National Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Universities – Master’s and Baccalaureate Colleges.  CCNY received an overall rank of 62, placing it in the top tier of Universities – Master’s institutions in the North.

Highlights of the college rankings will be published in the September 2009 issue of “U.S.News & World Report,” available on newsstands Monday, August 24.  The 2010 America’s Best Colleges guidebook will be available Tuesday, August 25.

About The City College of New York
Since 1847 The City College of New York has provided low-cost, high-quality education for New Yorkers in a wide variety of disciplines.  Over 15,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture; The School of Education; The Grove School of Engineering, and The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education.  For additional information, visit www.ccny.cuny.edu.