City University of New York

Agency Web Site: http://www.cuny.edu/

Mission

The City University of New York (CUNY) has its origins in the Free Academy, established in 1847 under the auspices of the New York City Board of Education, and today is the nation’s largest urban public university system. The University’s mission is to provide affordable higher education with a focus on the urban community of New York City.

Budget Highlights

The FY 2017 Executive Budget recommends $4.1 billion for CUNY and projects a workforce of 13,645 consistent with FY 2016 levels.

The FY 2017 funding level represents a $42 million net decrease from the previous year, which reflects lower spending from a recommended New York City cost share for CUNY senior colleges partially offset by $240 million in new funding to help settle collective bargaining agreements upon enactment of the City cost share. Additional spending also relates to potential tuition increases, employee fringe benefit costs and capital projects.

The Budget renews NYSUNY 2020 legislation for another five years to provide a consistent level of operating support, an affordable and predictable tuition plan and financial assistance for TAP-eligible students. In addition, the Budget includes $55 million for a new round of NYCUNY 2020 capital challenge grants.

The Executive Budget changes financial responsibility for CUNY senior colleges to better align with CUNY governance. Commensurate with New York City’s representation on the CUNY Board of Trustees, the Executive Budget recommends that the City assume a 30 percent share of CUNY senior college net operating and debt service expenses, totaling $485 million in the 2016-17 City fiscal year.

Enactment of this cost sharing arrangement will enable the State to provide $240 million from the General Fund to CUNY to support retroactive salary increases needed to ensure fair and affordable agreements with CUNY’s labor unions.

The Executive Budget also continues performance-based funding with $12 million to implement campus performance improvement plans.

The Budget maintains base operating aid for CUNY community colleges at $2,597 per full time equivalent student and includes additional funding for a new Apprentice CUNY program and a new Community College Community Schools grant.

For more information on this agency's budget recommendations located in the Executive Budget Briefing Book, click on the following link:

Briefing Book – Higher Education (PDF)

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/13/2016

Click for additional detailed appropriation tables