Queens is home to five colleges within the City University of New York (CUNY) system—a network of public colleges offering a variety of degrees. Learn more about three of these, along with the borough’s leading university and a private college focused on aviation, on queens1.one.
St. John’s University
Founded in 1870 by the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church, St. John’s University was established to provide young New Yorkers with a Catholic-based education. Beyond its main campus in Queens, the university also operates campuses in Staten Island, Manhattan, as well as international campuses in Rome, Italy; Paris, France; and Limerick, Ireland. With a core commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, St. John’s graduates are known for their professional competencies and spiritual values essential for leadership in today’s fast-paced world.
St. John’s University comprises five undergraduate and six graduate schools, offering over 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs as well as professional certificates. Fields of study include liberal arts and sciences, business, business analytics, business administration, law, pharmacy, education, financial technology, accounting, marketing, and more.
The university funds over 180 academic, professional, and recreational student organizations through student governance. Thanks to the lively Residence Village complex, numerous dining options, athletic facilities, study abroad programs, and dozens of clubs and organizations, St. John’s guarantees an unforgettable learning experience.
Queens College
Since its founding in 1937, Queens College has been known as the “college of the future” among locals. The college offers liberal arts and sciences education under the guidance of faculty who are involved in both teaching and research. Graduates emerge not only with professional knowledge but also with critical thinking skills, the ability to solve complex problems, cross-cultural insights, and proficiency in modern technology.
Academic programs at Queens College are organized into four divisions: Arts and Humanities; Mathematics and the Natural Sciences; Social Sciences; and Education. These programs offer both daytime and evening courses. Notably, Queens College prepares more educators than any other New York institution. It offers bachelor’s degrees in 78 fields and master’s degrees in over 100 disciplines, along with more than 40 accelerated master’s programs and doctoral degrees in 20 fields.
The college’s mission is to provide a transformative learning experience that fosters both personal and professional growth. With over 100 clubs and organizations, including fraternities/sororities and groups focused on culture, religion, technology, and the arts, students at Queens College find ample opportunities for engagement.
York College
Established in 1966, York College empowers students to realize their intellectual and personal potential as individuals and global citizens. The college offers academic programs in liberal arts and sciences that lead to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Graduates work across diverse fields, including medicine, research, law, business, aviation, social work, and more.
Many students at York College balance studies with work or family commitments. The college offers part-time options and academic leave opportunities. York College emphasizes creating an intellectual environment where students and faculty collaborate to advance academic research, creativity, interdisciplinary cooperation, and professional growth.
Students benefit from scholarships and a variety of activities, including extracurricular programs, sports events, and involvement in visual and performing arts, special-interest clubs, and community organizations that enhance interpersonal skills.
Queensborough Community College
Founded in 1959, Queensborough Community College prepares students for transfer to a four-year college or to enter the workforce. Though it does not grant bachelor’s or master’s degrees, it offers over 40 associate degree programs, certificates, and continuing education programs, equivalent to the first two years of a traditional college curriculum.
Programs at Queensborough blend career preparation with general education, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in business, medicine, industry, or government while still in school—a unique opportunity to combine classroom learning with real-world experience.
Queensborough is one of the few community colleges with a student research program, encouraging close collaboration with faculty and presentations at national conferences. The college actively participates in pedagogical research among community colleges to enhance teaching methods.
Queensborough offers a range of resources to enrich the academic experience and promote peer connections, including clubs, events, athletics, professional training, student government, veteran services, and more. With over 50 clubs and organizations, students have many outlets to develop their talents.
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
This private college, specializing in aviation and engineering education, was founded in 1932 in New Jersey and moved to New York in 1940. Named after American fighter pilot George Augustus Vaughn Jr., Vaughn College is not part of the CUNY system, unlike the other colleges in this article.
Vaughn College offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in engineering, technology, aviation, and management. The associate degree is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s program. This is also the only college in the city offering a program in “Mechatronics”—an interdisciplinary field combining mechanical, electronic, electrical, and computer components, integrating mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Due to its proximity to local airports, Vaughn has strong partnerships with various airports and airlines.
The college provides students with a variety of activities both on and off campus. Students can join clubs or professional associations, build friendships, and establish connections within professional organizations. They are encouraged to explore new areas of technology, management, and aviation. Vaughn’s mission is to foster personal and professional growth in a welcoming and dynamic campus environment.