CUNY Hostos Community College (CUNYHCC, Hostos CC) History and Academics

History

Hostos Community College, located in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York, is one of seven community colleges in the City University of New York (CUNY) public university system. Hostos was established to meet the needs of the large Hispanic and Puerto Rican community in the Bronx. Initially operating on the grounds of a defunct factory, the college’s first students began taking classes in 1970. The school eventually moved to a larger site to accommodate its growing number of students.

Over three quarters of Hostos students are Hispanic and the college was the first bilingual institution of higher education in the country. To this day, a large number of classes are offered in Spanish. English and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction is also available.

The school is reportedly the only institution of higher education in the United States named for a Puerto Rican, the educator / writer Eugenio Maria de Hostos.

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Information Summary

Ranks 194th in New York and 2877th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	52.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$6,572
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	23 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	56% / 42%
Enrollment Total (all students)	7,331

Academics

Hostos offers 29 associate degree programs and 5 certificate programs. Successful completion of most degree programs gives students the ability to easily transfer to one of CUNY’s four-year institutions or other four-year colleges or universities.

Degrees offered include:

Associate in Arts (A.A) degrees are offered in the Liberal Arts as well as Criminal Justice.

Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees are offered in various fields, including Accounting, Business Management, Community Health, and Mechanical Engineering.

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S). degrees can be earned in fields such as Dental Hygeine, Early Childhood Education, Nursing, Public Administration, and Radiologic Technology.

The college also offers certificate programs in Community Health, Practical Nursing (LPN), and Administrative Assistant.

Dual Degree Programs allow eligible students to earn their A.A. or A.S. degree while meeting licensure or accreditation guidelines specific to their field of study and preparing for a seamless transition to upper-level baccalaureate classes at a four-year college in the CUNY system.

Departments

The college is comprised of a number of academic departments. These include Allied Health, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Business, Education, English, Humanities, Language and Cognition, Library, Mathematics, and Natural Science.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Like most community colleges, Hostos is dedicated to helping students develop the necessary skills and confidence to achieve both personal and professional goals.

Freshman Applicants

High school seniors preparing for graduation, recent high school graduates, and anyone who has never attended a college, university, or post-secondary institution since graduating from high school or earning a GED must file a CUNY Freshman Online Application that lists Hostos as their first choice school.

Freshman applicants must also supply the admissions office with their official high school transcripts or official GED scores and original high school diploma, along with a non-refundable application processing fee. Per CUNY regulations, students must also submit proof of immunization. American students who were educated outside the U.S. may need to meet additional requirements.

Transfer Student Applicants

Students who have taken classes at any college, university, or post-secondary institution in the U.S. or overseas since graduating from high school or earning a GED must file a CUNY Transfer Online Application for admissions.

Transfer applicants must also supply the admissions office with official high school transcripts or official GED scores along with official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. A non-refundable application fee is also required for students who are not currently attending another CUNY school.

Students may be able to transfer credits earned at regionally accredited institutions. A Hostos Credit Evaluator must evaluate credits to determine transferability. Students seeking to study Nursing or Engineering must also meet criteria set forth by those departments.

International Applicants

In addition to standard admissions requirements, international students will need to submit a certified bank letter from the person responsible for paying tuition that verifies approximately $28,000 in U.S. currency. The U.S. Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) is also required.

Once accepted for admission, all applicants must supply a completed Commitment Form.

Financial Aid

Hostos Community College is proud to offer students a quality education at a reasonable cost. In addition, a majority of Hostos students are eligible for some type of financial aid to help pay for college.

The four main types of aid available to CUNY students who need assistance paying their way through college are grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. Financial aid may be awarded based on need, merit, or both. Students who apply for and receive financial aid must remain in good academic standing to continue to receive assistance. Withdrawing from classes early may also affect financial aid eligibility and payment responsibilities.

Scholarships, unlike loans, do not require repayment after graduation. Numerous scholarships are available for eligible Hostos students. These include but are not limited to the CHCI Scholarship Program for Latino students, the DREAM Fellowship Program for immigrant students, the Hispanic College Fund, and the Melani Scholarship Fund for female CUNY students.

Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to apply for financial assistance for college. It is also advisable to meet with a financial aid counselor in the financial aid office to discuss available programs and payment options.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5934th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in New York.

Students

Hostos is known for having one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States.

On-Campus

A wealth of clubs and organizations are available to students outside of the classroom. The Office of Student Activities works with over 30 student groups and organizations, offering assistance on a variety of club-related administrative duties. The PTK International Honor Society, Teachers of the Future Club, Puerto Rican Club, Muslim Students Association, and the Single Parents Club have been popular groups over the years. Students may also participate in the Student Leadership Academy and the Student Government.

Scheduled events and activities on and around campus are posted on the college’s website. A Student Activities newsletter is also emailed weekly.

Off-Campus

With its location in the Bronx, a wealth of cultural and entertainment opportunities are available to Hostos Students. The Bronx Museum of Art features works by African, Asian, and Latin American artists. The New Yankee Stadium, located in the Bronx across the street from the original House That Ruth Built, opened in 2009. And, of course, the countless treasures of Manhattan are only a subway ride away.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The Hostos Caimans athletic teams compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Caimans are also a member of the community college division of the CUNY Athletic Conference.

Caiman sports teams include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. A variety of intramural sports are also available for students who wish to participate at a non-competitive level. Fitness classes such as Zumba and various training sessions are also enjoyed by students, faculty, and staff.

Campus athletics facilities include the gym, pool, weight room, aerobics room, and dance studio.

CUNY Hostos Community College