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In some regards it has reputable programs that are well respected, depending what school you attend (i.e. Hunter's Nursing/Social Work Programs, or Baruch's business Programs). And is has improved tremendously but it still leaves a bad taste in people's mouthes when it comes to name brand quality. Part of that is because of their old open door policies and another piece of it is because it has the stigma of being a public school that is cheaper than the privates. Most people, involuntarily equate quality with cost and I think CUNY gets a bad rap in that respect. Normally people see it as A) Nothing impressive B) Lower quality or C) OK-depending on the program. Regardless of the program, I think in most employers minds it is seen as either A or C. And the general public either see it as A or B.
But more and more peope are seeing it as a smart choice given the cost of higher ed these days. So for that reason and that reason alone, CUNY has become more competitive.
@ Itshim, I agree with you. The economy and lack of jobs in the city have forced many students to attend CUNY schools. I attended a CUNY for graduate school (my opinion their undergrad isn't great, but their making changes to make their undergrad better) and found a great job outside the city. I have considered attending CUNY law in Queens because of the affordability and its programs. CUNY has become competetive and a viable option for young professionals to enter the job market. Now, with that being said, I attended a private college for undergrad and felt that overall the quality of education was better at the private college I attended. In my personal opinion, the CUNY that you attend is important and how you do at that CUNY is important as well.
@ Itshim, I agree with you. The economy and lack of jobs in the city have forced many students to attend CUNY schools. I attended a CUNY for graduate school (my opinion their undergrad isn't great, but their making changes to make their undergrad better) and found a great job outside the city. I have considered attending CUNY law in Queens because of the affordability and its programs. CUNY has become competetive and a viable option for young professionals to enter the job market. Now, with that being said, I attended a private college for undergrad and felt that overall the quality of education was better at the private college I attended. In my personal opinion, the CUNY that you attend is important and how you do at that CUNY is important as well.
I'm in the same boat as you. I attended two [costly] privates for both undergrad and grad. I've considered law school as well, and I was planning to apply to either St. Johns or Brooklyn Law and found that the price tag was just too unrealistic. I refuse to absorb that much more debt with little to no gurantees. I've considered CUNY Queens Law as well, but from what I've gathered, it's a win/lose situation. You win with the price but lose with the rep (not to mention they only accept students as full time, unlike BkL and SJL).
Right now, my plan is to apply to the CUNY Grad Center for a PhD program, attend part time and pay it off as I go. From what I've been told, they offer solid degree programs with a pretty good rep.
I go to City college for Computer Science, I like it. The job opportunities promised to me are pretty uplifting.
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