Founded in 1847 as The Free Academy, the City College of New York (CCNY) is the flagship institution of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Located in West Harlem, CCNY serves over 16,000 students across 115+ degree programs, offering a diverse and inclusive educational environment. With 95.6% of faculty holding terminal degrees, CCNY is recognized for academic excellence, ranking #1 for social mobility by The Chronicle of Higher Education and placing in the top 1.2% of universities globally according to the Center for World University Rankings.
CCNY Team
Jennifer V Lavayen, Faculty
Naomi U Nwosu, Assistant Vice President Enrollment Management
Coach
CCNY Success to Date
In 2025, CCNY partnered with the Money Smart Financial Coaching Program (MSFCP) to introduce both credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing personal finance courses, integrating one-on-one financial coaching into its curriculum. This initiative is designed to broaden financial literacy across the campus while expanding financial wellness programs already in place. This program is a collaborative effort between Enrollment Management and The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. The MSFCP initiative aims to empower students with the financial knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions, fostering long-term financial stability and success.
CCNY Innovative Practices
CCNY integrates financial coaching into its academic and extracurricular programs, ensuring students receive personalized guidance in key areas such as: Budgeting and expense tracking; Credit management and responsible borrowing; and Investment strategies and wealth building.
To enhance student engagement, CCNY collaborates with community organizations and financial institutions to provide:
- Workshops on essential financial topics
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
- Interactive learning experiences using real-world financial scenarios
The program also incorporates digital tools and financial simulations to reinforce financial planning concepts, equipping students with practical skills that complement their academic learning. Through these innovative methods, CCNY prepares students not only for academic success but also for financial independence and stability in their professional and personal lives.
With its commitment to academic excellence and student empowerment, CCNY continues to be a leader in financial education and social mobility, ensuring its graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of personal and professional financial decision-making.
