Hunter College is a distinguished American educational institution, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offering a wide range of educational services. This article explores the founding, development, and modern state of Hunter College. Read more on manhattan1.one.
Founding of the College
Hunter College, part of the City University of New York, offers a vast array of educational programs. Established in 1870 by Thomas Hunter, the college initially operated at the corner of Broadway and East Fourth Street in Manhattan as the Normal and High School for Women. Hunter served as the first president for 37 years. Initially, the institution was exclusively for women pursuing teaching careers, accepting students regardless of religion, ethnicity, or race. This was notable at a time when many women’s colleges had restrictive admission criteria.
The college also included elementary and high schools, offering students hands-on teaching practice. In 1887, a kindergarten was added. Due to rapid expansion, the institution relocated in 1873 to a Gothic-style building on Park Avenue between 68th and 69th Streets. In 1888, it was registered as a college under New York State law, named the Normal College of the City of New York, and granted the authority to confer Bachelor of Arts degrees.
A New Chapter: Expansion of the Institution
In 1914, the institution was renamed Hunter College in honor of its founder. As the student body grew, the college expanded with branches in boroughs like Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. During World War II, the college temporarily operated in the Bronx but later centralized its Manhattan campus in a townhouse at 47–49 East 65th Street, donated by Eleanor Roosevelt. In 2010, the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute was opened on the site, serving as an academic hub hosting prominent speakers.
Male students were first admitted in the Bronx in the 1950s and later in Manhattan in 1964.
Modern-Day Hunter College
Today, Hunter College is a research-driven and comprehensive educational institution. Out of more than 20,000 students, nearly 5,000 are enrolled in graduate programs, with education and social work being the most popular fields. While the college continues to emphasize women’s education, nearly three-quarters of its students are women. In 2006, the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute was established, offering training for young women in public speaking, business, leadership, and advocacy.
In recent years, the college has integrated its undergraduate and graduate programs, offering advanced opportunities in areas like psychology and biology (doctoral programs), education (master’s programs), mathematics (master’s and doctoral programs), biochemistry (biology and chemistry), accounting (master’s program), and economics (a highly competitive master’s program). Admission to these programs is based on academic excellence and scholarship.
The main campus is located at 695 Park Avenue, continuing its legacy as a center for academic excellence and innovation.