Paying for School

As New York City’s only public school of architecture, Spitzer offers a rich learning environment built on CCNY’s long traditions of academic excellence and affordability. Full-time graduate tuition for in-state residents is approximately $15,000 per year (2022-2023), making it among the most low-cost graduate architecture schools in the country.

Even so, it takes thoughtful planning to attend a full-time graduate program. We recommend that all applicants who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before the priority deadline of March 15 in order to be eligible for federal and state government financial assistance. CCNY’s Federal School Code is 002688. Students can find more basic information at Graduate Financial Aid.

Each of our graduate programs provides a small number of need-based scholarship that provides an amount equal to in-state tuition for one year. These scholarships are awarded annually. There are opportunities for research and assistantship grants as well, generally for continuing students. (There is no formal application process for these; all admitted students are considered automatically.)

Students are strongly encouraged to seek external funding, and faculty and administrative assistance is available for scholarship and award applicants. Following is a sampling of resources that may be appropriate for graduate students.

Residence-Specific

Specific Populations

International Students

International students are not eligible to receive U.S.-government issued financial aid, however, they are welcome to apply for scholarships and loans from outside sources. Please see the CUNY International Students Financial Resources page for more details. International students may also wish to investigate private lenders such as prodigyfinance.com and mpowergfinancing.com. (These companies are not endorsed by or affiliated with City College or the City University of New York.)

This list is not intended to be comprehensive, and inclusion here does not indicate specific endorsement by or affiliation with the Spitzer School.

Advanced Building Construction (ABC) Lab
The ABC Lab explores new methods of structural form-finding used to design efficient structures on small and large scales. We investigate natural resources to provide building solutions that result in low carbon emission and reduced environmental impact.
Robotics Lab
The Spitzer School Robotics Lab has two ABB IRB 120 small but powerful, scalable, industrial-grade six-axis robotic arms, as well as a third, larger arm, an ABB IRB 15000. Two very large arms are also planned for, pending infrastructure development. Students in robotics-focused courses, including special edesign studios, use the lab to critically explore robotics and examine their potential to transform, and perhaps disrupt, modes of present and future design practice. At Spitzer, robotics is viewed as a design tool, not just a conventional fabrication device. Robots are approached as broadly applicable general-purpose motion devices. The number, scope, and elaboration of functions, processes, and tasks each arm can carry out are nearly endless. One determinant of this flexibility, and a source of great potential, is the physical interface a robotic arm presents to the world -- the tools or effectors that, when attached to the end of the arm, allow work to be carried out. The movable end of the arm -- the “wrist” -- is “open” and flexible and to which can be attached an unlimited number and variety of tools, objects, and small systems. Possibilities include all manner of drawing instruments, scribing tools, light sources, image capture devices, grippers, virtually any hand or power tool, extruders, grinders, and milling equipment. Harnessing robots’ precise programmed motion control, connection to robotic arms of cameras, video screens, and other visual production devices opens an entire realm of possibilities for architectural conceptualization, representation, documentation, expression, and even entertainment. The lab utilizes several software tools including HAL, Robots GH plug-in, and Mimic. These interface with familiar design applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, and Maya, providing a bridge to Robot Studio, an industrial-grade comprehensive robot control and simulation suite. The lab also has available advanced 3-D printers and a host of tools to serve students and faculty working in the Spitzer Robotics Lab.
I-Bean Café
The iBean Café, the Spitzer School of Architecture’s in-house coffee shop, is located on the second floor.
Digital Fabrication
The Model Shop boasts four large-bed laser cutters, two CNC machines, and MakerBot 3-D printers. Additionally, the M Arch studios house a Stratasys uPrint SE Plus, a 3-D printer, and a Roland MDX-540 Milling Machine.
Architecture Library
Architecture Library Resource Updates
Fabrication Shop
Located in a large dedicated space on the concourse level of the Spitzer School, the model shop is fully equipped with a wide variety of hand and power.
Digital Media Labs and Printing
The school’s digital media resources are many and varied. Based primarily on ‘win-tel’ technology, two labs, open extended hours, are equipped with advanced workstations, large format plotters and scanners, a variety of printers and other equipment for open student and faculty use. One lab and another dedicated instructional space are also available for teaching each with eighteen advanced work stations, digital projection, audio capability and other a/v equipment. Available software includes AutoCAD, Revit, 3DS Max, Rhino, all Adobe products, Microsoft Office, and a variety of other applications. Plotters and public-access workstations are available in many studios along with building-wide wireless access and other facilities for portable (laptop) computing in all spaces. Four digital laser cutters and two large cnc machines are available in the model shop along with 3D printers and other digital fabrication equipment. Supporting these resources are a group of servers with extensive storage capacity, along with other capabilities including advanced print serving, applications distribution, and license management. In addition to the labs and model shop facilities, many studios are equipped with plotters, workstations and printers. Wireless access is available throughout the entire SSA building along with wired access in numerous locations including studios, classrooms and offices.

Paying for School

Student

Benjamin Akhavan

Faculty

Catherine Seavitt Nordenson

Alumni

Isabella Joseph

Advanced Building Construction (ABC) Lab

Robotics Lab

I-Bean Café

Digital Fabrication

Architecture Library

Fabrication Shop

Digital Media Labs and Printing