CUNY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
● CUNY SPS is one of the nation’s leading online
instruction providers, offering outstanding academic
programs that are increasingly emblematic of CUNY’s
commitment to making quality higher education more
accessible.
● New York’s leader in online education since 2006, the
CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS)
offers the most online bachelor’s and master’s degree
options at the City University of New York and serves
as the University’s only undergraduate all-transfer
college.
● The School’s renowned and affordable online
programs—which offer in-state tuition to all students
regardless of where they live—ensure that busy
working adults may fulfill their educational goals on
their own time and schedule.
● Wide range of student support services, e.g., veterans,
disability services, financial aid, retention team,
mentoring, and tutoring.
WEAKNESSES
● The institution has an aging facility that requires extra funds
that need additional funds to maintain.
● There has been a reduction in state funding across the
United States. The lack of other resources limits CUNY
SPS in updating programs and coping with rising fixed
costs.
● Slow response to students’ needs.
OPPORTUNITIES
● Strong focus at the state level on workforce
development and certificate programs.
● Create and implement a new
institutional/business model to better serve our
constituents.
● CUNY SPS strives to meet the needs of our
military and veteran students by providing
funding assistance and hands-on support.
THREATS
● Funding challenges threaten to stall a significant
engine of mobility, innovation, and economic support
that the City University of New York (CUNY)
represents for its students and the city of New York.
● High competition from other continuing education
schools.
● Budget crisis from the state.
