NYC Residents

Shepard Hall at CCNY

English Classes for NYC Residents

Improve your English for work, college, and everyday life through CCNY's English Language Institute with flexible English courses designed for adult learners.

Build the English skills you need to succeed in college, advance your career, and communicate confidently in New York City.

CCNY’s English Language Institute (ELI) offers intensive English instruction for non-native speakers looking to strengthen their language skills for academic or professional advancement. Our program serves both international students and NYC residents preparing for study at American universities or aiming to improve career opportunities. Upon completion, students may apply to City College undergraduate or graduate programs and waive the TOEFL requirement.

Why Choose CCNY's English Language Institute?

  • Learn from experienced instructors
  • Improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • Prepare for college or the workplace
  • Study with students from around the world
  • Convenient Manhattan location
  • Flexible course options

English Levels Offered

  • Beginning – Build basic English for everyday conversations. (Not Available)
  • Intermediate – Strengthen grammar, reading, writing, and workplace communication.
  • Advanced – Prepare for college, professional careers, and academic success.

All students complete a placement test before classes begin to ensure they're placed in the appropriate level.

Student Outcomes

After completing the program, students can:

  • Communicate more confidently at work.
  • Participate in college-level coursework.
  • Improve professional writing and speaking.
  • Continue into higher ELI levels.
  • Prepare to apply to degree programs at CCNY.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for:

  • Professionals seeking better career opportunities
  • Adults preparing for college
  • New immigrants
  • Parents wanting stronger communication skills
  • Anyone looking to improve English confidence

Why Improve Your English?

Stronger English skills can help you:

  • Advance your career
  • Earn promotions
  • Prepare for college
  • Communicate confidently at work
  • Build confidence in everyday conversations
  • Access more educational opportunities

Application Process

Step 1
Complete the online application.

Step 2
Receive Next Steps via email and take placement test.

Step 3
Complete payment

Step 4
Start class.

Tuition

  • 1 Session: $925*
  • 2 Sessions: $1825
  • 3 Sessions: $2725

Tuition includes intensive English instruction, placement testing, and academic support from CCNY's English Language Institute.

*Save 10% When You Enroll for the August 24 Start Date
Available to new applicants only.

Policy and Discounts

Discounts  

We offer discounts to current students through our Student Referral Program. If you are a student who is currently enrolled in the English Language Institute and you refer a new student to our program who successfully enrolls in an English Language Institute Course you will receive a $50 discount on tuition for your next session for EACH student that you enroll.      

To  receive this discount you must be a current student at the English Language Institute. A student will not be able to receive a total discount for one session that exceeds the amount of tuition for one session. A student may not transfer their discount to another  student. The person who has been referred must mention the student that they have been referred by before they enroll in classes in order for a discount to be offered. A student cannot apply the discount to a current session, it must be applied to the next  session that a student will enroll in.   


Cancellations and Refund Policy

  • For student withdrawals, the registration fee is non-refundable. If a student withdraws before the first day of classes, tuition is refunded minus the $25 processing fee.

  • After the first class meeting, no refund will be issued. 

  • Refund requests must be accompanied by your receipt. The processing of refunds takes one to four weeks.

  • Credit card refunds are credited back to the card used to register for the course(s). Refund via check will be mailed 4 to 6 weeks after cancelled registration

  • A refund may take up to 6 - 8 weeks after the Office of Continuing and Professional Studies receives the request. Refunds are credited to the card originally charged. Money orders and business check payments are refunded with check mailed 6 to 8 weeks after a course withdrawal or cancellation has been approved.

Note: Class Cancellation Due to Low Enrollment

ELI has to maintain a certain number of enrollment to start a class.  We reserve the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment.  In such a case, we will immediately email and inform the applicants. If CPS/ELI cancels a course, a 100% refund, including the registration fee, will be given.

Schedule

Upcoming Fall Schedule:

  • Session 1: August 24 — September 28, 2026
  • Session 2: September 30 — November 4, 2026
  • Session 3: November 9 — December 15, 2026

All classes are 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM Monday - Thursday

Meet Your Instructors

Kathy Corazza (MA, TESOL) - Intermediate Level

Kathy Corazza been teaching ESL to both adult and high school students for over 20 years. She has worked in many aspects of adult ESL including volunteer literacy and tutoring organizations, as well as university and community college instruction. She has been involved with the adult education program at CCNY’s English Language Institute since 2023. In her current position as ESL instructor, she helps students develop their confidence in all areas of language proficiency including speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension. As part of the curriculum, she has organized trips to some of the city’s cultural gems including the Met Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Whitney Museum.

Ready to Improve Your English?

Take the next step toward achieving your academic and career goals.

Enroll Now

Questions regarding ELI or need assistance with registering ELI@ccny.cuny.edu

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Last Updated: 07/29/2026 13:31