City College in New York City is known as the "Harvard of the Proletariat." In 1847 New Yorkers voted in favor of a "free academy" to educate citizens regardless of their background or financial means. It was the first free public institution of higher education in the United States. It opened on February 5, 1849 with 14 professors and 143 students. In 1866 the academy became a college. In the years that followed the institution kept growing and as a result the board of trustees voted to create a new facility in Upper Manhattan. Construction on the new campus began in 1903 and was completed in 1907.
Due to its growth and other factors tuition charges were introduced in the early 20th century. In 1970 the University dropped all tuition charges and accepted any student with a high school diploma. Unfortunately this lasted until 1976 when the free tuition policy was discontinued under pressure from the federal government, the state, and the financial community in the effort to rescue the city from bankruptcy.
Today over 16,000 students are enrolled at City College and tuition is $6,330 per year for in-state residents. This cost is 71% cheaper than the average New York State tuition of $21,477 for 4 year colleges.
If you are in NYC or will be visiting I invite you to explore this and other sights on my Upper Manhattan tour