Veteran Admissions Officer at The College of Staten Island highlights inclusive approach to student success
The College of Staten Island continues to earn national recognition for its exceptional value and commitment to student success – accomplishments that admissions officer Emmanuel Esperance Jr. has personally witnessed firsthand.
Esperance Jr., who has dedicated over 25 years to CSI’s admissions department and has been the full-time director since August 2008, reveals how the college’s inclusive and adaptive approach drives its mission to appeal to and ultimately empower a wide range of students, from all backgrounds. He highlights CSI’s comprehensive admissions process, which welcomes a diverse student body and offers tailored academic plans.
“We don’t turn away too many students,” Esperance Jr. said. “We’re able to provide them with a plan, whether it’s a two-year or four-year program, we can provide the students with a plan for their intended major or career.”
This flexibility combined with stable tuition, approximately $7,000 per year, $3,500 per semester, for New York State residents ensures accessibility, a cornerstone of CSI’s value proposition. Major publications are aware and have highlighted CSI’s effective strategy:
- Forbes recognizes CSI for its strong return on investment, marking its third consecutive year on the list.
- Washington Monthly ranks CSI in the top 25 percent of “Best Bang for the Buck Colleges” in the Northeast.
- U.S. News & World Report places CSI at No. 33 in Social Mobility, a 49-spot leap from last year, and 33rd among Top Public Schools in the Regional North.
Last week David Pizzuto, current Director of Communications and Marketing at CSI (since 2021), was interviewed and described the process that allows CSI to continuously appear on lists like the ones mentioned above. A major reason is familiarity.
CSI is located on a 204-acre campus, the largest single college site in New York City, which enhances its appeal. Students are equipped with luxury apartment-style housing accommodations located directly on campus, as well as multiple methods of transportation to access the other four boroughs; students who choose to have a vehicle on campus are offered parking permits.
“Definitely, I think the fact that we’re the largest one-site campus in New York City, very traditional looking,” Esperance Jr. said. “There’s a SUNY feel to us, but we’re in the city, and with the proximity to Manhattan, I think that makes us very attractive.”
Despite a more spacious environment in comparison to other CUNY schools, there is a notable school-wide rapport among students, faculty and staff. This environment, paired with hands-on research opportunities, prepares students for professional success. As Pizzuto noted: “When that course curriculum is constantly evolving… it’s really important for students.”
When asked about potential areas for growth at the College of Staten Island, Esperance Jr. pointed to academic expansion that could further benefit the student population.
“I think there are some academic programs that we’re probably missing,” Esperance Jr. candidly admitted. “For example, we’re a Division II NCAA school and have a number of health science programs, but there’s nothing in physical education. I think there are a couple of programs that we can probably add that would serve this community and really leverage some of the facilities that we have.”
The college’s response to challenges like COVID-19 further accentuates its adaptability. Esperance Jr. also recalled how CSI deliberately shifted to virtual services in 2020, which actually boosted enrollment as students sought stability. While those services have since tapered off in favor of traditional in-person academic classes, the impact remained.
This resilience, coupled with robust academic support, has fueled CSI’s reputation for fostering social mobility. The institution, which graduated 2,166 students in May 2025, continues to transform young men and women, and that momentum has been proven to carry over well into the professional and personal stages of the lives of its graduates beyond graduation.
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