The City College of the City University of New York (also known as The City College of New York, or simply City College or CCNY) is a public research university within the City University of New York (CUNY) system in New York City. Founded in 1847, City College was the first free public institution of higher education in the United States, although in modern times it charges tuition. It is the oldest of CUNY's 26 institutions of higher learning and is considered its flagship institution. The main campus is located in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. City College's 35-acre (14 ha) campus spans Convent Avenue from 130th to 141st Streets.