10 Best Community Colleges in New York

The importance of going to college will never be overemphasized. Some community colleges in New York and everything you might need to enroll, in are the focal points of this article.

New York is known to have the most post-graduate degrees awarded annually in the United States. The city receives the second-highest amount of annual funding from the National Institutes of Health among all U.S. cities.

Are the best community colleges just in New York? Absolutely not. some of the best-performing community schools are in the United States. You can check community colleges in Texas, as well as California, and community colleges in San Diego.

However, the New York State is the nation’s largest importer of college students. Statistics show that among freshmen who leave their home states to attend college, more come to New York State than any other state, including California. Enrollment in New York State is led by New York City, which is home to more university students than any other city in the United State.

With these facts and careful research, this article contains the best community colleges in New York and information that would serve as enough guide to walk you through the process of choosing the best college for your future.

Aside from community colleges, there are universities in New York that could be a good fit, too and they accept international students.

At the end of this article, you’d be able to decide on the next step to take concerning college and your future, which is the utmost aim of this article.

For starters, you don’t have to have it all figured out. You are not expected to. This article would go a long way to help. Hold on.

What is a Community College in New York?

A community college is a local college where students from the surrounding area/city can take courses, both in practical and academic subjects.

They are sometimes called junior colleges because they serve as a two-year affordable post-secondary education and as a pathway to a four-year degree in a university.

The major and only difference between community colleges and a university is that most degrees at a community college only take two years to complete, while degrees at a four-year university take four years to complete.

This is not very pressing, as you can conclude from a community college to continue in a university. What matters most is earning that degree.

A community college in New York is an institute where students can attain a higher level of education for a duration of two years.

Other programs in a community college in New York include a transfer program toward a four-year degree, occupational programs, and one and two-year programs of study.

In other words, it is a community college located in New York.

Are There Community Colleges in New York For International Students?

Of course, there are several community colleges in New York that accepts international students. In fact, the majority of them have been listed in this article, including cost and requirements.

Most community colleges in the U.S accepts international students, not just the community colleges in New York.

Requirements For Comunity Colleges in New York

Students applying for admission to community colleges in New York, or advanced certificate programs are required to:

  • Complete the online application for admission to the particular program.
  • Submit a non-refundable application fee (will be indicated by the institution).
  • Have official transcripts of all post-secondary schools attended should be mailed to the School of Education Office of Admissions & Student Services.
  • Deliver all academic records in a sealed official envelope of the issuing institution, with the original documents bearing the seal and signature of the Registrar or copies verified by a school administrative officer.
  • Possess a high school degree or GED
  • Provide three letters of recommendation.
  • Complete an in-person written essay and/or interview.

In general, applicants who meet the above criteria can expect to be invited to interview within a three-week window following the close of the application deadline.

Community colleges in New York are affordable and easy to get in, as long as you follow each school’s admission policy. Don’t be demoralized yet if have a low grade, some community colleges in New York have a way around it.

community colleges in New york

10 Best Community Colleges in New York

The program of all schools listed below lasts two years, as it should be for community colleges, not just community colleges in New York.

  1. Herkimer County Community College

Herkimer County Community College is counted as one of the top community colleges in New York, Founded in 1966, located at 100 Reservoir Rd, Herkimer, New York.

Herkimer offers a variety of associate degrees in the fields of education, art, business, healthcare & service, liberal arts & sciences, communication arts, criminal justice & law, and STEM programs.

Tuition cost $7,487/year, with a 27% transfer rate, and 36%graduation rate. This school’s Internet Academy offers more than 150 courses, 20 degrees, and 3 certificate programs online to its students. 86% of students receive financial aid.

For further inquiries, visit the school’s website.

Visit website

  1. Columbia-Greene Community College

Columbia-Greene Community College (Co-Greene or C-GCC) founded in 1966 offers 33 associate degree programs and 5 undergraduate certificate programs. One of the community schools in New York is located in Hudson.

It also offers a variety of associate degrees in the fields of Arts & Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Math and Science, Nursing, and Technology. Amongst other community colleges in New York, this is one of the most sought-after.

Tuition costs approximately $5,196. $2,484 for New York State residents, and $4,968 for non-residents. For further inquiries, visit the website.

Visit website

  1. Mohawk Valley Community College

Mohawk Valley Community College, popular among the community colleges in New York, was founded in 1946 and offers 85 associate degrees and 32 certificates in over 90 areas.

They offer degrees in Accounting, Computer Science, Digital Animation, Engineering Science, Culinary Arts  Management, Childhood and Adolescence Education offerings, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Web Development, Information Design, and much more.

These courses are designed to prepare students for immediate employment after graduation or a smooth transfer to a four-year institution.

Tuition cost $4,594 yearly. Requirements for enrollment and admission is will be seen on the website after registration.

Visit website 

  1. Sullivan County Community College

Sullivan County Community College, founded in 1962, is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. One of the community colleges in New York is located on College Rd, Loch Sheldrake.

They offer 37 associate degrees and 6 certificate awards preparing students for employment and seamless transfer to a four-year institution.

Programs include Accounting, Business Administration, Communication and Media Arts, Computer and Graphic Design, Computer Programming, Emergency Management, History, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Respiratory Care, Simulation and Game Development,  and much more.

Tuition cost $7,247 plus the financial aid awarded annually. For requirements, visit the school’s website

Visit website

  1. Guttman Community College

One of the community colleges in New York, founded in 2011, is also called Stella and Charles Guttman Community College.

This college leads the way, as it had the highest score possible in this year’s EDsmart Best Community Colleges in New York rankings at 100/100.

It offers majors in Business Administration, Human Services, Information Technology, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Urban Studies.

The average tuition cost is $5,988. It has a 30% transfer rate and a 100% acceptance rate.

Visit the website for more inquiries.

Visit website

  1. Clinton Community College

To make a list of community colleges in New York and not add Clinton Community College, located in Clinton Point Dr, Plattsburgh, New York, and Founded in 1966, is like making a list of recipes without including the basic ingredient.

Clinton Community College offers 15 associate degree programs and 10 certificate programs which are approved by the New York State Department of Education.

It offers articulation agreements and transfer options to other four-year higher education institutions.

Also, it offers degrees in Liberal Arts, Special Programs, Business, Criminal Justice, Health Physical Education and Recreation, Human Services, Nursing & Allied Health, Science, and Technology.

Certificates are offered in Business, Human Services, Nursing & Allied Health, and Technology. All programs are designed to lead to gainful employment.

You can choose to attend the on-campus or online classes. Whichever one you want. Tuition costs an average of $6,952. For further inquiries, visit the website.

Visit website

  1. Rockland Community College

Founded in 1966, Rockland Community College State University of New York offers 67 programs for both associate degrees and certificates.

It also, amongst other community colleges in New York, offers degrees at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate levels through articulation programs with four-year schools.

This school offers degrees and certifications in Business and Professional/Public Services, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and STEM and Health Professions. Rockland offers online, evening, part-time, and full-time courses.

Visit website

  1. Niagara County Community College

Niagara County Community College is located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, New York, and was founded in 1962.

Because it is one of the top community colleges in New York, it boasts 73 associate degrees and certificates in the fields of Business, Technology, Humanities, Nursing, Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts, Science, Health, and Mathematics.

Dual admissions programs facilitate transfer to four-year colleges after students complete two-year degree programs at Niagara County College.

With an average tuition cost of $5,674 annually, you are sure to see through school. Visit the school’s website for more information.

Visit website

  1. Nassau Community College

Nassau Community College, out of other community colleges in New York, awards the third-largest number of Associate degrees for 2-year public colleges in the U.S. and the largest number of Associate degrees in the state of New York.

It offers a variety of associate degrees in over 70 fields including Liberal Arts, Administrative Technology, Africana Studies, Allied Health Sciences, Art, Biology, Criminal Justice, History/Political Science/Geography, Theatre/Dance, and many more areas.

You will be able to find out more on the school’s website. Average tuition costs $3,187 annually.

Visit website

  1. Ulster County Community College

Ulster County Community College was founded in the year 1961. One of the community colleges in New York that offers 60 undergraduate academic programs.

It also offers a variety of associate degrees in the fields of business, human services, veterinary technology, childhood and early childhood education, graphic arts, fine arts, education, criminal justice, nursing, and more.

This school will offer you a vibrant student life with athletic teams, clubs, workshops, and more.

Visit website

In conclusion, there are 35 community colleges and universities in New York, all together. Both, enroll 247,385 students annually. This might be a cue for you to start your admission process. Remember, most schools have a 100% acceptance rate.

Community colleges in New York – FAQs

Are Community Colleges in New York Affordable?

Yes, they are. There are varieties of community colleges in New York, each enough to fit any pocket size. Find the right one for you now.

How Many Community Colleges Are in New York?

Close to 20 community colleges in New York, if not more, are decent enough to suit varieties of tastes and pockets.

Recommendations