Best Community Colleges in New York 2024
The best community colleges provide an effective springboard into higher education, offering students high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The top-rated community colleges in New York offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.
10 Best Community Colleges in New York
- Bronx Community College
- LaGuardia Community College
- Kingsborough Community College
- Nassau Community College
- Hudson Valley Community College
- Borough of Manhattan Community College
- Corning Community College
- Monroe Community College
- Onondaga Community College
- Hostos Community College
- Nassau Community College
- Kingsborough Community College
- Bronx Community College
- Borough of Manhattan Community College
- Jamestown Community College
- Westchester Community College
- LaGuardia Community College
- Monroe Community College
- Hudson Valley Community College
- Queensborough Community College
- Corning Community College 27 to 1
- Suffolk County Community College 24 to 1
- Cayuga Community College 22 to 1
- Jamestown Community College 21 to 1
- Dutchess Community College 20 to 1
- SUNY Erie 20 to 1
- Kingsborough Community College 19 to 1
- Rockland Community College 19 to 1
- LaGuardia Community College 18 to 1
- Westchester Community College 18 to 1
- Mildred Elley $13,953
- Nassau Community College $5,800
- SUNY Orange $5,544
- Suffolk County Community College $5,470
- Tompkins Cortland Community College $5,462
- Jamestown Community College $5,300
- Rockland Community College $5,212
- SUNY Erie $5,200
- Onondaga Community College $5,190
- Corning Community College $5,170
- SUNY Orange
- Genesee Community College
- Mildred Elley
- Niagara County Community College
- Suffolk County Community College
- SUNY Erie
- Rockland Community College
- Jamestown Community College
- SUNY Adirondack
- Finger Lakes Community College
- Mildred Elley
- SUNY Erie
- Niagara County Community College
- Genesee Community College
- SUNY Orange
- SUNY Adirondack
- Hostos Community College
- Suffolk County Community College
- Onondaga Community College
- Cayuga Community College
- Tompkins Cortland Community College 11 to 1
- Mildred Elley 12 to 1
- Hostos Community College 13 to 1
- Bronx Community College 14 to 1
- Finger Lakes Community College 14 to 1
- Genesee Community College 14 to 1
- Queensborough Community College 15 to 1
- Niagara County Community College 15 to 1
- SUNY Adirondack 15 to 1
- Hudson Valley Community College 16 to 1
- Dutchess Community College $4,600
- Westchester Community College $4,730
- Monroe Community College $4,756
- Queensborough Community College $4,800
- Hostos Community College $4,800
- Hudson Valley Community College $4,800
- Kingsborough Community College $4,800
- LaGuardia Community College $4,800
- Borough of Manhattan Community College $4,800
- Bronx Community College $4,800
Key Takeaways
- New York is home to over 400 universities and colleges, including community colleges. There are nearly 100 community colleges in New York City alone. Students shouldn’t have any problem finding the right community college for them.
- Community colleges offer students an easy transition from high school, without the intense pressure that a traditional four-year college or university demands.
- Attending a community college in New York can be a much more affordable and accessible option for students who want to transition to a four-year degree.
The Empire State and Its Community Colleges
In 2019, data shown by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that associate degree holders earn roughly $887 every week, while those who only have high school diplomas take home $746. This proves that an associate degree from a community college is a good investment that will provide you with a good future in the long run.
In New York City, out of the hundreds of colleges and universities, 95 institutions offer two-year associate degree programs. This confirms that community colleges are still good options for those who cannot afford to enroll in a full-time, four-year college degree.
But are community colleges worth it?
Reasons to Enroll in New York Community Colleges
The choice of what you will do after you obtain your high school diploma or go back to college may sound overwhelming. Contrary to popular misconceptions, there are several ways you can benefit by attending a community college, whether through on-campus or online programs. These schools offer basic courses and professional certificates that you can use to substitute for the first two years of college credits.
So why should you attend a community college first?
Easy Transitioning: The transition from high school to living on-campus and away from your family can significantly impact your mental well-being and overall academic performance. Going to a community college first can provide an easier transition for adjusting to college life.
Community colleges can make your college experience as enjoyable and as relaxed as possible. For example, community college can help familiarize you with essentials for academic success, including lessons on note-taking, textbook recording, peer tutoring, testing accommodations, and even educational equipment loans.
It won’t hurt your résumé: Many people believe that graduating from a community college can hamper their career prospects. Putting your experience at a community college on your résumé can be seen as a positive, especially if you have earned professional certificates. In recent years, the respect for community colleges and associate degrees has grown exponentially across all majors.
Prospective students simply need to do a school search of private and public community colleges, looking especially at majors such as criminal justice, media arts, liberal arts, legal studies, fine arts, and other related programs or certificate programs that prepare students for various entry level positions.
Community colleges cost less. Community colleges are less costly than any four-year university for so many reasons. First, most community colleges do not have on-campus dormitories. This saves students on room and board costs, which can add up to thousands after two years.
Second, community colleges have lower tuition costs. On average, those admitted to a community college pay roughly $3,700 in tuition. Compare that figure to any in-state, four-year public university, which charges $10,440 per year on average.
You can also consider receiving your associate’s degree from a community college before transitioning to a four-year college. New York is home to some of the best online associate’s degrees in the country.
Although the rates for community colleges largely depend on the state or region you’re attending, even the two-year cost in the priciest state is still less than what is charged to a four-year institution.
Even better, if you do need to take out student loans, the amount you will need to pay back will be significantly lower than if you attended a traditional four-year college.
Other Advantages of Going to a Community College in New York
When choosing your education path, you might be surprised to realize the many benefits you can get from attending a community college. While some students may feel that missing out on living on campus in a dorm is a disadvantage, the cost savings are significant.
Other benefits of attending a community college include:
- Smaller college class size
- No ACT or SAT scores are required for admissions
- Career-specific courses
- A chance to explore different classes
- Proximity to home
- Easier transition from high school
- Class schedule flexibility
Colleges and Universities in New York
On average, tuition at New York’s higher education institutes comes in well-below the national average at about $7,900. Students have nearly 80 public school options to choose from, ranging in fees from $1,000 at the United States Merchant Marine Academy up to $10,000 at the University at Buffalo, the largest public university. However, some of the state’s private schools, such as New York University (NYU), charge tuition fees at a much higher cost.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Although tuition fees at NYU average $52,000, students who attend this school have access to some of the best programs in fields like literature, business, medicine, communications, and law. The school also boasts famous alumni like Whoopi Goldberg and Jonas Salk. New York also offers close to 40 religiously affiliated schools. Students can expect to pay a wide range of tuition costs at these schools, but have the option to major in fields like social work, law, religious studies, business, and nursing.
They say New York is a place where dreams come true. Here, fashion, culture, food, business, art, and many languages comfortably coexist. While The Empire State’s metropolitan landmarks, like the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, are noteworthy, many forget New York also offers access to the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and countless cozy cabins tucked away in the verdant Catskills Mountains. Additionally, New York is home to over 200 colleges and universities, making it easy for students to dream big while earning their degrees.
Explore some of the top programs New York higher education institutes have to offer, and make your educational and personal dreams come true.
What are New York’s Colleges & Universities?
- 29 Research Universities
- 92 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 42 Graduate Schools
- 41 Public Colleges & Universities
- 80 Private Colleges & Universities
- 21 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 73 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 47 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000,000/year)
- 36 Community Colleges
- 36 Online Colleges
New York’s Best Overall
We’ve identified 36 community colleges in New York. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in New York.
Best Community Colleges in New York
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
21%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Bronx Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,206Starting Salary: $38,700What is Bronx Community College known for?
Bronx Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- Literature
- Education
- Medical
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
29%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for degree at LaGuardia Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,218Starting Salary: $39,200What is LaGuardia Community College known for?
LaGuardia Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Philosophy
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies #12 Best Online Associate in Philosophy #13 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024 #13 Best Online Associate in Political Science
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
27%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for degree at Kingsborough Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,252Starting Salary: $41,300What is Kingsborough Community College known for?
Kingsborough Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Engineering
- Nursing
- Business
- Medical
- Education
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
21%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at Nassau Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,330Starting Salary: $43,900What is Nassau Community College known for?
Nassau Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Literature
- Biology
- Medical
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Hudson Valley Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,018Starting Salary: $40,400What is Hudson Valley Community College known for?
Hudson Valley Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
24%
Student body
26K
Career Outlook for degree at Borough of Manhattan Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,170Starting Salary: $40,300What is Borough of Manhattan Community College known for?
Borough of Manhattan Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Nursing
- History
- Medical
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Engineering
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
40%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Corning Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,966Expenses: $13,060Starting Salary: $35,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Corning Community College known for?
Corning Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice #9 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies #10 Best Online Associate in Education #11 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
21%
Student body
20K
Career Outlook for degree at Monroe Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,712Expenses: $12,850Starting Salary: $35,500Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Monroe Community College known for?
Monroe Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Education
- Social Work
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
25%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Onondaga Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,890Expenses: $12,212Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Onondaga Community College known for?
Onondaga Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Education
- Communications
- Political Science
- Business
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
20%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Hostos Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,208Starting Salary: $35,000What is Hostos Community College known for?
Hostos Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
25%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Cayuga Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,292Starting Salary: $34,600What is Cayuga Community College known for?
Cayuga Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
26%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at Queensborough Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,210Starting Salary: $41,700What is Queensborough Community College known for?
Queensborough Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students #10 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024 #24 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
23%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Tompkins Cortland Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,790Expenses: $15,652Starting Salary: $34,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tompkins Cortland Community College known for?
Tompkins Cortland Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
27%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Dutchess Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,174Expenses: $17,919Starting Salary: $37,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dutchess Community College known for?
Dutchess Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
23%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at Westchester Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,410Starting Salary: $43,400What is Westchester Community College known for?
Westchester Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #6 Best Online Associate in Game Development #12 Best Online Associate in Hospitality and Tourism #17 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024 #18 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
29%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Finger Lakes Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,914Expenses: $19,221Starting Salary: $34,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Finger Lakes Community College known for?
Finger Lakes Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #3 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship #4 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management #4 Best Online Associate in Business Management #10 Best Online Associate in Marketing
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
26%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Adirondack
Cost of Degree: $6,088Expenses: $16,460Starting Salary: $36,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is SUNY Adirondack known for?
SUNY Adirondack’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #9 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics #12 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs #15 Best Online Associate in Information Technology #19 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
35%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Jamestown Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,450Expenses: $16,210Starting Salary: $35,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Jamestown Community College known for?
Jamestown Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs #16 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship #19 Best Online Associate in Finance #20 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
30%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Rockland Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,120Starting Salary: $42,900What is Rockland Community College known for?
Rockland Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
24%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Erie
Cost of Degree: $5,950Starting Salary: $36,700What is SUNY Erie known for?
SUNY Erie’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Education
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
24%
Student body
26K
Career Outlook for degree at Suffolk County Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,270Starting Salary: $42,400What is Suffolk County Community College known for?
Suffolk County Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024 #10 Best Online Associate in Human Services #10 Best Online Associate in Psychology
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
32%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Niagara County Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,165Starting Salary: $36,600What is Niagara County Community College known for?
Niagara County Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Medical
- Social Work
- Biology
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Education
- Communications
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
33%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Mildred Elley
Cost of Degree: $14,253Starting Salary: $24,200What is Mildred Elley known for?
Mildred Elley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
34%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Genesee Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,440Expenses: $12,865Starting Salary: $33,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Genesee Community College known for?
Genesee Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
21%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at SUNY Orange
Cost of Degree: $6,262Starting Salary: $40,100What is SUNY Orange known for?
SUNY Orange’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
- Nassau Community College
- Bronx Community College
- LaGuardia Community College
- SUNY Orange
- Corning Community College
- Mildred Elley
- Fulton–Montgomery Community College
- Kingsborough Community College
- Onondaga Community College
- Hudson Valley Community College
- Schenectady County Community College
- Hostos Community College
- North Country Community College
- Rockland Community College
- Clinton Community College
- Dutchess Community College
- SUNY Broome Community College
- Tompkins Cortland Community College
- Queensborough Community College
- Monroe Community College
- Herkimer County Community College
- SUNY Adirondack
- Westchester Community College
- Niagara County Community College
- Cayuga Community College