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Erie Community College

Buffalo, NY | Public | Community College

Erie Community College is a public university in Buffalo, NY earning an overall grade of Unranked, and enrolling about 5,906 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Criminal Justice and Corrections.

Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

Families typically invest $6,358, about $10,640 less than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $34,042. That's about $9,646 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

Unranked
Ranking
Insufficient data
How We Rank Schools Lower tuitionPublic school option
At a Glance
Ranking
Not reported
Tuition
$6,100
Net Price
$6,358
4-Year Tuition
$24,400
Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Transfer Rate
Not reported
Student Population
5,906
Student-Faculty
16:1
Graduation Rate
Not reported
Retention Rate
Not reported
6-Yr Earnings
$34,042
ROI
Not reported

Who is Erie Community College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Families tracking affordability closely
First-gen or Pell-eligible support

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$4,379-$12,039 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Data not reported
Six-year completion data not reported.
Will you get a job?
Employment outlook unavailable
Employment rate data is not reported. Median earnings six years after entry are $34,042. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Erie Community College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

2-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$24,950
$12,475 × 2 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$12,716
$6,358 × 2.0 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 2.0 years | 4-Year Rate: N/A | 6-Year Rate: Not reported
Completion rate data is not available for this institution.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$12,475
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$6,358
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Program Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $6,100
Books and Supplies $1,600
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $12,475

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
37.5%
Federal Loan
20.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 37.5% of Erie Community College students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$4,379
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$5,776
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$8,521
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$11,010
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$12,039
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $4,379 annually, while high-income families pay $12,039. Use Erie Community College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$19,706
$30K-$48K families
~$25,992
$48K-$75K families
~$38,344
$75K-$110K families
~$49,545
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $11,010/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $12,039/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
Not reported
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $34,042
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $41,228
  • Average Years to Graduate 2.0 years
  • Average Student Debt $5,500
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 46.2%
  • Employment Rate Not reported

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Erie Community College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $34,042 six years after enrollment — roughly 22% below the national median.
Payback Period
0.37 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Erie Community College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Erie Community College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Erie Community College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Selectivity Not Reported
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 5,906
  • Full-Time Students 74.5%
  • Part-Time Students 26.6%
  • Retention Rate Not reported
  • Graduation Rate Not reported
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1

How to Get Into Erie Community College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Erie Community College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Erie Community College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Erie Community College undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 24.1%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.5%
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.7%
  • Social Sciences, General 6.1%
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.6%
  • Human Services, General 3.3%
See more majors
  • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions 2.8%
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies 2.5%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Associate Degree Programs

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $82,563
  • 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections $76,162
  • 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $62,908
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) $56,738
  • 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $56,462
  • 6. Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $51,215
  • 7. Health and Medical Administrative Services $49,513
  • 8. Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection $46,747
  • 9. Criminal Justice and Corrections $45,590
  • 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $44,221

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $82,563—87% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,221). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Erie Community College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 492 graduates)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degree, 234 graduates)
  • Social Sciences, General (Associate's Degree, 124 graduates)
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degree, 116 graduates)
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 93 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (29 programs)
  • Human Services, General
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
  • Teaching Assistants/Aides
  • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
  • Precision Metal Working
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology
  • Culinary Arts and Related Services
  • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
  • Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
  • Homeland Security
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
  • Public Health
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
  • Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
  • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
  • Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
  • Biotechnology
  • Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
  • Construction Management

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,906
  • Full-Time Students 74.5%
  • Part-Time Students 26.6%
  • Male Students 48.3%
  • Female Students 51.7%
  • Caucasian 48.3%
  • Asian 6.7%
  • Hispanic 7.7%
  • Black 18.8%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 37.5%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Erie Community College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Erie Community College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

EDsmart Insight: Erie Community College has a diverse student body, with 48.3% identifying as White.

Our Take

Erie Community College serves as a highly accessible community college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Unranked with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $6,358 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $34,042 median earnings. Graduation rate data is not reported for this community college. Retention data is not available.

Community College Value: Erie Community College's Strengths

Unranked with a Unranked grade, Erie Community College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Community Colleges like Erie Community College excel at providing affordable education ($6,358 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.

Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.

Honest Assessment: Available data trail elite universities but align with typical community college performance. Career outcomes ($34,042 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.

Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Erie Community College and $6,358 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • Median earnings of $34,042 run about 22% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $6,358 is roughly $10,760 lower than the national median of $17,118.
  • 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
Red Flags
  • Pell participation at 37.5% trails the national share by 1.3 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Erie Community College is a public university based in Buffalo, NY and earns a Unranked overall grade. Completion earns Unranked, Support Unranked, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability Unranked.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $6,358 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $12,475.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,117 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $5,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 37.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Median earnings come in near $34,042 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 22% below typical U.S. college outcomes.

Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.

Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Erie Community College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
0.00 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Erie Community College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Erie Community College Website →

Similar Schools

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Nearby Schools

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Contact Information

  • AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
  • Endowment$4.0M

Data Source & Methodology