Best Community Colleges in New York

2016-2017 Rankings

best_community_colleges_in_new_yorkThe state of New York is home to 121 two-year colleges. Two of the major community college systems in New York are the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY), which, combined, operate more than 90 percent of all public community colleges in New York.

Some students at New York community colleges attend in order to complete an associate’s degree or some type of vocational training while others work on completing general education courses in order to transfer to a four-year institution of higher education.

For many students, the choice to attend a community college with the end goal of transferring to a four-year university is a more affordable option than going straight to a four-year institution.

Naturally, some of the community colleges in New York and New York City offer higher graduation and transfer rates than others, while some provide low tuition and more financial support.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

 

Ranking Methodology

The team here at EDsmart ran the numbers on over 120 community colleges in the state of New York and ranked them based on:

  • Retention Rate
  • Transfer Rate
  • Graduation Rate
  • Net Price

*Data gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator.

All four factors allow students to see the affordability and academic quality of each respective community college on our list. Every school was given a ranking in each category listed above then assigned a composite score with the highest score being 100. The only school to receive a perfect 100 was Guttman Community College.

Rankings and information about each school can be found below.

Rank Name Graduation Rate Transfer-Out Rate Retention Rate Net Price
1 Stella and Charles Guttman Community College 49% 30% 73% $5,988
2 Herkimer County Community College 36% 27% 61% $7,487
3 Columbia-Greene Community College 30% 19% 59% $5,196
4 Nassau Community College 22% 20% 72% $3,817
5 Ulster County Community College 31% 17% 58% $4,049
6 Niagara County Community College 28% 18% 63% $5,674
7 Mohawk Valley Community College 28% 20% 59% $6,637
8 Sullivan County Community College 25% 30% 60% $7,247
9 Clinton Community College 29% 16% 65% $6,952
10 Rockland Community College 29% 19% 68% $9,065

Top Community Colleges in New York

#1 Guttman Community College

Score: 100

Net Price: $5,988
Graduation Rate: 49%
Transfer Rate: 30%
Retention Rate: 73%

Founded in 2011, Stella and Charles Guttman Community College is the newest of CUNY’s community colleges. Guttman leads the way for CUNY with the highest score possible in this year’s EDsmart Best Community Colleges in New York rankings at 100/100. Guttman offers majors in Business Administration, Human Services, Information Technology, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Urban Studies.

Address: 50 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (646) 313-8000
Founded: 2011
Number of students: 700 (2015)

Website: http://guttman.cuny.edu/

#2 Herkimer County Community College

Score: 91.75

Net Price: $7,487
Graduation Rate: 36%
Transfer Rate: 27%
Retention Rate: 61%

Founded in 1966, Herkimer County Community College leads the way for SUNY schools. 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. This school’s Internet Academy offers more than 150 courses, 20 degrees, and 3 certificate programs online.

Address: 100 Reservoir Rd, Herkimer, NY 13350
Phone: (315) 866-0300
Founded: 1966
Number of students: 3,774 (2010)
Undergraduates: 3,328

Request info from Herkimer Community College

Website: http://www.herkimer.edu/[

#3 Columbia-Greene Community College

Score: 89.25

Net Price: $5,196
Graduation Rate: 30%
Transfer Rate: 19%
Retention Rate: 59%

Founded in 1966, Columbia-Greene Community College (Co-Greene or C-GCC) offers 33 associate degree programs and 5 undergraduate certificate programs. Co-Greene offers a variety of associate degrees in the fields of Arts & Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Math and Science, Nursing, and Technology. This school included a day care center which provides child care support for attending students.

Address: 4400 NY-23, Hudson, NY 12534
Phone: (518) 828-4181
Founded: 1966
Number of students: ~2,800 annually
Undergraduates: 2,047

Request info from Columbia-Greene Community College

Website: http://www.sunycgcc.edu

#4 Nassau Community College

Score: 89.00

Net Price: $3,187
Graduation Rate: 22%
Transfer Rate: 20%
Retention Rate: 72%

Founded in 1959, Nassau Community College 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 Ney York. Nassau offers a variety of associate degrees in over 70 fields including Liberal Arts, Accounting & Business Administration, Administrative Technology, Africana Studies, Allied Health Sciences, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communications, Criminal Justice, History/Political Science/Geography, Theatre/Dance, and many more areas.

Address: 1 Education Dr, Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 572-7501
Founded: 1959
Number of students: N/A
Undergraduates: 20,000

Request info from Nassau Community College

Website: http://www.ncc.edu/

#5 Ulster County Community College

Score: 88.25

Net Price: $4,049
Graduation Rate: 31%
Transfer Rate: 17%
Retention Rate: 58%

Founded in 1961, Ulster County Community College (SUNY Ulster) offers 60 undergraduate academic programs. Ulster offers a variety of associate degrees in the fields of business, human services, veterinary technology, childhood and early childhood education, graphic arts, and fine arts, education, criminal justice, nursing, and more. This school offers a vibrant student life with athletic teams, clubs, workshops, and more.

Address: 491 Cottekill Rd, Stone Ridge, NY 12484
Phone: (845) 687-5000
Founded: 1961
Number of students: 3,686 (2010)
Undergraduates: 2,047

Request info from Ulster County Community College

Website: http://www.sunyulster.edu/

#6 Niagara County Community College

Score: 87.50

Net Price: $5,674
Graduation Rate: 28%
Transfer Rate: 18%
Retention Rate: 63%

Founded in 1962, Niagara County Community College boasts 73 associate degrees and certificates in the fields of Business, Technology and the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Nursing and Allied Health, 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.

Address: 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone: (716) 614-6222
Founded: 1962
Number of students: 7,428 (2010)
Undergraduates: 6,667

Request info from Niagara County Community College

Website: http://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/

#7 Mohawk Valley Community College

Score: 87.25

Net Price: $6,637
Graduation Rate: 28%
Transfer Rate: 20%
Retention Rate: 59%

Founded in 1962, Mohawk Valley Community College offers 85 associate degrees and 32 certificates in over 90 areas. Associate degrees offered include Accounting, Business Administration and Management, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Digital Animation, Engineering Science, Culinary Arts Management, multiple Childhood and Adolescence Education offerings, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Web Development and 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.

Address: 1101 Sherman Dr, Utica, NY 13501
Phone: (315) 792-5400
Founded: 1946
Number of students: 7,400 (2010)
Undergraduates: 7,200

Request info from Mohawk Valley Community College

Website: http://www.mvcc.edu/

#8 Sullivan County Community College

Score: 86.50

Net Price: $7,247
Graduation Rate: 25%
Transfer Rate: 30%
Retention Rate: 60%

Founded in 1962, Sullivan County Community College (SUNY Sullivan) is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. SUNY Sullivan offers 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.

Address: 112 College Rd, Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759
Phone: (845) 434-5750
Founded: 1962
Number of students: 1,749 (2010)
Undergraduates: 1,757

Request info from Sullivan County Community College

Website: http://sunysullivan.edu/

#9 Clinton Community College

Score: 85.75

Net Price: $6,952
Graduation Rate: 29%
Transfer Rate: 16%
Retention Rate: 65%

Founded in 1966, Clinton Community College of SUNY offers 15 associate degree programs and 10 certificate programs which are approved by the New York State Department of Education. Clinton CC offers articulation agreements and transfer options to other four-year higher education institutions. This school 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, Technology. All of Clint CC’s programs are designed to lead to gainful employment.

Address: 136 Clinton Point Dr, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 562-4200
Founded: 1966
Number of students: 2,334 (2011)
Undergraduates: 2,192

Request info from Clinton Community College

Website: http://www.clinton.edu/

#10 Rockland Community College

Score: 84.50

Net Price: $9,065
Graduation Rate: 29%
Transfer Rate: 19%
Retention Rate: 68%

Founded in 1966, Rockland Community College State University of New York offers 67 programs for both associate degrees and certificates. RCC SUNY also offers degrees at the Bachelor, Masters, 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.

Address: Rockland Community College, 145 College Rd, Suffern, NY 10901
Phone: (845) 574-4000
Founded: 1959
Number of students: 7,180
Undergraduates: 7,180

Request info from Rockland Community College

Website: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/

NYC Community College Rankings 11-20

School Graduation Rate Transfer-out Rate Retention Rate Net Price Average Score Weighted Score
Genesee Community College 26% 20% 57% $6,466 27.75 84
Orange County Community College 24% 18% 63% $4,945 27.75 84
Morrisville State College 27% 42% 68% $16,115 27.5 83.75
Schenectady County Community College 20% 22% 56% $3,507 27 83.25
Fulton-Montgomery Community College 31% 21% 52% $8,101 27 83.25
SUNY Broome Community College 29% 18% 57% $7,053 26.25 82.5
CUNY Kingsborough Community College 26% 16% 67% $7,230 26.25 82.5
Monroe Community College 23% 19% 61% $6,311 25.5 81.75
Dutchess Community College 24% 19% 63% $7,403 25 81.25
CUNY Queensborough Community College 22% 20% 62% $7,715 24.25 80.5

Congratulations on making the 2016-2017 Top Community Colleges in New York rankings. Feel free to use the award badge to the right to show your students your accomplishment.

Further Resources:

Online Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.