Cayuga County Community College: $6,462 Tuition

$6,462Tuition

1,146Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,709Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Cayuga County Community College

Cayuga County Community College serves the rural heart of central New York with practical, workforce-focused programs. The college enrolls 1,146 students on its Auburn campus, drawing almost exclusively from New York state with 99.21% in-state enrollment. Students come here for hands-on training in fields like nursing, business, and skilled trades that connect directly to regional job markets.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,711 net price after aid, while even those from higher-income families face manageable costs. Graduates earn a median of $38,709 ten years out, easily covering the typical $12,000 in debt with monthly payments around $127. The return on investment works because programs target stable, local employment opportunities.

The student body reflects the surrounding community with 73.73% white students and a 56.11% female majority. Five varsity sports teams compete in the NCCAA with 66 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than at smaller schools, but the focus remains on practical skills training rather than academic theory. Only 34% graduate within six years, typical for community colleges where many students transfer or enter the workforce early.

Academics & Faculty

Cayuga County Community College focuses on practical workforce training for central New York's rural economy. The school serves 1,146 students with programs designed to get graduates into local jobs quickly. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with instructors who often bring real-world experience from area employers. The 34% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Strong programs include nursing, business administration, and skilled trades that connect directly to regional employment needs. Nearly all students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit campus community where everyone understands the local job market.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Full-Time Faculty: 35.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,709

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,984
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$29,685
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$27,048
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,135

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Auburn sits about 25 miles southwest of Syracuse, giving students access to a mid-sized city without the urban hustle. The 1,146 enrolled students experience true upstate New York winters, where heavy snow boots and thick coats are essential from December through March. With 99% of students coming from in-state, most commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus.

The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel personal despite being a community college. Students often know their professors by name and can easily get help during office hours. Weekends tend to be quiet since most students head home or work part-time jobs to help with expenses. The median debt of just $12,000 reflects the school's affordability and the fact that many students work while studying. The college offers five varsity sports with 66 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Auburn's small-town setting means students often gather at local diners or drive to Syracuse for entertainment. The campus culture revolves around practical career preparation rather than traditional college social life.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–30°F
July Avg: 59°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.3"
Annual Snowfall: 106.6"

Student Demographics

Auburn draws overwhelmingly from central New York, with 99% of its 1,146 students coming from in-state. The college serves as a local educational anchor for working-class families in this rural region. Women make up 56% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in health sciences and human services. The student population is predominantly white at 74%, mirroring the demographics of rural central New York. Only 17% receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college attracts students from modest but stable working-class backgrounds rather than the most economically disadvantaged populations.

Men: 43.9%
Women: 56.1%
White: 73.7%
Black: 10.9%
Hispanic: 3.1%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.2%

Location

Auburn sits in central New York's Finger Lakes region, about 25 miles southwest of Syracuse. The town of 27,000 residents centers around its historic prison and sits near Owasco Lake, one of the eleven Finger Lakes. Nearly all students come from within New York state, with 99.21% being in-state residents. The rural setting offers small-town charm but limited nightlife and entertainment options typical of larger college towns. Auburn's economy relies heavily on manufacturing and agriculture, which aligns with the college's workforce training focus. The area experiences typical upstate New York winters with significant snowfall. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Cayuga County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Auburn, New York 13021-3099

CayugaCountyCommunityCollegeMainEntrance

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,709
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,040
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at Cayuga County Community College?

Cayuga County Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, serving 1,146 students primarily from central New York. Nearly all students (99.21%) come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational resource for Auburn and surrounding rural communities.

How much does Cayuga County Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $7,278 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,711 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $12,740, making this community college particularly affordable for working-class students.

What are the class sizes like at Cayuga County Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 24:1, which is higher than many four-year institutions but typical for community colleges focused on workforce training. This reflects the college's emphasis on practical, career-oriented programs rather than small seminar-style classes.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Cayuga County Community College?

Graduates earn a median of $38,709 ten years after enrollment, with relatively low debt burdens averaging $12,000. However, only 34% complete their programs within six years, reflecting the part-time and working student population common at rural community colleges.

Does Cayuga County Community College have a campus life?

The college offers five varsity sports through the NCCAA with 66 total athletes, providing some campus activities for the small student body. With 56.11% women and 43.89% men, the college serves a diverse student population in the small town setting of Auburn.

How accessible is financial aid at Cayuga County Community College?

Only 17.16% of students receive federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, which is unusually low for a community college. This suggests many students either pay out-of-pocket for the affordable tuition or work while attending part-time, typical of rural community college populations.