Columbia-Greene Community College: $5,904 Tuition

$5,904Tuition

900Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,441Earnings

Public2-yearNCAA Division IIIData: 2023-24

About Columbia-Greene Community College

Columbia-Greene Community College serves the Hudson Valley as a small SUNY institution focused on career preparation and transfer pathways. With just 900 students on a rural campus, this college offers an intimate learning environment where students can explore both technical programs and liberal arts foundations. The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 ensures personalized attention in classrooms. Nearly all students (99.28%) come from New York State, creating a tight-knit community of local learners.

The financial picture tells a promising story for working families. Students pay an average net price of $5,576 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $3,565. Graduates earn a median of $44,441 ten years after leaving, making the typical debt load of $12,000 quite manageable with monthly payments around $127. Only 9.47% of students take federal loans, suggesting many can afford their education without heavy borrowing. The college keeps costs accessible while delivering real career value.

The student body reflects the region's diversity, with 56.11% white students, 15.89% Black students, and 11.78% Hispanic students. Women make up 58.22% of enrollment. With a 90.7% employment rate and a 33.70% six-year graduation rate, the college successfully launches students into careers even if not all complete their programs on traditional timelines.

Academics & Faculty

Columbia-Greene Community College focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation for the Hudson Valley region. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in a small college environment with just 900 students. Popular programs include nursing, business, and liberal arts designed for seamless transfer to four-year SUNY schools. The 33.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. Students benefit from close relationships with instructors who understand the local job market. The college emphasizes practical skills training alongside academic coursework. Many graduates enter healthcare, business, and technical fields that serve the rural Hudson Valley economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,441

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,383
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,797

View all 20 programs →

Campus Life

Hudson Valley winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, with students bundling up between classes. The 900-student campus sits about two hours north of New York City, surrounded by farmland and small towns that define the rural Hudson Valley. With 99.28% of students coming from in-state, most commute from nearby communities rather than living on campus.

The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates a high school feel where professors know your name. Students often study in small groups between classes, and the tight-knit atmosphere means you'll recognize faces across campus. Weekends typically involve heading home or exploring the historic Hudson River towns nearby. The college's single varsity sport involves just 18 total athletes, so campus life revolves more around academics and part-time jobs than traditional college athletics. With 58.22% of students being women, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive vibe. Many students balance coursework with work schedules, reflecting the college's mission as an affordable stepping stone for Hudson Valley residents seeking career training or transfer preparation.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1966

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–34°F
July Avg: 61°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.5"
Annual Snowfall: 38.5"

Student Demographics

The student body reflects Columbia-Greene's mission as a local stepping stone for Hudson Valley residents. With 99% of students from New York, this SUNY college draws heavily from nearby communities seeking affordable career training or university transfer preparation. Women make up 58% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and social services programs attract female students. The college serves a diverse population with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside its white majority. Many students come from working-class families looking for practical skills and economic mobility without crushing debt.

Men: 41.8%
Women: 58.2%
White: 56.1%
Black: 15.9%
Hispanic: 11.8%
Asian: 3.3%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.5%

Location

Columbia-Greene Community College sits in Hudson, New York, about 120 miles north of New York City along the Hudson River. The campus serves the rural Hudson Valley region, where rolling hills meet historic river towns. Hudson itself is a small city of roughly 6,000 people known for its antique shops and 19th-century architecture. The college draws 99.28% of its students from New York state, reflecting its role as a local institution serving the surrounding counties. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Catskill Mountains and Berkshire Hills. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Columbia-Greene Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hudson, New York 12534

Columbia-Greene Community College Greenport Location

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,441
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,476
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Columbia-Greene Community College?

Columbia-Greene Community College operates with open admission policies typical of SUNY community colleges, welcoming students with varying academic backgrounds. The school serves 900 students and draws 99.28% of its enrollment from New York state. As a community college founded in 1966, it focuses on providing accessible education to Hudson Valley residents.

How much does Columbia-Greene Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,576 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,565 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $12,441. Only 29.51% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating a mix of income levels in the student body.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Columbia-Greene Community College?

The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for its 900 students. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on career programs and transfer pathways. Students benefit from small class sizes typical of rural community colleges in the Hudson Valley region.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Columbia-Greene Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 33.70%, which reflects the part-time and working student population common at community colleges. Graduates achieve a 90.7% employment rate and earn a median salary of $44,441 ten years after enrollment. Monthly loan payments average just $127, making the education financially manageable for most students.

Where is Columbia-Greene Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Hudson, New York, in a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town atmosphere with access to larger metropolitan areas. The student body of 900 is 58.22% female and reflects regional diversity with 56.11% white, 15.89% Black, and 11.78% Hispanic students. The rural location provides a close-knit community feel while serving the broader Hudson Valley region.

Does Columbia-Greene Community College offer athletics programs?

The college fields just one varsity sport with only 18 total student-athletes competing as the Twins in NCAA Division III. Athletic scholarships total $0, reflecting the institution's focus on academics rather than sports. The limited athletics program is typical of small community colleges that prioritize career training and academic transfer preparation.