CUNY LaGuardia Community College: $5,218 Tuition

$5,218Tuition

10,556Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,653Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About CUNY LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College serves as a launching pad for New York's most diverse student population. The school enrolls 10,556 students in Long Island City, making it one of the largest community colleges in the CUNY system. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic (44.72%), with significant Asian (16.52%) and Black (16.32%) populations reflecting Queens' multicultural character. The college is known for strong career programs and seamless transfer pathways to four-year CUNY schools.

The financial picture tells a compelling affordability story. Students pay an average net price of $5,699 after aid, with low-income families paying just $4,843. Graduates earn a median of $41,653 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $7,407 very manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $79, and 85.9% of graduates find employment. This represents solid return on investment for a community college education.

The graduation numbers require perspective. LaGuardia's 25.30% six-year completion rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before finishing their associate degree or attend part-time while working. With 93.02% of students from New York state, most treat LaGuardia as an affordable stepping stone to bigger educational or career goals rather than a final destination.

Academics & Faculty

LaGuardia serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or direct workforce entry. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors despite the college's size of 10,556 students. The 25.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality many community college students face: juggling work, family, and school responsibilities. LaGuardia is particularly known for its cooperative education program, requiring students to complete internships that bridge classroom learning with real-world experience. The college offers strong programs in business, health sciences, and liberal arts transfer tracks. With 85.9% of graduates finding employment, the school effectively connects students to New York City's job market while keeping costs manageable.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 44.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,653

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$72,796
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$58,221
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$50,141
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$39,009
Hospitality Administration/Management.	Associate	$36,668
Computer Science.	Associate	$30,409
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$28,236
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$27,667
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$27,600
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$27,397

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

LaGuardia sits in the heart of Long Island City, directly across the East River from Manhattan with skyline views from campus buildings. The 10,556 students can reach Times Square in 20 minutes by subway. New York's four seasons mean heavy winter coats in January and sweltering summers, though most classes run during cooler months.

As a commuter school with no dorms, 93% of students live at home throughout Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The diverse student body reflects New York's melting pot, with 45% Hispanic and 17% Asian students creating a multilingual campus environment. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small despite the large enrollment. Weekends empty out as students head home or to jobs, since many work while attending school. The 59 Red Hawks athletes compete in six sports, though athletics takes a backseat to academics and work schedules. Students grab lunch between classes at the cafeteria or nearby food trucks, then often rush off to jobs or family responsibilities that define the community college experience.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	3	0	1	8
Stalking	6	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–39°F
July Avg: 70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.5"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

LaGuardia draws heavily from Queens' immigrant communities, with nearly half the student body identifying as Hispanic and strong Asian representation. Over 40% qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class New Yorkers seeking affordable pathways to careers or transfer opportunities. The female majority connects to the college's strong programs in health sciences and liberal arts. Nearly all students come from New York, underscoring LaGuardia's reputation as a local stepping stone for first-generation college students and career changers in one of the world's most diverse boroughs.

Men: 42.1%
Women: 57.9%
White: 7.3%
Black: 16.3%
Hispanic: 44.7%
Asian: 16.5%
In-State Students: 93.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.4%

Location

LaGuardia Community College sits in Long Island City, Queens, just across the East River from Manhattan. The campus is located minutes from Midtown Manhattan by subway, making it one of the most accessible community colleges in the country. Students study in the heart of one of New York's most diverse neighborhoods, where 44.72% of the student body is Hispanic and 16.52% is Asian. The Long Island City area has transformed into a major cultural center with museums, waterfront parks, and growing tech companies. Over 93% of students come from within New York State, drawn by the urban setting and proximity to internship opportunities in Manhattan. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare LaGuardia Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Long Island City, New York 11101

LaGuardia Community College td (2022-06-04) 01 - C Building

LaGuardia Community College td (2022-06-04) 07 - NYPL Library Services Center

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,653
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,959
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $79/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,407

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?

LaGuardia maintains an open admissions policy as part of the CUNY system, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 10,556 students who are primarily working adults and recent immigrants seeking career training and transfer pathways. Students simply need a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll.

How much does CUNY LaGuardia Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $5,699, making it one of the most affordable college options in New York City. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,843 after aid, while 40.36% receive Pell Grants. The typical graduate leaves with only $7,407 in debt and monthly loan payments of $79.

What is the student-faculty ratio at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 19:1, which is typical for community colleges but means larger class sizes than four-year institutions. LaGuardia is known for its diverse academic programs including allied health, business, and liberal arts transfer tracks. The college operates on a semester system with strong support services for non-traditional students.

What are the job prospects after graduating from CUNY LaGuardia Community College?

Graduates achieve an 85.9% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on career-oriented programs. The median earnings reach $41,653 ten years after enrollment, with many students using LaGuardia as a stepping stone to four-year degrees. The 25.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's large population of part-time and working students.

Where is CUNY LaGuardia Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Long Island City, Queens, directly across from Manhattan with stunning skyline views. With 57.94% women and a highly diverse student body that is 44.72% Hispanic and 16.32% Black, LaGuardia reflects the multicultural character of Queens. The Red Hawks compete in 6 varsity sports with 59 total athletes.

How diverse is the student population at CUNY LaGuardia Community College?

LaGuardia is one of the most diverse colleges in America, with students representing over 150 countries and speaking more than 100 languages. Only 7.25% of students are White, while 44.72% are Hispanic, 16.52% are Asian, and 16.32% are Black. The college has built its reputation around serving immigrant and first-generation college students in Queens.