About Dutchess Community College
The financial picture makes Dutchess an affordable starting point for college. Students pay an average net price of $8,433 after financial aid, with in-state tuition at just $5,346. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying only $4,920 net. Graduates earn a median of $43,929 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt of just $10,039. That translates to monthly loan payments of only $106, making the debt very manageable compared to earnings.
The school's 29.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their degree. With 89.7% of graduates finding employment, Dutchess serves its purpose as a practical stepping stone to careers or four-year colleges.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,929
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,377 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $41,160 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $31,848 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $31,133 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Associate | $26,933 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,967 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,588 |
Campus Life
Campus life revolves around a commuter schedule. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, which explains why only 18.77% receive Pell Grants despite the community college setting. The Falcons compete in 7 varsity sports with 83 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Weekends tend to be quieter since many students head home or work. The Hudson Valley location offers hiking trails and historic sites, plus the Metro-North train connects students to Manhattan for weekend trips. Students often study in small groups between classes, as the 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors get to know their names.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 465 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1957
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 59.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.5%
- Women
- 53.5%
- White
- 45.6%
- Black
- 15.0%
- Hispanic
- 26.4%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 99.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.8%
Location
- Address
- Poughkeepsie, New York 12601-1595
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,929
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,325
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $106/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,039
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to Dutchess Community College?
Dutchess Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds. With 3,696 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in the Hudson Valley region. Nearly 99% of students come from New York state, reflecting its strong ties to the local community.
What does Dutchess Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,433 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $5,346, while students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,920 net. The college keeps costs manageable with graduates carrying a median debt of only $10,039.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Dutchess Community College?
Classes average 20 students per faculty member, providing reasonable access to instructors in a community college setting. The college has built its reputation as a solid stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities. Founded in 1957, it has long served students seeking affordable education close to home.
How much do Dutchess Community College graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $43,929 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating the practical value of the college's career-focused programs. The employment rate reaches 89.7%, reflecting strong job placement in the Hudson Valley's diverse economy. However, only 29.3% complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working.
Does Dutchess Community College offer on-campus housing?
The college provides housing for 465 students in residence halls, unusual for a community college and reflecting its commitment to the full college experience. Total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $22,056 for students living on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding Poughkeepsie area rather than live in the dorms.
What athletic opportunities exist at Dutchess Community College?
The Falcons compete in seven varsity sports with 83 total athletes participating in NCCAA competition. The college offers no athletic scholarships, keeping sports accessible to all interested students. Athletics provide a way for students to stay engaged on campus while pursuing their associate degrees.
