About Erie Community College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,379 after financial aid, making college accessible for working-class Buffalo families. Even those from higher-income households face manageable costs, with the average net price hitting $6,358. Graduates earn a median of $41,228 ten years after starting, which easily covers the typical debt load of $9,250. Monthly loan payments average just $98, reflecting the college's role as an affordable entry point into higher education.
The student body reflects Buffalo's diversity, with 48% white students and 19% Black students creating a multicultural learning environment. Nearly all students are New York residents who stay close to home for their education. The college fields 14 varsity sports teams with 217 student-athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. With a 93% employment rate, ECC delivers on its promise of job-ready training for western New York's economy.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,228
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,245 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,087 |
| Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $42,682 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,342 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $39,585 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $33,993 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,382 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $30,771 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
Campus Life
The student body reflects Buffalo's working-class character, with 37.52% receiving Pell Grants and many juggling jobs alongside coursework. Students grab coffee between classes in campus centers that buzz with conversation in multiple languages, reflecting the 18.79% Black and 7.72% Hispanic enrollment. Weekends often mean work shifts rather than campus parties, though the nearby Elmwood Village offers affordable restaurants and venues. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in hands-on programs like nursing and automotive technology. Many students head to nearby Canalside for summer concerts or Sabres games during hockey season, taking advantage of Buffalo's ongoing downtown renaissance.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–32°F
- July Avg
- 63°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 95.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.3%
- Women
- 51.7%
- White
- 48.3%
- Black
- 18.8%
- Hispanic
- 7.7%
- Asian
- 6.7%
- In-State Students
- 95.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.5%
Location
- Address
- Buffalo, New York 14203-2698
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,228
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,231
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $98/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Erie Community College?
Erie Community College maintains an open admission policy for most programs, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 5,906 students across its Buffalo-area campuses, focusing on accessible education for the local community. Some specialized programs may have additional prerequisites or placement testing requirements.
How much does Erie Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,358 annually at Erie Community College. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $4,379 due to financial aid. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, making this community college particularly affordable for working-class Buffalo families.
What academic programs is Erie Community College known for?
Erie Community College offers two-year associate degrees and career training programs designed for the Buffalo job market. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, the college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on preparing students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Erie Community College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $41,228 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. The employment rate reaches 93%, showing strong job placement success. However, the six-year graduation rate stands at 27%, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working.
Where are Erie Community College's campuses located?
The college operates multiple campuses throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area in western New York. About 95% of students come from New York state, reflecting its role as a local community college. The large city setting provides students with internship opportunities and job connections in Buffalo's recovering economy.
Does Erie Community College offer athletic programs?
Erie Community College fields 14 varsity sports teams competing in the NCCAA with 217 total student-athletes. The college awards $14,980 in athletic scholarships annually. Sports programs provide an additional pathway for student engagement at this commuter-focused institution where many students balance work and family responsibilities.
