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$5,810Tuition
1,232Students
22%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,132Earnings
Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Greenfield Community College

This western Massachusetts community college serves 1,232 students in the Pioneer Valley, known for its strong focus on practical career training and transfer pathways. The college sits in a small town setting, drawing 95% of its students from within the state. Greenfield has built a reputation for hands-on programs in healthcare, business, and liberal arts that prepare students for immediate employment or four-year transfer.

The financial picture here is compelling for Massachusetts residents paying $5,810 in tuition. After financial aid, students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,918 net per year. Graduates typically earn $37,132 ten years after starting college, while carrying a median debt load of only $8,307. Those monthly loan payments average just $88, making this one of the more affordable paths to career advancement in the region.

The student body skews female at 64%, with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personal attention. The 21% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working. However, 93% of graduates find employment, and only 30% need Pell grants, suggesting many students here are working adults seeking career changes or advancement rather than traditional college-age students.

Academics & Faculty

Greenfield Community College offers practical career training and transfer preparation in the rural Pioneer Valley. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that's crucial for the 95% in-state student body. However, only 22% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college is known for its strong partnerships with local healthcare systems and manufacturing companies. Popular programs include nursing, early childhood education, and automotive technology. Students can complete associate degrees or earn certificates in high-demand fields. The small class sizes help working adults and first-generation college students navigate their academic journey.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
30.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
21.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,132

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,995
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $47,729
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $28,960
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $22,824
Outdoor Education. Certificate $20,140

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

Greenfield sits in western Massachusetts farm country, about 90 minutes from Boston through winding rural roads. Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and early childhood education programs. You'll need serious winter gear for January temperatures that regularly drop below 20 degrees. The campus lacks dormitories, so students commute from across Franklin County's small towns and working farms.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're struggling. With 95% of students coming from Massachusetts, many work part-time jobs at local businesses or farms while taking classes. Friday afternoons empty out as commuter students head home for the weekend. The college serves as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year schools or entering healthcare and trades programs. Monthly loan payments average just $88, making this an affordable path to career training. Students gather in the campus center between classes, but social life largely happens off-campus in Greenfield's small downtown or at nearby outdoor recreation spots.
Setting
Town-Distant
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1962

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
11°–32°F
July Avg
57°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
49.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at Greenfield Community College come from Massachusetts, reflecting its strong ties to the Pioneer Valley region. The student body is predominantly white but includes growing Hispanic and Black populations that mirror western Massachusetts demographics. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and healthcare programs draw female students. About 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working families and first-generation students seeking affordable career training. The local draw shows how community colleges anchor their regions by educating residents for nearby jobs.
Men
36.4%
Women
63.6%
White
70.9%
Black
6.1%
Hispanic
13.1%
Asian
3.1%
In-State Students
95.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.6%

Location

Greenfield sits in western Massachusetts, about 90 miles northwest of Boston and 40 miles north of Springfield. The Pioneer Valley region blends rural farmland with small New England towns scattered along the Connecticut River. This area draws students interested in sustainable agriculture and environmental programs, reflecting the community's focus on local farming and renewable energy initiatives. With 95.37% of students coming from Massachusetts, the college serves as an educational anchor for the rural Franklin County region. The town maintains a quiet, close-knit atmosphere where students can focus on academics without big-city distractions. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Greenfield Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301-9739

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,132
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,881
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,100
Loan Repayment Rate
52.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$88/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,307

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Greenfield Community College?

Greenfield Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 1,232 students with 95.37% coming from Massachusetts. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students looking to begin their higher education journey or change career paths.

How much does Greenfield Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,081 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,918 net, while those earning over $110,000 pay $12,990. Only 29.6% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates carry a median debt of just $8,307 with monthly payments averaging $88.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Greenfield Community College?

The college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. Founded in 1962, the institution operates on a semester calendar system. Women make up 63.56% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in traditionally female-dominated fields like healthcare and education.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Greenfield Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 21.7%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. However, 92.6% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $37,132 ten years after enrollment. The college serves as an important workforce development center for western Massachusetts.

Where is Greenfield Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Greenfield, a town-distant setting in western Massachusetts that offers a rural college experience. With 70.94% white students and growing diversity including 13.07% Hispanic enrollment, the college reflects the changing demographics of the Pioneer Valley region. The small size of 1,232 students creates a close-knit community atmosphere.

Does Greenfield Community College offer good value for career training?

The college excels as an affordable pathway to career credentials with graduates earning $40,039 just one year after completion. Only 10.08% of students take federal loans, keeping debt low for those pursuing certificates and associate degrees. The 52% loan repayment rate reflects the practical, job-focused education that helps students enter the workforce quickly.