Herkimer County Community College: $5,776 Tuition

$5,776Tuition

1,144Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,199Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Herkimer County Community College

This small community college draws 1,144 students to New York's Mohawk Valley, where career preparation meets affordability. Herkimer County Community College has built its reputation on hands-on training programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment in fields like nursing, criminal justice, and business. The college serves as both a launching pad for four-year transfers and a direct pipeline to regional employers. Nearly 95% of students come from within New York state, creating a tight-knit community feel in this rural setting.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $8,203 net price annually, while even middle-income families rarely pay more than $15,000. Graduates earn a median of $39,199 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $11,365 manageable with monthly payments around $120. The employment rate hits 91.3%, suggesting strong job placement success.

The Generals field 19 varsity sports teams with 214 total athletes, impressive numbers for a school this size. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and on-campus housing for 596 students, Herkimer offers personal attention often missing at larger institutions. The 28% graduation rate reflects the community college reality where many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing their degree.

Academics & Faculty

Herkimer County Community College focuses on career preparation and transfer pathways for students in rural upstate New York. The college offers practical programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly or prepare them for four-year universities. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more individual attention than at larger institutions. However, the 28% six-year graduation rate reflects common challenges at community colleges where many students attend part-time or face financial pressures. The school serves a diverse population with nearly 40% of students receiving Pell Grants. Most students stay close to home, with 95% coming from New York state.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,199

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$44,356
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$37,424
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$29,685
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$29,685
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,797

View all 56 programs →

Campus Life

The campus sits in New York's Mohawk Valley, about 90 minutes from both Albany and Syracuse, where winters demand serious cold-weather gear. With housing for 596 students and total enrollment of 1,144, roughly half the student body lives on campus. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number.

Nearly 95% of students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit community where many students already know each other from high school. The Generals compete in 19 varsity sports with 214 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus life. Weekend options center around the small town of Herkimer and outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside. Students often head to larger cities for entertainment, but campus events and intramural sports keep many busy locally. The rural setting means you'll need a car to explore beyond walking distance, but the close community feel compensates for the limited nightlife options.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 596 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 10°–29°F
July Avg: 57°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.0"
Annual Snowfall: 85.5"

Student Demographics

This small community college draws primarily from central New York, with 95% of its 1,144 students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the school's mission to serve working-class families, with 40% receiving Pell Grants for low-income students. The nearly even gender split suggests balanced program offerings beyond traditional community college trades. Students here are typically local residents seeking affordable career training or planning to transfer to four-year schools. The college's strong ties to rural upstate communities make it a natural choice for students who want to stay close to home while building practical skills.

Men: 47.5%
Women: 52.5%
White: 59.9%
Black: 17.1%
Hispanic: 10.9%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 94.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.6%

Location

Herkimer sits in central New York's Mohawk Valley, about 65 miles east of Syracuse and 90 miles northwest of Albany. The town of 7,500 residents embodies small-town America with its historic downtown and surrounding farmland. Nearly 95% of students come from within New York state, reflecting the college's deep roots in the local community. The Mohawk River winds through this rural region where dairy farms and forests dominate the landscape. Herkimer's town-fringe setting provides a quiet study environment while maintaining access to larger cities when needed. The area's working-class heritage aligns with the college's focus on practical career training. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Herkimer County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Herkimer, New York 13350-1598

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,199
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,183
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $120/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,365

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission at Herkimer County Community College?

As a community college, Herkimer County Community College has open enrollment for most programs, making it accessible to students with varying academic backgrounds. The school serves 1,144 students primarily from New York state, with 95% of students coming from in-state. This creates an opportunity for local students to begin their higher education journey close to home.

What does it cost to attend Herkimer County Community College after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,530 after financial aid, making it an affordable option for higher education. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based aid distribution. The total cost of attendance reaches $20,324 when including room and board for on-campus students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Herkimer County Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 16:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for academic support. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on career-focused programs alongside transfer pathways to four-year institutions. This structure allows students to either enter the workforce directly or continue their education elsewhere.

How much do Herkimer County Community College graduates typically earn?

Graduates earn a median of $39,199 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical, career-oriented nature of many programs. Employment rates reach 91.3%, demonstrating strong job placement success. However, only 28% of students graduate within six years, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing their degree.

What is campus life like at Herkimer County Community College?

The campus houses up to 596 students in residence halls, creating a small, close-knit community atmosphere. With 214 student-athletes competing in 19 varsity sports as the Generals in the NCCAA, athletics play a significant role in campus culture. The student body is 53% women and represents diverse backgrounds, with 60% white students and significant Black and Hispanic populations.

Does Herkimer County Community College offer athletic scholarships?

The college awards $0 in athletic scholarships, which is unusual for a school with 19 varsity sports programs. Instead, financial support comes through need-based aid, with 28% of students receiving institutional grants averaging $6,801. This approach prioritizes academic and financial need over athletic talent when distributing college funding.