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$6,694Tuition
6,359Students
33%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$45,460Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College has built a reputation for hands-on career training since 1953, particularly excelling in nursing, engineering technology, and culinary arts. The college serves 6,359 students in Troy, a small city setting that provides both urban opportunities and a close-knit community feel. Students benefit from direct transfer pathways to four-year institutions, making it a popular stepping stone for those planning to continue their education.

The financial picture looks favorable for most students. The average net price is $7,118, but lower-income families pay less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $3,200 annually. Graduates earn a median of $45,460 ten years after starting college, while carrying a manageable median debt load of $10,625. Monthly loan payments average $113, making this education accessible for working-class families throughout the Capital Region.

Nearly 98% of students come from New York state, creating a tight regional network. The Vikings compete in 19 varsity sports with 316 total athletes, though no athletic scholarships are available. With a 94.4% employment rate and a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, students get personalized attention while preparing for immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year programs.

Academics & Faculty

Hudson Valley Community College built its reputation on hands-on career training, particularly in nursing, engineering technology, and culinary arts. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors across these technical programs. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in specialized fields like dental hygiene, automotive technology, and computer information systems. The college maintains strong transfer agreements with SUNY schools and other four-year institutions. However, the 33% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and school. The nursing program consistently produces graduates who pass state licensing exams at high rates. Most students stay local, with nearly 98% coming from New York state.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
46.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
33.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,460

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Associate $67,324
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $62,508
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $59,640
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $55,964
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. Associate $55,286
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Associate $51,652
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $50,856
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $49,136
Construction Engineering Technologies. Associate $48,041
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Associate $44,728

View all 105 programs →

Campus Life

Hudson Valley sits in Troy, just 10 miles north of Albany and 150 miles from New York City. Winter coats are essential here - Troy averages 60 inches of snow annually and temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The 165-acre campus overlooks the Hudson River valley, giving students scenic views between classes.

As a commuter school, virtually no students live on campus, with 97.75% coming from within New York state. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes than typical at large universities. Students often gather in the campus center between classes or head to nearby Saratoga Springs on weekends for shopping and dining. Troy's revitalized downtown offers coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance.

The Vikings compete in 19 varsity sports with 316 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter nature. Many students work part-time jobs - the median debt of just $10,625 reflects careful financial planning. With strong job placement rates in nursing and engineering technology, students here are focused on practical career preparation rather than traditional college social life.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1953

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 2
Burglary 2 0 0 0
Stalking 2 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
14°–31°F
July Avg
62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
40.8"
Annual Snowfall
-740.9"

Student Demographics

Hudson Valley draws primarily local students, with 98% coming from New York State. The school serves a working-class community, as nearly 29% receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Students split almost evenly between men and women, reflecting the college's balanced mix of traditionally male fields like engineering technology and female-dominated programs like nursing. The diverse student body includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. Most students work while attending classes. This community college attracts practical-minded learners seeking affordable career training close to home.
Men
50.5%
Women
49.6%
White
61.5%
Black
15.2%
Hispanic
9.2%
Asian
8.0%
In-State Students
97.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
28.5%

Location

Troy sits in upstate New York, about 10 miles northeast of Albany and 150 miles north of New York City. The city of 51,000 residents sits along the Hudson River in the Capital District region. Troy once thrived as an industrial center known for steel production and collar manufacturing. The area now serves as part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan area with nearly 900,000 residents. Students find themselves in a small city environment with historic architecture downtown and access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Adirondack and Green Mountain regions. The Capital District offers internship opportunities in state government and growing tech sectors. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Hudson Valley Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Troy, New York 12180
2020HVCCBoardofTrustees
2020HVCCBoardofTrustees
Hudson Valley Community College Administration Building, main campus
Hudson Valley Community College Administration Building, main campus
HVCC Siek Campus Center
HVCC Siek Campus Center

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,460
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,403
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,900
Loan Repayment Rate
47.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$113/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,625

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Hudson Valley Community College?

Hudson Valley Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 6,359 students with 97.75% coming from New York State. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the Capital Region.

How much does Hudson Valley Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $7,118 annually, though costs vary by income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,200 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay up to $13,224. About 28.52% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class families.

What academic programs is Hudson Valley Community College known for?

The college offers strong programs in nursing, engineering technology, and culinary arts with direct transfer pathways to four-year institutions. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain manageable for hands-on learning. The school emphasizes career-focused education that prepares students for both immediate employment and further study.

What are the job prospects for Hudson Valley Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 94.4% employment rate, demonstrating strong connections to local employers. The median earnings reach $45,460 ten years after graduation, competitive for a two-year degree. With a relatively low median debt of $10,625, graduates typically face manageable monthly loan payments of $113.

Where is Hudson Valley Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Troy, New York, a small city in the Capital Region near Albany. The Vikings compete in 19 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 316 total athletes. The nearly even gender split of 50.45% men and 49.55% women creates a balanced campus environment.

Does Hudson Valley Community College offer athletic scholarships?

The college does not offer athletic scholarships, allocating $0 to athletic aid programs. Despite this, 316 students participate across 19 varsity sports as the Vikings in NCCAA competition. Student-athletes must rely on academic aid and federal financial assistance rather than sports-based funding.