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$6,600Tuition
1,692Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,242Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Jamestown Community College

Jamestown Community College serves 1,692 students in the small town of Jamestown, nestled in western New York's Chautauqua County. This community college has built a solid reputation for career-focused programs and workforce development since opening in 1950. The school emphasizes practical training and transfer pathways, helping students either enter the workforce quickly or continue their education at four-year institutions.

The financial picture looks reasonable for a community college education. Students pay an average net price of $9,507 after aid, with in-state tuition set at $6,600. Graduates earn a median of $38,242 ten years after starting, which provides decent return on investment given the relatively low median debt of $10,990. Monthly loan payments average just $117, making this an affordable stepping stone for career advancement. About 21% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income students.

The Jayhawks field 11 varsity sports teams with 145 total athletes competing in the NCCAA. Women make up 59% of the student body, while 88% come from within New York state. With a 94% employment rate after graduation, the college delivers on its promise of practical career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

Jamestown Community College serves as a regional workforce development center in western New York. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring for students pursuing career-focused programs. With a 33.7% graduation rate, the college attracts many part-time and working students who balance education with other responsibilities. The college is known for its strong technical programs including manufacturing technology, which aligns with the region's industrial heritage. Nursing and health sciences programs prepare students for high-demand local healthcare positions. Many graduates transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce directly. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through partnerships with local employers, helping students gain practical skills alongside their coursework.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
27.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
33.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,242

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,331
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $42,235
Precision Metal Working. Associate $39,369
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $30,554
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $25,889
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $25,774
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $20,140
Human Services, General. Associate $19,592
Communication and Media Studies. Associate $18,771

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

Jamestown sits in western New York's snow belt, where winter coats are essential from November through March. The campus houses just 340 students in residence halls, meaning only about 20% of the 1,692 enrolled students live on campus. Most commute from the surrounding rural communities and small towns that dot the region.

Buffalo lies about 75 miles northeast, making it the closest major city for weekend trips or internship opportunities. The 59.28% female student body creates a slightly different active than many community colleges. Students often gather in the student center between classes, and the 145 student-athletes competing in 11 NCCAA sports provide some campus energy during seasons. Weekend activities tend to center around local hangouts in downtown Jamestown or outdoor recreation in the nearby Allegheny region. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a close-knit academic environment. Many students work part-time jobs in town while completing their associate degrees, with 94% finding employment after graduation.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
340 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1950

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 1 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
14°–31°F
July Avg
55°–80°F
Annual Precipitation
45.2"
Annual Snowfall
97.5"

Student Demographics

Nearly 88% of students come from New York, reflecting JCC's deep ties to the western New York region and surrounding communities. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, drawn to the college's strong nursing, human services, and education transfer programs. The student body is predominantly white at 74%, with growing Hispanic representation at 9%. Only 21% receive Pell Grants, suggesting JCC serves both working-class families and middle-income students seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or direct workforce entry.
Men
40.7%
Women
59.3%
White
73.8%
Black
4.1%
Hispanic
8.8%
Asian
1.0%
In-State Students
87.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.3%

Location

Jamestown sits in western New York, roughly 75 miles southeast of Buffalo and 15 miles from the Pennsylvania border. This small city of about 28,000 people anchors Chautauqua County in a region known for its lakes, rolling hills, and manufacturing heritage. Nearly 88% of JCC's students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong ties to the local community. The area blends small-town charm with proximity to larger regional centers. Jamestown itself has deep roots in furniture manufacturing and is famous as the birthplace of Lucille Ball. The surrounding Chautauqua Lake region draws summer visitors but maintains a quiet, rural character year-round. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Jamestown Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Jamestown, New York 14701
SUNY-admin-tower
SUNY-admin-tower

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,242
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,252
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$27,900
Loan Repayment Rate
46.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,990

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Jamestown Community College?

Community colleges like Jamestown maintain open enrollment policies, meaning they accept all students with a high school diploma or GED. With 1,692 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in western New York. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this welcoming academic environment.

How much does Jamestown Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,507 annually after aid, making it an affordable option for regional students. In-state tuition runs $6,600 while out-of-state students pay $12,040. With 21.25% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and lower-income students seeking career training.

What academic programs is Jamestown Community College known for?

The college operates on a semester calendar system and maintains strong ties to local industries in the Jamestown area. With 87.94% of students coming from New York State, programs focus on practical skills that serve the regional economy. The college has built a reputation for career-focused education since its founding in 1950.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Jamestown Community College?

Graduates achieve a 94.0% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on workforce preparation. The median earnings reach $38,242 ten years after enrollment, solid for a two-year degree. However, the 33.70% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer to four-year institutions or take longer to complete their programs.

Does Jamestown Community College have on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for 340 students at $11,440 per year for room and board. This residential option is unusual for community colleges and creates a traditional campus experience. With 59.28% women and 40.72% men enrolled, the student body reflects typical community college demographics.

What sports does Jamestown Community College offer?

The Jayhawks compete in 11 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 145 total athletes participating. Athletic scholarships total $14,750, providing modest support for student-athletes. The sports program adds a traditional collegiate element to this community college experience in rural western New York.