Monroe Community College: $5,856 Tuition

$5,856Tuition

7,737Students

23%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,174Earnings

Public2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College serves as Rochester's primary pathway to both four-year universities and direct workforce entry. The college enrolls 7,737 students across its suburban campus and has built a strong reputation for transfer programs that successfully funnel students to regional universities. Nearly half the student body receives Pell Grants (47%), reflecting the college's role serving working-class families throughout western New York. MCC offers robust workforce training programs aligned with Rochester's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Students pay an average net price of $6,569 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in New York state. Low-income families pay just $3,809 on average, while graduates typically earn $40,174 within ten years of enrollment. The median debt load sits at a manageable $9,750 with monthly loan payments of just $103. This represents solid value given that 93.4% of graduates find employment.

The student body leans female (59% women) and reflects Rochester's diversity with 23% Black and 14% Hispanic students. Nearly all students (98%) come from New York state. The 22.5% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Monroe Community College serves as Rochester's primary stepping stone to four-year universities and direct workforce entry. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid support for students navigating their academic paths. MCC excels in transfer programs that feed into SUNY schools and local universities like the University of Rochester. The college has built a strong reputation for its nursing, dental hygiene, and culinary arts programs. Many students use MCC as an affordable pathway to complete prerequisites before transferring. The 22.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer out after completing associate degrees or certificate programs rather than staying to graduate.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 46.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 22.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,174

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$75,706
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$58,898
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$50,320
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$46,833
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$45,500
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$44,468
Fire Protection.	Associate	$39,909
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$38,721
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$36,312
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$36,041

View all 112 programs →

Campus Life

Monroe Community College sits on a sprawling suburban campus in Rochester, where nearly 8,000 students navigate between modern buildings and green spaces. Only 10% of students live in the residence halls, which house 772 students, meaning most commute from across the Rochester metro area. Winter coats are essential here - Rochester's lake-effect snow can dump several feet between November and March.

The campus buzzes with activity during weekday hours but quiets on weekends as commuter students head home. With 58.7% women and strong representation across racial groups, the student body reflects Rochester's diversity. Students often gather in the campus center between classes or catch Tribune athletic events - the school fields 11 NAIA sports teams with 190 total athletes. Many students work part-time while enrolled, balancing coursework with jobs in Rochester's healthcare, education, and technology sectors. The semester system keeps pace steady, and with a 93.4% employment rate after graduation, students stay focused on career preparation and transfer goals.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 772 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Dating Violence	6	6	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0	3
Burglary	2	2	0
Fondling	2	2	0
Rape	2	1	0
Arson	1	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–33°F
July Avg: 62°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 35.1"
Annual Snowfall: 102.0"

Student Demographics

Monroe Community College draws students from across the Rochester metro area, with nearly all enrolled from New York state. The student body is 58% women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's popular nursing and health sciences programs. Almost half of students receive Pell Grants, showing MCC's role serving working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. The diverse mix includes substantial Black and Hispanic representation, mirroring Rochester's demographics. Most students are older than traditional college age, balancing coursework with jobs and family responsibilities while pursuing practical skills for local industries.

Men: 41.3%
Women: 58.7%
White: 48.8%
Black: 23.1%
Hispanic: 14.3%
Asian: 5.8%
In-State Students: 98.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.1%

Location

Monroe Community College sits in Rochester, New York, a mid-sized city about 350 miles northwest of New York City. Rochester anchors the Finger Lakes region with a population of roughly 210,000 people. The city built its reputation around major corporations like Kodak and Xerox, creating a strong tradition of technical innovation and manufacturing. Nearly 99% of MCC students come from within New York State, reflecting the college's role serving the local Rochester metropolitan area. The region offers four distinct seasons and proximity to both Lake Ontario and the scenic Finger Lakes. Students benefit from Rochester's affordable cost of living compared to downstate New York. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Monroe Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rochester, New York 14623

Monroe Community College Brighton Campus Main

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,174
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,873
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $103/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Monroe Community College?

Monroe Community College has an open admission policy, meaning virtually all students who apply are accepted. The school enrolls 7,737 students and serves as Rochester's primary pathway for students seeking affordable higher education or career training. Nearly 98% of students come from New York state.

How much does Monroe Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,569 annually at Monroe Community College. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,809 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $5,856. The school keeps costs manageable with 47% of students receiving financial aid.

What academic programs is Monroe Community College known for?

Monroe Community College excels in transfer preparation and workforce training programs that serve the Rochester region's employment needs. The college maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. Students benefit from strong connections to local employers and four-year universities for seamless transfers.

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

Monroe Community College has a 22.5% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the varied paths community college students take. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,174 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt of $9,750. The employment rate reaches 93.4% for those entering the workforce.

Does Monroe Community College offer on-campus housing?

Monroe Community College provides on-campus housing for 772 students at $8,980 annually for room and board. The suburban campus setting in Rochester offers a traditional college experience uncommon among community colleges. Most students commute from the greater Rochester area.

What athletics does Monroe Community College compete in?

Monroe Community College competes as the Tribunes in NAIA athletics with 11 varsity sports programs. The college supports 190 student-athletes with $115,402 in athletic scholarships. The athletic programs provide competitive opportunities while maintaining the community college mission of accessibility.