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$6,330Tuition
10,817Students
23%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$48,248Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Nassau Community College

Nassau Community College serves as Long Island's largest community college with 10,817 students spread across a suburban campus in Garden City. The school has built a reputation as an affordable stepping stone for students seeking either direct workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions. Nearly all students come from New York state, with 99.56% claiming in-state residency.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $2,383 after aid, while the average net price across all income levels sits at $5,736. Graduates earn a median of $48,248 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $10,500 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $111 for those who borrow.

The student body reflects Long Island's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 36.45% of enrollment, white students 26.78%, and Black students 20.94%. Nassau fields 19 varsity sports teams with 334 total athletes competing as the Lions. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 23.40% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay focused on their academic goals.

Academics & Faculty

Nassau Community College serves as a transfer pipeline to four-year universities and offers career-focused programs that reflect Long Island's economy. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 23.4% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their programs. The college is particularly known for its nursing program, which feeds into local hospitals, and its business and criminal justice tracks. Many students use Nassau as an affordable stepping stone, paying just $6,330 in-state tuition before transferring to SUNY schools. The diverse student body reflects the surrounding communities, with strong representation from Hispanic and Black students who make up over half the enrollment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
41.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
23.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,248

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $69,338
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $66,653
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. Associate $61,516
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $55,512
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. Associate $43,426
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Associate $42,682
Human Services, General. Associate $37,208
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $36,848
Legal Support Services. Associate $34,908
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $34,420

View all 74 programs →

Campus Life

Nassau Community College sits on a 225-acre campus in Garden City, just 20 miles east of Manhattan. With 10,817 students and a 50-50 gender split, the suburban setting offers parking and green spaces that NYC schools can't match. Long Island winters require a heavy coat from December through March, while spring and fall bring mild temperatures perfect for walking between classes.

Nearly 100% of students commute from across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll recognize faces in your major's classes, but the large enrollment keeps things from feeling too small. Students often grab food at the Campus Center between classes or study in the library's quiet floors. Weekends typically mean heading home or to local Long Island beaches during warmer months. The 334 student-athletes competing in 19 varsity sports add energy to campus life, especially during basketball season. With 36% of students receiving Pell Grants, this diverse community reflects Long Island's working families seeking affordable education close to home.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1959

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 2 0 0 1
Burglary 2 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 1
Dating Violence 1 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
26°–39°F
July Avg
66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
19.2"

Student Demographics

Nassau Community College draws students from across Long Island's diverse communities, with nearly all enrollment coming from New York residents. The student body is majority-minority, reflecting the demographic shift of Nassau County and surrounding areas. Over one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway for working-class families. The even gender split spans across the college's career-focused programs, from nursing and criminal justice to business and liberal arts. Students typically choose Nassau for its proximity to home, lower costs, and strong transfer agreements with four-year universities.
Men
50.1%
Women
49.9%
White
26.8%
Black
20.9%
Hispanic
36.5%
Asian
8.6%
In-State Students
99.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.7%

Location

Garden City sits on Long Island about 20 miles east of Manhattan, making Nassau Community College easily accessible to New York City by train. The suburban campus serves a diverse student body that is 99.56% in-state residents. Long Island's Nassau County offers a mix of suburban communities, shopping centers, and beaches along the Atlantic coast. Students can reach Brooklyn and Queens within 30 minutes by car or public transit. The area provides internship and job opportunities across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. Garden City itself maintains a quiet residential character with tree-lined streets and local businesses. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Nassau Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Garden City, New York 11530-6793
Nassau Community College 2021d
Nassau Community College 2021d
NCCC by Matthew Bisanz
NCCC by Matthew Bisanz

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,248
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,850
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,900
Loan Repayment Rate
44.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Nassau Community College?

Nassau Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 10,817 students and maintains a 50-50 gender split. Nearly all students come from New York state, with 99.56% being in-state residents.

How much does Nassau Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Nassau Community College is $5,736 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,383 annually, while those from higher-income families ($110K+) pay $13,449. The college keeps costs manageable with median debt of only $10,500 and monthly loan payments of $111.

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

Nassau Community College maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its suburban Long Island campus. The college operates on a semester system and offers strong workforce preparation programs. Students benefit from smaller class sizes that promote more personalized attention than typical at larger universities.

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

Nassau Community College has a 23.40% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the part-time nature of many community college students. Graduates achieve an impressive 88.7% employment rate with median earnings of $48,248 after ten years. The college excels at preparing students for immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions.

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

Nassau Community College sits in Garden City, New York, in a large suburban setting on Long Island. The Lions compete in 19 varsity sports with 334 total athletes in the NCCAA. The campus serves a diverse student body with 36.45% Hispanic, 26.78% White, and 20.94% Black students.

Does Nassau Community College offer good value for diverse students?

Nassau Community College serves as an affordable gateway for Long Island's diverse population, with 35.67% of students receiving Pell Grants. The college has built a strong reputation since 1959 for serving first-generation college students and working adults. Monthly loan payments average just $111, making higher education accessible to students from various economic backgrounds.