About Onondaga Community College
The financial picture looks solid for most students. Average net price sits at $7,178, but families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,993 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $41,190 ten years out, while carrying only $10,000 in debt with monthly payments of $106. The college keeps costs reasonable with in-state tuition at $6,042. Only 17.88% of students take federal loans, suggesting many can afford the education without borrowing heavily.
The Lazers compete in 16 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 288 total athletes. The student body reflects central New York's diversity, with 56.47% white students, 18.21% Black students, and 8.30% Hispanic students. With a 92.6% employment rate after graduation, students find the practical training translates well to the job market.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 23.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,190
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $97,959 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $61,064 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,823 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $39,729 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $34,704 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,382 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Associate | $31,305 |
Campus Life
The campus buzzes with pre-nursing and health science students grinding through rigorous coursework designed for seamless transfer to four-year programs. Weekend life splits between students heading home to nearby towns and those staying for Lazers athletic events across 16 varsity sports. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in smaller health science labs. Syracuse's Armory Square and university scene offer entertainment options just a short drive away. Students often gather in the campus center between classes, but the real social connections happen in program-specific study groups where future nurses and allied health professionals bond over shared career goals and challenging prerequisites.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 771 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
52 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 15 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–31°F
- July Avg
- 62°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 127.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.4%
- Women
- 52.6%
- White
- 56.5%
- Black
- 18.2%
- Hispanic
- 8.3%
- Asian
- 4.2%
- In-State Students
- 99.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.7%
Location
- Address
- Syracuse, New York 13215-4585
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,190
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,591
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $106/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Onondaga Community College?
Onondaga Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college enrolled 4,349 students in 2023, with 99.55% coming from New York state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education or career training.
How much does Onondaga Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,178 annually, though costs vary by family income. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,993 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $13,914. The college keeps debt manageable with graduates owing a median of $10,000 and monthly loan payments of just $106.
What academic programs is Onondaga Community College known for?
The college has built a strong reputation in nursing and health sciences, offering direct transfer pathways to four-year universities. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The college's career-focused approach helps achieve a 92.6% employment rate for graduates.
What are the graduation rates and earnings outcomes at Onondaga Community College?
The college has a 24.80% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the community college environment where many students transfer before completing their associate degree. Graduates earn a median of $41,190 ten years after enrollment, with recent graduates starting at $30,691 in their first year. These earnings support the college's mission of providing practical career training.
Where do students live at Onondaga Community College?
The college offers on-campus housing for 771 students at $11,258 per year for room and board. Most students commute from the greater Syracuse area, contributing to the close-knit community feel. The suburban setting provides easy access to internships and job opportunities in Central New York.
Does Onondaga Community College offer athletic scholarships?
The college does not offer athletic scholarships, with $0 allocated for this purpose despite fielding 16 varsity sports teams. The 288 student-athletes compete as the Lazers in the NCCAA conference. This approach keeps college costs lower while still providing competitive sports opportunities for students.
