About Orange County Community College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,222 after aid, while even middle-income families see reasonable costs. Graduates carry a median debt of only $12,000, well below national averages for any college type. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median of $44,117, making the low debt load manageable with monthly payments around $127. The employment rate hits 91.4%, showing that degrees translate into jobs.
The student body reflects Orange County's diversity, with 39% Hispanic and Black students. Women outnumber men 61% to 39%, typical for community colleges. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally, crucial for the 23% who graduate within six years.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 23.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,117
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $66,401 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $58,970 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,779 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,560 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,771 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,967 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,572 |
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $17,846 |
Campus Life
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors in smaller classes. Women make up 61% of the student body, creating a collaborative atmosphere focused on academics and career preparation. The campus serves a diverse community where 24% of students are Hispanic and 16% are Black. With only 100 student-athletes competing in 9 NAIA sports, the social scene centers more around study groups and club activities than game day traditions. Weekends often involve students working part-time jobs or studying, since many are balancing school with family responsibilities. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance, though most students drive to campus.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1950
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.3%
- Women
- 60.7%
- White
- 38.9%
- Black
- 15.8%
- Hispanic
- 24.5%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.2%
Location
- Address
- Middletown, New York 10940
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,117
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,137
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Orange County Community College?
Orange County Community College has open enrollment, which means they accept nearly all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 3,822 students and draws 97.52% of its enrollment from within New York state. As a community college founded in 1950, OCCC focuses on providing accessible higher education to local residents in the Hudson Valley region.
How much does Orange County Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,442 per year after financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,222 annually, while those earning over $110,000 pay $13,783. The school keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $6,382 and graduates typically carry only $12,000 in debt.
What academic programs is Orange County Community College known for?
The college operates on a semester system with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. OCCC specializes in transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and career training programs for immediate workforce entry. The school serves a diverse student body that is 60.70% women and includes significant Hispanic (24.46%) and Black (15.75%) populations.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Orange County Community College?
The six-year graduation rate is 23.30%, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing their degree. Graduates achieve a 91.4% employment rate and earn a median salary of $44,117 ten years after enrollment. The loan repayment rate stands at 42.77% with monthly payments averaging $127.
Where is Orange County Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Middletown, New York, a small suburban community in the Hudson Valley. The college fields 9 varsity sports teams with about 100 total athletes competing at the NAIA level. Athletic scholarships total $69,800, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this close-knit community college setting.
Does Orange County Community College provide good value for students seeking affordable education?
Only 27.24% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating many families can afford the low tuition without extensive borrowing. The college provides institutional grants averaging $6,516 to 14.13% of students. OCCC serves as an affordable stepping stone for students who want to complete general education requirements before transferring or enter the workforce quickly with practical skills.
