Suffolk County Community College: $6,440 Tuition

$6,440Tuition

14,134Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,907Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Suffolk County Community College

This Long Island community college serves 14,134 students across three campuses in one of New York's most populous counties. Suffolk County Community College has built a reputation as a practical stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education or career training. The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong ties to local industries and four-year transfer partners. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 99.34% being New York residents.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious students. After aid, families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,771 annually, while those making $30,000-$48,000 pay $3,491. Even middle-class families with incomes of $75,000-$110,000 face costs of only $9,742 per year. Graduates carry a median debt of just $8,250, manageable given that median earnings reach $49,907 within ten years. Monthly loan payments average a reasonable $87, and 90.2% of graduates find employment.

The student body reflects Long Island's diversity, with 40.94% white students and 40.12% Hispanic students creating a multicultural environment. The Sharks compete in 13 varsity sports with 162 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Class sizes run large with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, typical for community colleges focused on accessibility over intimacy.

Academics & Faculty

Suffolk County Community College serves as Long Island's largest community college, with 14,134 students pursuing associate degrees and career certificates. The college offers strong programs in nursing, criminal justice, and automotive technology that connect directly to regional job markets. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to instructors despite the large enrollment. The 24.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. SCCC's three campuses provide transfer pathways to four-year universities and workforce training programs. The college particularly excels in health sciences and trade programs that prepare students for immediate employment in growing fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Full-Time Faculty: 24.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,907

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$71,686
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$49,918
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$46,478
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$45,128
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$42,682
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$42,682
Legal Support Services.	Certificate	$39,729
Community Organization and Advocacy.	Associate	$37,208
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other.	Associate	$36,324
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$34,495

View all 70 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Suffolk County Community College navigate a sprawling suburban campus across three locations on Long Island, about 60 miles east of Manhattan. With 14,134 students and a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. The campus serves a diverse student body that's 40% Hispanic and 41% white, with 54% women.

Since this is a two-year commuter school, virtually no students live on campus. Most drive from across Suffolk County for classes, then head to work or home. Long Island winters require a good coat, while summers are warm and humid. The Sharks compete in 13 varsity sports with 162 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Weekends often mean working part-time jobs, as many students balance employment with their studies. The 90.2% employment rate reflects students' focus on practical career preparation. With 99% of students coming from in-state and low monthly loan payments averaging $87, SCCC serves as an affordable stepping stone for local students seeking workforce training or transfer opportunities.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1959

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	8	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–39°F
July Avg: 67°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.0"
Annual Snowfall: 31.8"

Student Demographics

Suffolk serves working-class families across Long Island with 99% of students coming from New York. The student body reflects the area's growing diversity, with Hispanic students making up 40% of enrollment and white students another 41%. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and human services programs. Only 23% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from middle-income families seeking affordable education close to home. The college has built a strong local reputation as a practical stepping stone for career training and four-year transfers.

Men: 46.0%
Women: 54.0%
White: 40.9%
Black: 9.0%
Hispanic: 40.1%
Asian: 4.8%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.6%

Location

Suffolk County Community College sits in Selden, New York, about 60 miles east of Manhattan on Long Island's suburban sprawl. The campus serves one of the nation's most densely populated counties, where 99.34% of students come from in-state. Long Island's mix of suburban communities, beaches, and proximity to New York City creates unique opportunities for internships and jobs. The area balances suburban comfort with easy access to urban centers. Students can reach the Hamptons' beaches or Manhattan's business districts within an hour. The region's high cost of living is offset by the college's low net price of $4,882 for most students. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Suffolk County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Selden, New York 11784-2899

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,907
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,399
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 54.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $87/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Suffolk County Community College?

As a community college, Suffolk County Community College maintains an open admissions policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 14,134 students across its three campuses in Suffolk County. Nearly all students are Long Island residents, with 99.34% coming from in-state.

How much does Suffolk County Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Suffolk County Community College is $4,882 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,771 on average, making it highly affordable for low-income families. With in-state tuition at $6,440, the school offers one of the most cost-effective college options on Long Island.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Suffolk County Community College?

Suffolk County Community College has a student-faculty ratio of 22:1, which is typical for large community colleges. The college is known for its strong transfer programs and career-focused associate degrees. Students often use SCCC as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities or to gain job skills quickly.

What are the job prospects for Suffolk County Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $49,907 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. The employment rate reaches 90.2% for graduates who enter the workforce. Many students pursue careers in healthcare, business, and skilled trades that are in high demand on Long Island.

Where is Suffolk County Community College located and what is the campus like?

The main campus sits in Selden, a large suburban area in central Long Island. Suffolk County Community College operates as part of the SUNY system and fields 13 varsity sports teams called the Sharks. The suburban setting provides easy access to both New York City opportunities and Long Island's business centers.

Is Suffolk County Community College diverse in its student population?

The student body is diverse, with 40.94% white students and 40.12% Hispanic students forming the largest groups. Women make up 54% of the enrollment compared to 46% men. This diversity reflects Suffolk County's changing demographics and the college's role serving the broader Long Island community.