Sullivan County Community College: $6,288 Tuition

$6,288Tuition

916Students

22%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,354Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Sullivan County Community College

The Catskills have long been home to resort hospitality, and Sullivan County Community College trains students for that industry and beyond. This SUNY community college serves 916 students in the rural-fringe setting of Loch Sheldrake, focusing heavily on hospitality management programs that connect to the region's tourism heritage. The school draws almost exclusively from New York state, with 99.29% of students coming from in-state.

Students pay an average net price of $9,263 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education. Graduates earn a median of $38,354 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of $10,150. The monthly loan payment averages just $108, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $7,823, showing strong support for low-income students.

The campus maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for more personal attention in classes. With 333 housing spots available, many students experience residential campus life despite the college's commuter-friendly design. The school fields eight varsity sports teams with 154 total athletes, creating opportunities for student involvement beyond academics. However, the 22.20% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared with clear academic goals and strong support systems.

Academics & Faculty

Sullivan County Community College operates as part of the SUNY system with a focus on hospitality management and tourism programs that serve the Catskills resort region. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors for the 916 enrolled students. However, only 22% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. The college emphasizes career-ready training in fields like culinary arts, hotel management, and business administration that connect directly to local employment opportunities. Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning experiences, though academic support services are crucial given the completion rates.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 42.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 22.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,354

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,415
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$29,250
Community Organization and Advocacy.	Associate	$25,194
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$24,267
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,971
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$22,087
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$21,508
Design and Applied Arts.	Associate	$18,498

View all 47 programs →

Campus Life

The Catskill Mountains surround this small campus where 916 students study about 90 miles northwest of New York City. With housing for only 333 students, most commuters drive in from nearby towns in Sullivan County. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, making heavy coats essential for the long upstate seasons. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates close relationships between professors and the diverse student body that's 33% Hispanic and 19% Black.

Weekends often revolve around the college's connection to the historic Borscht Belt resort region. The hospitality management program gives students real experience at local hotels and restaurants that have served vacationers for decades. With 154 athletes competing in 8 NCCAA sports, games provide social gathering points on campus. Many students work part-time jobs in the tourism industry that defines this rural area. The semester system allows students to take advantage of both summer resort season employment and winter activities in the surrounding mountains. Nearly all 99% of students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 333 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1962

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–30°F
July Avg: 57°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.1"
Annual Snowfall: 69.9"

Student Demographics

This small Catskills community college draws almost entirely from New York state, reflecting its role as a regional resource for local students. The student body is remarkably diverse, with significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with the school's strength in hospitality management where female enrollment often runs higher. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves as an affordable pathway for working-class families in upstate New York's resort region.

Men: 44.4%
Women: 55.6%
White: 35.2%
Black: 18.6%
Hispanic: 33.1%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.7%

Location

Loch Sheldrake sits in the heart of New York's Catskill Mountains, about 90 miles northwest of New York City. This rural community of fewer than 1,000 residents has long served as a gateway to the historic Borscht Belt resort region. The college draws 99.29% of its students from within New York State, many attracted to programs that support the area's hospitality industry. The Catskills offer four-season recreation with hiking trails, ski slopes, and lakes that once hosted grand resort hotels. The small-town setting means limited nightlife but plenty of outdoor activities. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Sullivan County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Loch Sheldrake, New York 12759-5151

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,354
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,582
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $108/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,150

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Sullivan County Community College?

Sullivan County Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, with 99.29% of students coming from New York state. The college serves as an accessible entry point for students in the Catskills region looking to start their higher education journey.

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

Students pay an average net price of $9,263 annually, with low-income families paying as little as $7,823. In-state tuition runs $6,288, making this one of the more affordable SUNY options for students in upstate New York.

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

The college maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 916 enrolled students. This small scale allows for personalized attention, particularly important for students in specialized programs like hospitality management that serve the Catskills resort industry.

What are the graduation outcomes at Sullivan County Community College?

The college has a 22.20% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $38,354 ten years after enrollment. The 90.9% employment rate shows strong job placement success, reflecting the school's focus on career-ready programs.

Does Sullivan County Community College offer campus housing?

The college provides on-campus housing for up to 333 students at $12,000 annually for room and board. This residential option is unusual for a community college and helps serve students from across the rural Catskills region who need housing to attend.

What athletic opportunities exist at Sullivan County Community College?

The college fields 8 varsity sports teams with 154 total athletes competing in the NCCAA. Athletic scholarships totaling $90,000 are available, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this small rural setting.