About The College of Westchester
The College of Westchester focuses on career-oriented education in the heart of Westchester County's business district. This private career college serves 760 students who want practical skills for immediate employment. The school built its reputation around programs in business, digital media, and healthcare that connect directly to local job markets. Nearly all students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit community of career-focused learners.
Students typically pay around $11,669 after financial aid, making this education accessible to working-class families. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $42,215 ten years after starting college. However, the 32% six-year graduation rate means many students struggle to complete their programs. Those who do graduate carry about $27,000 in debt with monthly payments of $286.
The student body is predominantly female at 69% and remarkably diverse. Hispanic students make up 48% of enrollment while Black students represent 34%. Only 6% of students are white, making this one of the most diverse colleges in New York. The Vikings compete in intramural sports, though athletics take a backseat to career preparation and internship opportunities.
Students typically pay around $11,669 after financial aid, making this education accessible to working-class families. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $42,215 ten years after starting college. However, the 32% six-year graduation rate means many students struggle to complete their programs. Those who do graduate carry about $27,000 in debt with monthly payments of $286.
The student body is predominantly female at 69% and remarkably diverse. Hispanic students make up 48% of enrollment while Black students represent 34%. Only 6% of students are white, making this one of the most diverse colleges in New York. The Vikings compete in intramural sports, though athletics take a backseat to career preparation and internship opportunities.
Academics & Faculty
The College of Westchester focuses on career-oriented programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment after graduation. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small despite being a private career college. The school emphasizes practical skills training over traditional liberal arts education. However, only 37% of students graduate within four years, and the retention rate sits at just 61%, suggesting many students struggle to complete their programs. The college serves a diverse population with 68% women and significant representation from Hispanic (48%) and Black (34%) communities. Most graduates find employment quickly, with a 91.5% employment rate, though median earnings start at $38,663 in the first year after graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 24.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.1%
- Retention Rate
- 61.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,215
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $35,954 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $35,416 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $29,250 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $14,935 |
Campus Life
The College of Westchester sits in White Plains, just 25 miles north of Manhattan, making weekend trips to New York City easily accessible by train. With 760 students spread across a small urban campus, you'll recognize most faces within your first semester. The student body is 68.55% women and predominantly local, with 98.95% of students from New York state.
Winters require a good coat as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers stay warm and humid. The college operates as a career-focused institution, so expect a practical, no-frills campus environment rather than traditional quad life. Most students commute from home, creating a different social active than residential colleges. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name. Weekend social life often centers around nearby Westchester County attractions or quick trips into the city. Students typically balance coursework with internships and part-time jobs, reflecting the school's emphasis on career preparation over campus traditions.
Winters require a good coat as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers stay warm and humid. The college operates as a career-focused institution, so expect a practical, no-frills campus environment rather than traditional quad life. Most students commute from home, creating a different social active than residential colleges. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name. Weekend social life often centers around nearby Westchester County attractions or quick trips into the city. Students typically balance coursework with internships and part-time jobs, reflecting the school's emphasis on career preparation over campus traditions.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–39°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 32.7"
Student Demographics
The College of Westchester draws primarily local students, with nearly all enrollment coming from New York state. The student body is predominantly women, reflecting the school's focus on business and healthcare programs that traditionally attract female students. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking career advancement. The diverse racial composition, with significant Hispanic and Black representation, mirrors the demographics of the greater White Plains area. This career-focused institution has built its reputation on providing practical education to first-generation college students from the surrounding communities.
- Men
- 31.5%
- Women
- 68.6%
- White
- 5.8%
- Black
- 34.0%
- Hispanic
- 47.8%
- Asian
- 2.4%
- In-State Students
- 99.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 66.7%
Location
The College of Westchester sits in White Plains, New York, just 25 miles north of Manhattan. This Westchester County location puts students within easy reach of New York City's internship and job opportunities. White Plains serves as a suburban business center with corporate offices and shopping centers. The area attracts commuters who work in the city but prefer suburban living. With 98.95% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with the region's high cost of living and proximity to urban centers. The campus operates on a semester system in this densely populated metropolitan area. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare The College of Westchester with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- White Plains, New York 10606-1200
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,215
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,074
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 29.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,967
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at The College of Westchester?
The College of Westchester accepts 95.45% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. This private career college in White Plains focuses on providing educational opportunities to students who may not have other four-year options.
How much does The College of Westchester cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,669 annually, lower than the $24,705 sticker price. About 66.67% of students receive financial aid, with many qualifying for Pell Grants due to the school's mission of serving lower-income populations.
What is the student-faculty ratio at The College of Westchester?
The student-faculty ratio is 20:1 across the 760-student campus. The college specializes in career-focused programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment in fields like business, criminal justice, and digital media.
What are the graduation rates at The College of Westchester?
Only 32.10% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 37.24%. These lower completion rates are common among career colleges that serve first-generation and working students who face multiple life challenges.
Where do most students at The College of Westchester come from?
Nearly 99% of students are from New York state, reflecting the school's role as a local educational option. The student body is predominantly female at 68.55% and highly diverse, with 47.76% Hispanic and 33.95% Black students.
How much do graduates of The College of Westchester earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $42,215 ten years after graduation, with 91.5% finding employment. However, graduates typically carry $26,967 in debt with monthly payments of $286, and only 29.82% successfully repay their loans on schedule.
