Tompkins Cortland Community College: $6,946 Tuition

$6,946Tuition

1,456Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,707Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Tompkins Cortland Community College

Tompkins Cortland Community College builds careers through hands-on training and transfer programs that connect students to four-year universities. The college enrolls 1,456 students in rural Dryden, where the Finger Lakes region provides a close-knit learning environment. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personal attention in both career-focused programs and college transfer tracks. The Panthers compete in nine varsity sports through the NCCAA, giving 117 student-athletes opportunities to continue playing while earning their degrees.

The financial picture works in students' favor, with an average net price of $12,851 that drops to $10,706 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $40,707 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $15,750 manageable with monthly payments around $167. The employment rate of 93.4% shows that students find work quickly after graduation. Only 13.76% of students need federal loans, keeping debt levels reasonable for a degree that opens doors to both careers and further education.

Women make up 61.54% of the student body, while 97.58% come from New York state. The 27.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Tompkins Cortland focuses on career training and transfer preparation for students in rural central New York. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that's crucial for community college success. However, only 27% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults and part-time students face. The college offers strong programs in nursing, business, and liberal arts transfer tracks. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in fields like automotive technology and criminal justice. Many use TC3 as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities. The school serves as both a workforce development center and academic bridge for the region's predominantly in-state population of 1,456 students.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 98.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,707

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,594
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$21,964
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,508
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$20,687
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Associate	$17,014

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

Tompkins Cortland sits in rural Dryden, about 30 minutes northeast of Ithaca and an hour from Syracuse. With only 436 housing spots for 1,456 students, roughly 30% can live on campus. The rest commute from surrounding small towns and farms across the Finger Lakes region. You'll definitely need a heavy winter coat here - central New York gets lake-effect snow and freezing temperatures from November through March.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. With 61.54% women and 97.58% in-state students, the campus has a close-knit community feel where everyone seems to know everyone. The Panthers compete in 9 NCCAA sports with 117 total athletes, giving the small campus some school spirit. Weekends often involve trips to nearby Ithaca for college town activities or outdoor recreation around the Finger Lakes. Many students work part-time jobs in town or help with family businesses, balancing their studies with real-world responsibilities that come with rural life.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 436 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1968

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	2	2	0	0
Robbery	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–29°F
July Avg: 55°–77°F
Annual Precipitation: 79.4"
Annual Snowfall: 65.2"

Student Demographics

Women make up nearly two-thirds of students at Tompkins Cortland, reflecting the college's strong programs in health sciences, education, and human services. Almost all students come from New York state, showing the school's deep roots in serving the local Finger Lakes region. The student body is predominantly white but includes growing Hispanic and Black populations typical of rural upstate communities. With only about one in six students receiving Pell Grants, the college attracts a mix of working families and recent high school graduates seeking affordable career training close to home.

Men: 38.5%
Women: 61.5%
White: 63.1%
Black: 7.6%
Hispanic: 10.5%
Asian: 2.5%
In-State Students: 97.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.2%

Location

Tompkins Cortland Community College sits in Dryden, New York, about 15 miles northeast of Ithaca. The campus serves a rural region in the Finger Lakes area of central New York. With 97.58% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from surrounding small towns and farming communities. Dryden itself has fewer than 2,000 residents and embodies classic upstate New York rural character. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities with nearby state parks and lakes, though students seeking urban amenities must travel to Ithaca or Syracuse. The 436-bed housing capacity serves students from across the region's scattered rural communities. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Tompkins Cortland Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dryden, New York 13053-0139

TompkinsCortlandCommunityCollegeAthleticBuilding

TompkinsCortlandCommunityCollegeEntrance

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,707
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,007
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $167/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Tompkins Cortland Community College?

As a community college, Tompkins Cortland maintains an open admission policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The school serves 1,456 students primarily from New York state, with 97.58% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in rural central New York.

How much does Tompkins Cortland Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $12,851 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,706 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost. With median debt of only $15,750 and monthly loan payments of $167, the financial burden remains manageable for most graduates.

What academic programs is Tompkins Cortland Community College known for?

The college offers strong career training programs alongside traditional transfer pathways to four-year institutions. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in both technical and liberal arts programs. The school has built a reputation for preparing students for immediate employment or successful transfer to universities throughout New York state.

What are the job prospects for Tompkins Cortland Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93.4% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on career-ready programs. The median earnings one year after graduation are $42,702, which is strong for a two-year degree. However, the six-year graduation rate of 27.4% indicates that many students take longer to complete their programs or transfer before finishing.

What is campus life like at Tompkins Cortland Community College?

The rural campus in Dryden houses 436 students in on-campus facilities, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. The Panthers compete in nine varsity sports through the NCCAA with 117 total athletes. The student body is 61.54% women and reflects the demographics of rural New York, with students enjoying a small-town college experience just outside Ithaca.

Does Tompkins Cortland Community College offer financial aid to students?

Only 17.18% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based federal aid. The college provides institutional grants averaging $5,859 to 15.66% of students. The relatively low financial aid rates reflect the already affordable tuition structure typical of New York community colleges.