Did you know over 50% of CUNY community college students go on to complete a bachelor’s degree within three years of transferring? Whether you’re fresh out of high school, switching careers, or simply looking for an affordable way to earn a degree—New York’s community colleges are a smart place to start. In 2025, thousands of students are choosing these two-year colleges not just for their low tuition, but for the strong academic programs, diverse campus life, and smooth transfer options to top four-year universities. So, if you’re asking yourself, “Which community college is the best fit for me in New York?” — keep reading. We’ve rounded up the top community colleges in NYC and beyond that are making a big difference in students’ lives in 2025.
Top Community Colleges in New York
Kingsborough Community College
Looking for a college that combines quality education with beautiful surroundings? Kingsborough Community College (KCC), located in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, gives you exactly that. As the only CUNY college with a campus by the sea, KCC offers a peaceful, scenic learning environment along with strong academic programs that set students up for success.
In 2025, KCC remains a favorite among students in New York City, offering over 50 associate degree and certificate programs in areas like Liberal Arts, Business, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Education, and Maritime Technology. The university also ranks among the top 10 community colleges in New York State for graduation and transfer rates. Below are the key details of Kingsborough Community College (KCC):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, NY |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Total Enrollment | Around 15,116 students |
| Full-Time Students | Approximately 6,000 |
| Part-Time Students | Around 9,100 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 22:1 |
| Tuition (NYC Resident) | $2,400 per semester (full-time) |
| Graduation Rate (3-Year) | About 34% (national community college avg: ~29%) |
| Popular Programs | Liberal Arts, Business, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Education, Biology |
| Campus Size | 70 acres |
| Financial Aid | Available – TAP, Pell Grant, CUNY ASAP, Work-Study, and more |
| Transfer Success Rate | Over 50% transfer to four-year colleges |
Find Your Home Away from Home Near Kingsborough Community College
Borough of Manhattan Community College
If you’re dreaming of going to college right in the middle of Manhattan, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) might be just what you’re looking for! Located in Tribeca, one of NYC’s most dynamic neighborhoods, BMCC is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and is one of the largest community colleges in the state.
In 2025, BMCC stands out for its wide variety of programs—offering more than 50 associate degrees and certificate options in fields like Business, Health Sciences, Media Arts, and Computer Information Systems. With a student population of over 18,000, BMCC is known for its diverse community, strong academic support services, and convenient location with easy access to subway lines, internships, and city life. Below are the key details of Manhattan Community College:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Tribeca, Manhattan, New York City |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Total Enrollment | More than 20,000 students |
| Tuition (NYC Resident) | $2,400 per semester (full-time) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 (approx.) |
| Graduation Rate (3-Year) | About 28% (close to the national community college average) |
| Popular Programs | Business Management, Nursing, Liberal Arts, Computer Science, Criminal Justice |
| Campus Type | Urban – located in Lower Manhattan |
Find Your Home Away from Home Near Borough of Manhattan Community College
Bronx Community College
If you’re looking for a college with rich history, academic variety, and strong support for student success, Bronx Community College (BCC) might be your perfect match. Located in University Heights and part of the CUNY system, BCC is known for its impressive campus architecture, nationally registered historic landmarks, and commitment to accessible education for all.
Offering more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs, BCC is a go-to for students who want affordable, quality education in fields like health sciences, criminal justice, education, liberal arts, and business. The college proudly serves a majority Hispanic and African American student population. And Around 85% of students receive financial aid or support through grants and scholarships. Below are the key details of Bronx Community College:
| Category | Details |
| Location | University Heights, Bronx, NY |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Total Enrollment | Around 8,370 students |
| Full-Time Students | Approx. 2,400 |
| Part-Time Students | Approx. 5,900 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 21:1 |
| Tuition (NYC Resident) | $2,400 per semester (full-time) |
| Graduation Rate (3-Year) | ~21% (close to the national community college average) |
| Popular Programs | Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Education, Cybersecurity |
| Campus Size | 45 acres |
| Financial Aid | Available – Pell, TAP, CUNY ASAP, Work-Study |
LaGuardia Community College
Located in the heart of Queens and part of the CUNY (City University of New York) system, LaGuardia is known for turning dreams into degrees—especially for students who are balancing school with work, family, or big career goals. In 2025, LaGuardia stands out for being one of the most diverse and inclusive colleges in the country. Over 70% of its students are non-white, and nearly half are the first in their families to go to college.
The college supports over 60 associate degree and certificate programs in high-demand areas like Nursing, IT, Media Studies, Business, Engineering, and Liberal Arts. LaGuardia students come from over 150 countries and speak more than 110 languages—making every class, club, or hallway conversation a multicultural experience. Following are the key details of LaGuardia Community College:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Long Island City, Queens, NY |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Total Students | Around 16,971 |
| Tuition (NYC Resident) | $2,400 per semester (full-time) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 23:1 |
| Graduation Rate (3-Year) | Around 26% |
| Transfer Rate | 42% transfer to senior colleges within 1 year of graduation |
| Popular Programs | Health Sciences, Computer Technology, Business, Liberal Arts, Media Studies |
| Campus Type | Urban—modern academic buildings connected by skywalks |
| Financial Aid | Yes – TAP, Pell Grants, Excelsior, CUNY ASAP, Work-Study |
Nassau Community College
Looking for an affordable and flexible college on Long Island? Nassau Community College (NCC), located in Garden City, could be the perfect place to start your academic journey. With one of the largest student populations among New York’s community colleges NCC serves around 17,756 students and offers over 80 degree and certificate programs in high-demand fields like Nursing, Accounting, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, and Performing Arts.
Many students choose NCC for its evening and weekend classes, making it a favorite for working professionals and non-traditional learners. The college has the largest single-campus footprint of any community college in New York—spanning 225 acres! Following are the key details of Nassau Community College:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Garden City, Nassau County, NY |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Total Students | Around 17,756 |
| Tuition (Nassau Resident) | $2,900 per semester (full-time) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approx. 19:1 |
| Graduation Rate (3-Year) | 29% |
| Popular Programs | Nursing, Accounting, Cybersecurity, Theater Arts, Liberal Arts |
| Campus Size | 225 acres |
| Financial Aid | Yes – TAP, Pell Grants, NCC Foundation Scholarships |
Queensborough Community College
If you’re looking for a friendly and diverse campus in Queens, Queensborough Community College (QCC) is a great place to start. Located in the peaceful neighborhood of Bayside, QCC continues to attract students from across NYC with its 40+ associate degree programs and strong transfer partnerships with senior CUNY and SUNY schools. Whether you’re interested in STEM, healthcare, or the arts, QCC has a program to match your goals. The college is one of the few community colleges in NYC with both a professional art gallery and a Holocaust center. Below are the key details of Queensborough Community College:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Bayside, Queens, NY |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Total Students | Around 12,405 |
| Tuition (NYC Resident) | $2,400 per semester (full-time) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 |
| Graduation Rate (3-Year) | 30% |
| Popular Programs | Engineering Tech, Nursing, Visual Arts, Criminal Justice |
| Campus Size | 37 acres |
| Financial Aid | Yes – Pell, TAP, CUNY ASAP, Scholarships |
| Student Services | STEM Resource Center, advising, transfer workshops, tutoring labs |
Conclusion
Choosing a community college isn’t just about saving money—it’s about finding the right environment to grow, learn, and plan your next move. These schools prove that you don’t have to go far—or spend a fortune—to get a high-quality education. With strong academic programs, transfer-friendly credits, and tons of support services, each of these colleges is a solid stepping stone toward your future. Ready to take the next step? Explore the programs that match your goals and see where your community college journey can take you. Your future starts here—and it starts strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best community colleges in New York for 2025?
The top-rated community colleges in New York for 2025 include:
Kingsborough Community College (Brooklyn)
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
Bronx Community College
LaGuardia Community College (Queens)
Nassau Community College (Long Island)
Queensborough Community College (Bayside, Queens)
These colleges stand out for their affordable tuition, strong academic programs, and smooth transfer pathways to four-year universities.
How much is community college tuition in New York for NYC residents?
Most CUNY community colleges charge around $2,400 per semester for full-time NYC residents. Non-residents typically pay $320 per credit. Nassau Community College (outside NYC) charges $2,900 per semester for Nassau County residents.
Can I transfer from a community college in New York to a four-year university?
Absolutely! Over 50% of students from CUNY community colleges successfully transfer to senior colleges like Baruch, Hunter, Brooklyn College, and SUNY schools. Many colleges also offer dedicated transfer advisement and CUNY Pathways alignment.
Which community college in NYC has the best graduation rate?
As of 2025, Kingsborough Community College boasts a strong 3-year graduation rate of about 34%, which is higher than the national average of ~29%. Queensborough and Nassau also have impressive rates around 30%.
Are there financial aid options for community college students in New York?
Yes! Students can apply for:
Pell Grants
TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
CUNY ASAP
Excelsior Scholarship
College-specific scholarships (like NCC Foundation Awards)
These options can cover tuition, books, transport, and even meal assistance.
