
About
Erie Community College, located in Buffalo, New York, was founded in 1946 as the New York State Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences, one of five such tuition free institutions. In 1948 the State University of New York System was established and the school became a member, though receiving its sponsorship from Erie County and changing its name to Erie County Technical Institute. In 1960 the school moved to its permanent location, and in 1969 changed its name to Erie Community College to better reflect its services and offerings. in 1971 and 1974 the school opened additional campuses, becoming the first school outside of New York City to have multiple campuses in the state.
Academics
Erie Community COllege offers a large number of programs that allow students to choose the one that best suits their academic or career goals. Academic programs encourage transfer to four year institutions through the completion of the freshman and sophomore years of a four year education. Transfer to a four year college or university is made easier through the SUNY system, though transfer may be pursued at other colleges though requirements may vary. As a result, students wishing to transfer to private or out of state schools are encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum and plan that best suits the desired school or schools requirements.
Career programs provide the skills and training in a particular field necessary to enter the workforce as a professional. Such programs take between one and two years to complete, and result in a certificate or associate degree that demonstrates competency in the area of study. Graduates may pursue work immediately after completion, having gained the experience and knowledge required through practical and classroom courses. These programs are designed to reflect the needs of the community.
Programs offered include:
The school also provides continuing education and adult education courses. Continuing education courses provide the opportunity to update one's professional knowledge, often required to renew one's certification or licensure. Adult education courses provide the equivalent of a high school education, allowing individuals to complete such an education and receive their GED. Enrollment in these courses typically do not require full enrollment at the school, and are ineligible for financial aid.
Admissions and Financial Aid
As a two year open enrollment institution, individuals wishing to enroll at Erie Community College will be admitted if they meet the minimum requirements for admission. Students are required to supply transcripts and standardized test scores, and may be asked to take a placement exam to determine which general education classes they will enroll in. Students are encouraged to participate in orientation and meet with a counselor to discuss goals and program curriculum. Registration for classes takes place prior to the start of each semester, with fees due shortly thereafter.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting student aid report (SAR) from which will be used to determine financial needs, program eligibility, and monetary awards. Students may also be eligible for state funding and aid programs. Additional financial documentation may be requested by the school to ensure that the information on the SAR is accurate. Financial aid must be reapplied for every year, prior to the start of the academic year.
Athletics
Erie Community College offers a variety of intercollegiate athletic programs that allow students to develop skills and habits, such as discipline, teamwork and good health, in a healthy environment of competition. Participating students will experience the camaraderie associated with pursuing a unified goal, and the successes and failures that are part of that goal. Students interested in participating in such programs should contact the athletic department for tryout dates and forms.
Athletic programs offered:
- Baseball
- Bowling
- Cheerleading
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Softball
- Volleyball
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $4,500. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $25 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition range:
- State Residents: $4,600-$5,500
- Out-of-State: $9,200-$11,030
- Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $190-$230 per unit
- Out-of-State: $380-$460 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 84% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 74% | $5,854 |
Receiving Student Loans | 31% | $3,886 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Erie Community College may provide student services like:
- Distance learning
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Employment search assistance
- Day care
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Students who attend a community college will be able to choose from a variety of programs that will lead to an associate's degree or transfer to a four year institution. The following list shows graduation and transfer-out rates for Erie Community College compared to community colleges in New York, which can be useful for determining which community college to attend.
Erie Community College | Erie County | New York | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 23.7% | - | 21.5% |
Transfer-out Rate | 12.2% | - | 17.4% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the New York State Board of Regents, State Education Department, Office of the Professions (Nursing Education) (since 1984)
- Find all the other nursing programs in New York
- Radiation Therapist Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1974)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Erie Community College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A)
- Office Management and Supervision (A)
- Administrative Assistant (C)
- Restaurant and Food Services Management (A)
- Entrepreneurship (C)
Communication Technology
- Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator Production (A)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology (A)
- System Networking (C)
- Web Design (C)
- Computer (A)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (C)
Construction Trades
Education
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (C)
- Engineering (A)
- Construction Engineering (C)
Engineering Technology
- Industrial Technology (A)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Computer Systems Technology (A)
- Cad Drafting (A)
- Mechanical Technology Technician (A)
- Architectural Engineering (A)
- Environmental Engineering Technology and Environmental Technology (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (A)
- Medical Executive Assistant (A, C)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Opticianry, Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician (A)
- EMT & Paramedic (A, C)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (A)
- Radiology Technician (A)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Dietitian Assistant (A)
- Dental Laboratory Technology (A)
- Emergency Care Attendant (A, C)
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A)
- Humanistic Studies (A)
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A)
- Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies (C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (C)
- Communications Systems Installation and Repair Technology (A)
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies (C)
- Auto Body (A)
Natural Resources and Conservation
Personal and Culinary Services
- Culinary Arts (A)
- Baking And Pastry (C)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Human Services (C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Sports Medicine (A)
Science Technology
- Biology Technician, Biotechnology Laboratory Technician (C)
Security and Protective Services
- Law and Justice Administration (A)
- Police Science (A, C)
- Forensic Science (C)
- Homeland Security (C)
- Disaster Management (A)
- Fire Services Administration (A)
Social Sciences
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Erie Community College.
- Niagara County Community College in Sanborn, NY (18 miles away)
- Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY (37 miles away)
- Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, NY (56 miles away)
- Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY (65 miles away)
- Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, NY (83 miles away)