- The mission of Dutchess Community College is to provide open access to affordable, quality post-secondary education to citizens of Dutchess County and others. As a comprehensive community college, DCC offers college transfer and occupational/technical degree programs, certificate programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and service to the community. The College provides educational experiences that enable qualified students to expand their academic capabilities and further develop thinking and decision making skills. By providing a full collegiate experience, the College seeks to ensure that all students achieve their individual potential.
School Highlights
Dutchess Community College serves 6,606 students (40% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 34:1 is higher than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 63%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 6,606 students
- In-state tuition: $3,635
- Out-state tuition: $6,835
- Student-teacher ratio: 34:1
- Minority enrollment: 51%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Dutchess Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 197 teachers has declined by 60% over five years.
Dutchess Community College
(NY) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
4
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
197 staff
43 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
9
Student Body
The student population of Dutchess Community College has declined by 17% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 34:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Dutchess Community College diversity score of 0.68 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
6,606 students
953 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
34:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
2,645 students
528 students
# Part-Time Students
3,961 students
425 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
368 students
411 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,645 students
511 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
37 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,961 students
461 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
24 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
465 students
382 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
8%
% Hispanic
24%
23%
% Black
12%
19%
% White
49%
37%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
3%
% Unknown races
7%
7%
Diversity Score
0.68
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
27%
35%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$37,700
$35,200
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,635 is less than the state average of $5,715. The in-state tuition has declined by 26% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,835 is less than the state average of $10,262. The out-state tuition has declined by 27% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,635
$5,715
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,835
$10,262
Tuition Notes
$2,500 per semester
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
71%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,750
$13,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
78%
SAT Reading
n/a
475
SAT Math
n/a
507
SAT Writing
n/a
487
ACT Composite
n/a
21
ACT English
n/a
20
ACT Math
n/a
22
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Founded in 1957, DCC has the lowest tuition of any college or university in the state. The college offers Associate's degrees and Certificates in over 60 academic areas of study. Our curriculums include career-oriented programs as well as those designed for successful transfer to a four-year college or university. Dutchess Community College is situated on a 130-acre hilltop campus with fantastic scenery and a park-like setting. Graced with lovely buildings and facilities, the campus is also enhanced by beautiful landscaping and a broad array of sculptures and other art. On fair-weather days, many of the College's 8,000 students can be seen strolling along the walkways or studying in one of the many attractive outdoor settings. Class sizes at Dutchess are small, with the average class size being less than 20 students. Dutchess was the first college in the state to offer a comprehensive jointly-registered transfer program in teacher education (with SUNY New Paltz), covering birth through twelfth grade. The college is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Maurice Gordon, STEM Scholarship namesake -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Dutchess Community College cost?
Dutchess Community College's tuition is approximately $3,635 for In-State students and $6,835 for Out-State students.
Who are famous alumni from Dutchess Community College?
Dutchess Community College famous alumni include: Maurice Gordon, STEM Scholarship namesake.
What is Dutchess Community College's ranking?
Dutchess Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in New York for: Least expensive tuition, Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Dutchess Community College is Ulster County Community College (14.6 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
491 Cottekill Rd
Stone Ridge, NY 12484
(845) 687-5000
Stone Ridge, NY 12484
(845) 687-5000
14.6 miles
Enrollment: 3,091 students Student-teacher ratio: 36:1 In-state tuition: $4,942 Out-state tuition: $9,162 Minority enrollment: 42%
Derech Hachaim Seminary
Private not-for-profit
5 Israel Zupnik Drive
Monroe, NY 10950
(845) 783-5820
Monroe, NY 10950
(845) 783-5820
29.7 miles
Enrollment: 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 50:1 Acceptance rate: 93% Minority enrollment: 8%
115 South St
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 344-6222
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 344-6222
33.2 miles
Enrollment: 5,704 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Acceptance rate: 90% In-state tuition: $5,376 Out-state tuition: $10,752 Minority enrollment: 62%
4400 Route 23
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 697-6400
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 697-6400
34.6 miles
Enrollment: 1,616 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Acceptance rate: 78% In-state tuition: $4,410 Out-state tuition: $8,490 Minority enrollment: 42%
112 College Road
Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759
(845) 434-5750
Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759
(845) 434-5750
39.3 miles
Enrollment: 1,527 students Student-teacher ratio: 36:1 Acceptance rate: 100% In-state tuition: $5,500 Out-state tuition: $10,174 Minority enrollment: 57%
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