Dutchess Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$10,670
In-state $5,670
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
6,606
Student-faculty ratio 20:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
29.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 33.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Dutchess Community College (DCC), located in Poughkeepsie, New York, is a prominent institution known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Established in 1957, DCC offers a wide array of associate degree programs and certificate courses, catering to diverse academic interests and career aspirations. The college emphasizes accessibility and affordability, making higher education attainable for many students in the local community and beyond. With a strong focus on student success, DCC provides various support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, ensuring that students have the resources they need to thrive academically and professionally.
Campus life at Dutchess Community College is vibrant and engaging, with numerous extracurricular activities and organizations available for students to participate in. From cultural events to athletic competitions, DCC fosters a sense of community and encourages students to develop their leadership skills and social networks. The college's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its diverse student body and the various programs designed to celebrate different cultures and backgrounds. With modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, DCC is well-equipped to provide a quality educational experience. The college's strategic location in the beautiful Hudson Valley provides a picturesque backdrop for learning, with opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration in the surrounding area. Overall, Dutchess Community College stands out as an institution dedicated to empowering students and preparing them for successful futures.
Trends at Dutchess Community College: Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates
Over the years, Dutchess Community College has experienced notable trends in tuition, student enrollment, and graduation rates, which reflect broader challenges in higher education. Tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students have increased from $3,635 in 2014 to $5,346 in 2024, marking a significant rise of approximately 47% over the decade. For out-of-state students, the tuition similarly rose from $6,835 to $10,146, indicating a 48% increase. This upward trend in tuition is concerning, particularly as it may deter potential students from pursuing higher education, especially in a time when student debt is a growing national issue.
Contrastingly, student enrollment has been declining, dropping from 10,478 in 2013 to 7,047 in 2023. This represents a decrease of around 33%. Such a decline in enrollment can be attributed to various factors, including rising tuition costs, demographic shifts, and changing perceptions of the value of a college degree.
Moreover, graduation rates have shown some positive movement. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates has improved from approximately 11.6% in 2013 to 18.9% in 2023. The 150% graduation rate, indicating those who graduate within six years, has also increased from about 24.3% to 31.0% over the same period. This upward trajectory in graduation rates suggests that despite challenges in enrollment, the institution is succeeding in supporting its students to complete their degrees.
The retention rate, which fluctuated over the years, provides insights into student satisfaction and institutional support. It ranged from a low of approximately 54.8% in 2021 to a high of nearly 65.1% in 2020. The inconsistency in retention rates may mirror the challenges and successes the college faces in engaging students and providing adequate support services.
In summary, Dutchess Community College's situation exemplifies the complex dynamics of higher education, where rising costs juxtapose the necessity for improved student outcomes and retention. The institution's focus on enhancing graduation rates is commendable, yet it must also tackle the challenges of declining enrollment and financial accessibility to ensure its sustainability and mission of providing quality education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- In Poughkeepsie
- Nearest international airport
- Bradley International Airport (BDL), about 60 mi
- Also known as
- DCC, Dutchess
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Peter Jordan (President)
- Phone
- 8454318000
- City
- Poughkeepsie, New York
- Address
- 53 Pendell Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-1595
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Dutchess Community College
The graduation data from Dutchess Community College for 2023 reveals some interesting trends, particularly in the realm of associate degree programs. The most notable program is Business Administration, which has produced the highest number of graduates at 107. This highlights the ongoing demand for business education, reflecting broader trends in the job market where business-related skills are highly sought after.
Another significant area is Registered Nursing, with 35 graduates. Given the increasing focus on healthcare and the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this number underscores the essential role of nursing programs in responding to public health needs. The consistent demand for healthcare professionals suggests that this trend will likely continue, making nursing an attractive field for prospective students.
Moreover, the data indicates that there are no international students graduating in any of the bachelor, master, or doctorate programs, which raises questions about the college’s appeal to international students in advanced degree tracks. This could reflect broader challenges facing community colleges in attracting international students amidst global competition and changing immigration policies.
Additionally, the presence of numerous programs in the liberal arts and sciences with a significant number of graduates—66 in Humanities and 38 in General Studies—shows that there is still a robust interest in these fields, which are traditionally seen as fundamental to a well-rounded education.
Overall, the data illustrates that while technical and healthcare programs are thriving, there are areas where Dutchess Community College may need to explore strategies to enhance its appeal, particularly for advanced degrees and international student enrollment.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $29,324 | |
| General Studies. | $29,324 | |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | $29,324 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $29,324 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $44,500 | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | $41,449 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | - | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling. | - | |
| Public Health, Other. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $97,740 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | $43,149 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | $32,194 | |
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | - | |
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $27,597 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | - | |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Construction Site Management/Manager. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew. | - | |
| Aviation/Airway Management and Operations. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care and Support Services Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
Students
6,606 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 44:56 · Freshman retention 60.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,349
- First-year undergraduates 1,028
- Transfers and others 3,229
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,606)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Diversity and Gender Balance at Dutchess Community College in 2023
The student demographic data from Dutchess Community College in 2023 presents an intriguing picture of diversity and gender representation among its student body. The total number of students enrolled is notable, with the largest group consisting of undergraduate freshmen, followed by undergraduate sophomores and other categories.
In terms of gender balance, the undergraduate freshmen show a relatively equal distribution, with males making up 50.4% and females 49.6%. This near parity is promising, suggesting that the college is successfully attracting a balanced mix of new students. However, the sophomore undergraduates exhibit a more pronounced gender disparity, with females constituting 55.3% of the group, indicating a potential trend of higher retention rates among female students.
Notably, the data also reveals that the representation of undergraduate transfer students is significantly skewed towards females, with a ratio of 37.7% males to 62.3% females. This raises questions about the factors influencing transfer decisions and the support systems in place for different genders.
Looking at the racial and ethnic composition, while specific numbers are not fully disclosed for all categories, the data indicates a predominance of white students across all classifications. The college's demographic landscape reflects broader trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly focusing on inclusivity and diversity.
Overall, Dutchess Community College appears to be making strides in gender balance among new students, although challenges remain in maintaining this balance among upperclassmen and transfer students. As the college continues to evolve, fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment will be crucial for meeting the needs of its student population.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Dutchess Community College
The age composition of students at Dutchess Community College in 2023 reveals significant trends in enrollment, particularly among undergraduate students. The data indicates that the majority of students are under 18, with 1422 male undergraduates and 1889 female undergraduates. This suggests a strong influx of younger students, likely due to high school graduates seeking immediate post-secondary education.
In the age bracket of 18-19, male and female undergraduate numbers are closely matched, with 881 males and 838 females. This trend continues as we analyze the subsequent age groups, where the overall number of undergraduates begins to decline. For example, in the 20-21 age range, there are 393 male and 392 female undergraduates, indicating a nearly equal gender distribution.
Interestingly, the data shows a sharp decrease in the number of students as the age increases, which is particularly evident in the 30-34 age group, where only 55 males and 113 females are enrolled. This decline may reflect the challenges faced by older students in balancing education with career and family responsibilities, a phenomenon noted in various studies on adult education.
Moreover, the absence of graduate students in the provided age brackets indicates that the college may not attract many students pursuing advanced degrees, which could be an area for potential growth. Overall, the data underscores the importance of targeting resources and support systems to cater specifically to the younger demographic while also considering strategies to engage non-traditional students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
73 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Students at Dutchess Community College
The data on international students at Dutchess Community College over the years reveals notable trends in enrollment and representation. From 2004 to 2023, the proportion of international undergraduate students fluctuated significantly. In the early years, such as 2004 and 2005, international students constituted less than 1% of the total undergraduate population. However, by 2014, this figure surged to over 1%, marking a peak of 1.08% in that year, which can be attributed to the college's efforts to attract a more diverse student body and perhaps an increase in global interest in U.S. education.
This upward trend in the proportion of international students continued until 2015, when the numbers began to stabilize and eventually decline. The years following 2016 saw a gradual decrease in both the total number of undergraduates and the number of international students, reaching a low of 33 students by 2022, which represented only 0.46% of the total undergraduate population. This decline could reflect broader challenges in international education, including geopolitical factors, visa regulations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mobility.
By 2023, the percentage of international students saw a slight recovery to 0.57%, signaling potential resilience and a renewed interest in studying abroad after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. As colleges adapt to changing global dynamics, it is crucial for institutions like Dutchess Community College to continue fostering an inclusive environment that appeals to international students while addressing the challenges that may arise in the future.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$24,456
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,670
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,670
- Room and board
- $13,786
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 48% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 40%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$76.3M
Expenses$79.6M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 17 | 11 |
| Soccer | 20 | - |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Baseball | 14 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 9 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 16 | 8 |
| Soccer | 20 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Softball | - | 11 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 19 | - |
| Basketball | 18 | - |
| Soccer | 18 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Vassar CollegePoughkeepsie · 2.6 mi
Liberal Arts #12
-
Bard CollegeAnnandale-On-Hudson · 20.5 mi
Liberal Arts #72
-
The United States Military Academy at West PointWest Point · 23.3 mi
Liberal Arts #9
-
Sacred Heart UniversityFairfield · 48.8 mi
U.S. News #202
-
Fairfield UniversityFairfield · 51.6 mi
U.S. News #109
-
Quinnipiac UniversityHamden · 56.3 mi
U.S. News #156
-
Yale UniversityNew Haven · 58.1 mi
U.S. News #4
-
Fordham UniversityBronx · 59.8 mi
U.S. News #85
-
Yeshiva UniversityNew York · 60.4 mi
U.S. News #90
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Dutchess Community College:
-
Vassar College - Ranked 16th in the 2024 US News rankings, Vassar College is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.
-
United States Military Academy - Also known as West Point, this highly esteemed institution ranks 8th nationally. It is recognized for its military training and leadership development programs.
-
Yale University - With a rank of 5, Yale is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Columbia University in the City of New York - Ranked 12th, Columbia is an Ivy League university known for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life in the heart of New York City.
-
Barnard College - This women's liberal arts college ranks 11th and is affiliated with Columbia University, offering a unique blend of rigorous academics and a supportive community.
-
Wesleyan University - Ranked 11th, Wesleyan is known for its strong emphasis on the arts and sciences, encouraging innovation and creativity among its students.
These institutions provide a diverse range of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Dutchess Community College
The crime data from Dutchess Community College over the past decade presents a compelling narrative regarding campus safety. In 2013, the average crime rate was 1.53 per 1,000 students, which gradually increased until it peaked in 2018 at 5.30. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including a rise in drug-related arrests and incidents of alcohol-related offenses, which are common trends observed in college environments across the United States.
Interestingly, there has been a significant decline in crime rates starting in 2019, culminating in a dramatic drop in 2021, where the rate plummeted to 0.35 per 1,000 students. This decline could reflect improved campus safety measures, increased awareness, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced campus activity and gatherings.
The spike in 2018 stands out, as it may have raised concerns about student safety and prompted the college administration to take proactive steps to address these issues. In recent years, the resurgence of crime rates, albeit at a lower level compared to earlier years, suggests that the college community must remain vigilant.
These statistics highlight the importance of ongoing safety initiatives and support systems in educational institutions. Awareness programs and resources for students facing issues like substance abuse can play a crucial role in further reducing crime rates. The community must continue fostering a safe environment for all students to thrive academically and socially.
For further information on crime rate calculations, visit: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.