Erie Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$11,300
$27,620 with room and board
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
8,090
Student-faculty ratio 20:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
27.1%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 30.5%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Erie Community College (ECC), located in Buffalo, New York, is a prominent institution known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a diverse learning environment. Established in 1946, ECC has developed a strong reputation for its academic programs, including over 100 degree and certificate options across various disciplines. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, allowing students to gain valuable skills that are directly applicable to the workforce. Additionally, ECC is dedicated to student success, offering a range of support services including academic advising, tutoring, and career services, which help students navigate their educational journeys and prepare for future employment.
The college is also known for its vibrant campus culture and community engagement. With a range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, ECC encourages students to participate in campus life and develop leadership skills outside the classroom. The college's motto, "Your Future, Your College," reflects its mission to empower students to achieve their academic and career goals. ECC's strategic location in the Buffalo-Niagara region provides students with access to a rich array of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities, further enhancing their educational experience. As a result, ECC graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education at four-year institutions, contributing positively to their communities and the economy.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Erie Community College
The data from Erie Community College reveals significant trends, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates. Over the years, both in-state and out-of-state tuition have seen a steady increase, with in-state tuition rising from $4,559 in 2014 to $5,950 in 2023, and out-of-state tuition growing from $8,554 to $11,150 in the same period. This escalation in costs may reflect broader trends in higher education, where financial pressures are increasingly placed on students and families.
Concurrently, student enrollment has declined markedly. From a high of nearly 14,000 undergraduate students in 2013, the number has decreased to just over 7,800 by 2023. This dramatic drop raises concerns about accessibility and affordability, especially as tuition rates continue to climb. It is essential for the institution to address these challenges, as a declining student body could impact funding and the overall educational environment.
Graduation rates have shown some improvement, with the on-time graduation rate climbing from 8.3% in 2013 to approximately 15.7% in 2023. This increase suggests that the college may be implementing effective strategies to support student success. In contrast, the retention rate has gradually improved, reaching about 56.9% in 2023 from approximately 51.6% in 2013. Higher retention rates indicate that students are finding value in their education, which could be a positive sign for the college’s future.
In summary, while tuition costs are rising, and enrollment is declining, improvements in graduation and retention rates suggest that Erie Community College is making strides in student support. It remains crucial for the college to balance affordability with the quality of education to ensure sustainable growth and accessibility for future students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Buffalo
- Nearest international airport
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), about 8 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Adiam Tsegai (President)
- Phone
- 7168511000
- Address
- 121 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203-2698
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Erie Community College 2023
The graduation data from Erie Community College in 2023 reveals intriguing trends, particularly in the fields related to public safety and environmental sciences. Notably, the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration program saw a remarkable number of 52 graduates with an associate degree. This aligns with the growing emphasis on public safety and community policing, a focus that has heightened due to increased public discourse on law enforcement practices and community relations.
In the realm of environmental sciences, there was a single graduate attributed to an associate degree, which might suggest a need for increased recruitment and support for this vital field. Given the global focus on climate change and sustainable practices, educational institutions must prioritize these programs to equip students with the necessary skills to address pressing environmental issues.
Interestingly, there was no data indicating graduates in bachelor's, master's, or doctorate levels across the various programs listed. This raises questions about the pathways available for students after completing associate degrees, potentially limiting their career opportunities. Additionally, the absence of international students in any graduation category points to a significant area for growth; attracting international students could diversify the campus and enhance the academic experience.
Overall, while certain programs like Criminal Justice demonstrate robust interest, there is a clear indication that areas such as environmental sciences and advanced degree offerings need more attention. This could enhance the college's appeal and better prepare graduates for the evolving workforce.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | $34,512 | |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | $34,512 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $34,512 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $34,892 | |
| Office Management and Supervision. | $34,892 | |
| Restaurant/Food Services Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | $46,113 | |
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. | $48,361 | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $48,361 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | $83,582 | |
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | $83,582 | |
| Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Property Maintenance. | - | |
| Building/Construction Site Management/Manager. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - | |
| Sports Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care and Support Services Management. | $35,398 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| General Literature. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
Students
8,090 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 56.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 3,693
- First-year undergraduates 1,504
- Transfers and others 2,893
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (8,090)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Erie Community College in 2023
The student demographics at Erie Community College for 2023 reveal intriguing insights into the composition of the student body, particularly regarding the gender distribution and racial diversity among different groups of students.
Among the undergraduate freshmen, there is a noticeable male predominance, with 54.8% of the cohort identifying as male. This contrasts with the upperclassmen, where the gender ratio shifts to favor females, with 53.6% being women. Such trends may reflect broader societal patterns in higher education, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing, especially in undergraduate programs.
The data also indicates a significant presence of white students across the demographic spectrum, accounting for a substantial portion of the total enrollment. However, it is essential to recognize the importance of fostering a more diverse environment that includes a variety of ethnic backgrounds. While the college serves a diverse population, the specific figures for racial breakdowns within the undergraduate and graduate segments are not fully detailed, suggesting an area for further exploration and transparency.
The representation of international students is particularly noteworthy, as they contribute to the richness of cultural perspectives on campus. However, the absence of complete data on their numbers limits a full understanding of their impact.
Overall, the data presents a college that is attracting a diverse student body, yet emphasizes the need for continued efforts in promoting inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups. As educational institutions strive for equity, understanding these demographics will be crucial in shaping policies and programs that cater to the needs of all students.
Age Demographics at Erie Community College in 2023
The age composition of students at Erie Community College in 2023 reveals significant trends in higher education participation across different age groups. Notably, the largest demographic is students under 18 years, with 610 male and 786 female students, indicating a strong interest among younger students in pursuing higher education. Following closely are the 18-19 age group, which has 1,185 male and 967 female students, reflecting the traditional college entry age.
Interestingly, as age increases, the number of students significantly declines. The 20-21 age group sees 703 male and 621 female students, while the 22-24 age bracket includes 439 male and 510 female students. This trend continues with older age groups, where participation sharply decreases—326 male and 450 female students aged 25-29; then 215 male and 334 female aged 30-34.
The data also highlights the continuing trend of older adults engaging in education, with 118 male and 185 female students aged 35-39, and 108 male and 171 female students in the 40-49 age group. However, the numbers dwindle considerably for the 50-64 age group (50 males and 53 females) and those over 65 (6 males and 6 females).
Overall, this demographic overview reflects broader national trends in community college enrollment, where younger students dominate the population, but there is an emerging presence of older adults pursuing degrees, likely driven by workforce development needs. As the job market continues to evolve, these trends suggest a growing recognition of lifelong learning and the importance of education at all ages.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
58 in 2025 · 1.2% in 2016
Data insights
Commentary on International Student Enrollment at Erie Community College
The data concerning international student enrollment at Erie Community College reveals notable trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students fluctuated, with an evident decline in recent years, dropping from a peak of 15,084 in 2011 to just 7,843 in 2023. Despite this overall decrease, the number of international students has seen some fluctuations, peaking at 139 in 2016, which corresponds to a significant increase in the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population.
In terms of percentage, the proportion of international students rose significantly, especially noticeable between 2015 and 2021, where it climbed from 0.90% to 1.67%. This increase may reflect Erie Community College's efforts to attract a more diverse student body, aligning with broader trends in higher education where institutions seek to enhance their global presence.
However, the sharp decline in total student enrollment in the last few years could indicate challenges faced by the institution, possibly exacerbated by the global pandemic and changing immigration policies that have impacted international student mobility. The drop to just 53 international students in 2022 before rebounding slightly to 64 in 2023 also suggests fluctuations in student interest or ability to study abroad.
Overall, while the institution has made strides in increasing the proportion of international students, the declining total enrollment figures raise questions about the future sustainability of this trend and the college's strategies for attracting international talent amidst a changing educational landscape.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$27,620
- Undergraduate tuition
- $11,300
- Room and board
- $16,320
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 15% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 220%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$105M
Expenses$82.4M
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 90 | - |
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Basketball | 19 | 12 |
| Ice Hockey | 24 | - |
| Bowling | 14 | 5 |
| Soccer | 17 | - |
| Softball | - | 13 |
| Cross Country | 11 | 2 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Swimming | 4 | 3 |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 50 | - |
| Baseball | 33 | - |
| Basketball | 19 | 11 |
| Ice Hockey | 29 | - |
| Soccer | 19 | - |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| Bowling | 7 | 5 |
| Swimming | 9 | 2 |
| Cross Country | 5 | 5 |
| Volleyball | - | 9 |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 87 | - |
| Baseball | 35 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 11 |
| Ice Hockey | 25 | - |
| Soccer | 21 | - |
| Bowling | 14 | 5 |
| Softball | - | 13 |
| Volleyball | - | 11 |
| Cross Country | 5 | 5 |
| Swimming | 4 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
D'Youville UniversityBuffalo · 1.7 mi
U.S. News #250
-
University at BuffaloBuffalo · 9.2 mi
U.S. News #85
-
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester · 62.2 mi
U.S. News #95
-
University of RochesterRochester · 65.0 mi
U.S. News #49
-
Gannon UniversityErie · 80.8 mi
U.S. News #219
-
Hobart and William Smith CollegesGeneva · 95.6 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Allegheny CollegeMeadville · 107.3 mi
Liberal Arts #85
-
Cornell UniversityIthaca · 125.1 mi
U.S. News #14
-
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse · 138.9 mi
U.S. News #72
Data insights
Here are some notable universities located near Erie Community College:
-
University at Buffalo - Ranked 76 in the 2024 US News, the University at Buffalo is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and is known for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
Rochester Institute of Technology - With a rank of 98, the Rochester Institute of Technology is well-regarded for its emphasis on technology and vocational training, providing students with practical skills and hands-on experience.
-
University of Rochester - Ranked 47, the University of Rochester is recognized for its strong research initiatives and esteemed programs in areas like medicine, music, and engineering.
-
Cornell University - As one of the Ivy League schools, Cornell University holds a prestigious rank of 12. It is renowned for its academic excellence and diverse range of programs.
-
Syracuse University - With a rank of 67, Syracuse University is known for its vibrant campus life and strong programs in communications, business, and public affairs.
-
Binghamton University - Ranked 73, Binghamton University is recognized for its academic rigor and strong student support services, making it a popular choice within the SUNY system.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities in diverse fields, making the area around Erie Community College a great place for higher education.
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 Rates at Erie Community College
The crime statistics at Erie Community College reveal a fluctuating landscape over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the average crime rate per 1000 students reached its peak in 2018 at 0.63 and saw a significant decline in subsequent years, with the last three years reporting no incidents. This downward trend is promising, suggesting that safety measures implemented on campus may be taking effect.
In 2013, the college recorded a total of five incidents, primarily involving gun-related arrests, which contributed to an average crime rate of 0.36. The subsequent years showed variability; for instance, the year 2015 marked a rise to 0.50, yet it was followed by a significant drop to 0.17 in 2016. The year 2018, despite being the highest in terms of crime rate, is particularly interesting because it also coincides with broader discussions about campus safety across the United States, especially in light of increasing awareness and advocacy for student safety.
The absence of reported crimes in 2020, 2021, and 2023 could indicate a positive trend, potentially reflecting the effectiveness of campus security measures or a change in student behavior. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and not become complacent, as crime can resurge, especially in academic settings where students may face various pressures.
Overall, the data suggests that while Erie Community College has faced challenges, the current trajectory is encouraging, and ongoing efforts to promote a safe educational environment should continue. For more insights on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
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.