Source: IPEDS, as of September 29, 2026. Cost is resident tuition plus required fees, 2023-24.
Associate Degrees in New York
31
Meet the Ranking Threshold
26
Median Resident Tuition and Fees
$6,694
With a Fully Online Option
13
General Studies Associate Degrees in New York
Twenty-six general studies associate degrees in New York meet the ranking threshold, 5 more sit below it, and the ranked list is entirely public: 20 SUNY community colleges plus six state-operated SUNY campuses, Farmingdale, Alfred, Delhi, Canton, Morrisville and Empire State University, at $7,630 to $8,862 a year in resident tuition and required fees for 2023-24. The five below the threshold include three private colleges, Manhattan University at $50,850, Pace University at $51,424 and Maria College of Albany at $17,680.
Farmingdale State College has the top score at 65.8, 69th in the national associate ranking, built on a 53% graduation rate and 166 degrees a year. Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson is second at 65.2, graduating 46% at $5,904. Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica is third at 55.6 with a fully online option, then Fulton-Montgomery at 53.7 and Hudson Valley and Empire State University tied at 53.3, also online. SUNY Alfred, at 51.7, has the highest graduation rate on the list at 55% on 19 degrees. The largest program is Suffolk County Community College in Selden, which awarded 950 degrees at a 29% graduation rate and scores 49.9, with Monroe Community College in Rochester next at 323.
Tuition and fees among the ranked community colleges run from $5,346 at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie to $7,470 at SUNY Broome, with Erie Community College in Buffalo the outlier at $11,300. Graduation rates run from Alfred's 55% and Farmingdale's 53% down to 23% at Broome and 26% at Tompkins Cortland.
The 26 Best General Studies Associate Degrees in New York
The best general studies associate degrees in New York are ranked below by their national score, from the national associate degree ranking. The number on each card is the program's place in New York. Each needed at least 10 graduates in the latest year to be ranked.
1
Farmingdale State College
New York
65.8- Public
- College graduation rate
- 53%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $8,576 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 166
About the Program
Some 10,039 students attend Farmingdale State College, a public college in Farmingdale, New York. It conferred 166 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 72% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. A 53% graduation rate puts the college at the 88th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Residents pay $8,576 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $18,486. Admission is selective enough to plan for, with 63% of applicants accepted. On the graduation rate of its college it does best, reaching the 88th percentile.
2
Columbia-Greene Community College
New York
65.2- Public
- College graduation rate
- 46%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,904 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 105
About the Program
Columbia-Greene Community College is a public community college in Hudson, New York that enrolls 1,616 students. Some 105 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 61% of the programs ranked alongside it. Across the whole college, 46% of students finish, which is a higher rate than 79% of the institutions behind this list. Expect tuition and fees of $5,904 a year as a resident and $11,160 otherwise. On the graduation rate of its college it does best, reaching the 79th percentile.
3
Mohawk Valley Community College
New York
55.6- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 38%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,114 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 111
About the Program
Mohawk Valley Community College is a public community college in Utica, New York that enrolls 5,940 students. Some 111 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 63% of the programs ranked alongside it. Of the students who start at Mohawk Valley Community College, 38% graduate, and that beats 59 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Tuition and fees run $6,114 a year in state against $8,695 out of state, so on price it sits at the 45th percentile. Nothing in the degree requires attending in person, since it is offered fully online. On the number of degrees it awards it does best, reaching the 63rd percentile.
4
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
New York
53.7- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 40%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,054 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 58
About the Program
Some 1,865 students attend Fulton-Montgomery Community College, a public community college in Johnstown, New York. During the most recent year on record it awarded 58 associate's degrees, a count at the 43rd percentile for size. Across the whole college, 40% of students finish, which is a higher rate than 65% of the institutions behind this list. Tuition and fees run $6,054 a year in state against $6,654 out of state, so on price it sits at the 46th percentile. Because the full degree is offered online, it is open to students well outside the region. Strongest of its measures is the graduation rate of its college, which lands at the 65th percentile.
5
Hudson Valley Community College
New York
53.3- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 35%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,694 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 188
About the Program
Hudson Valley Community College is a public community college in Troy, New York that enrolls 9,227 students. During the most recent year on record it awarded 188 associate's degrees, a count at the 74th percentile for size. Of the students who start at Hudson Valley Community College, 35% graduate, and that beats 51 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Expect tuition and fees of $6,694 a year as a resident and $11,750 otherwise. The degree can be finished entirely online, which suits anyone who cannot move or stop working. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 74th percentile.
6
Empire State University
New York
53.3- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 41%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $7,630 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 82
About the Program
Empire State University is a public university in Saratoga Springs, New York that enrolls 10,469 students. It conferred 82 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 52% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. A 41% graduation rate puts the college at the 68th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Expect tuition and fees of $7,630 a year as a resident and $17,540 otherwise. Nothing in the degree requires attending in person, since it is offered fully online. Its strongest mark is the graduation rate of its college, at the 68th percentile.
7
Jamestown Community College
New York
52.8- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 40%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,600 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 66
About the Program
Jamestown, New York is home to Jamestown Community College, a public community college of 4,054 students. During the most recent year on record it awarded 66 associate's degrees, a count at the 46th percentile for size. A 40% graduation rate puts the college at the 65th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Tuition and fees run $6,600 a year in state against $12,040 out of state, so on price it sits at the 41st percentile. Because the full degree is offered online, it is open to students well outside the region. Strongest of its measures is the graduation rate of its college, which lands at the 65th percentile.
8
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
New York
51.7- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 55%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $8,862 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 19
About the Program
Some 3,781 students attend SUNY College of Technology at Alfred, a public college in Alfred, New York. It conferred 19 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 15% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Across the whole college, 55% of students finish, which is a higher rate than 90% of the institutions behind this list. Residents pay $8,862 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $16,367. The degree can be finished entirely online, which suits anyone who cannot move or stop working. Getting in is not automatic, because 76% of applicants are admitted. What lifts it most is the graduation rate of its college, where it reaches the 90th percentile.
9
SUNY Adirondack
New York
51.0- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 37%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,528 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 87
About the Program
SUNY Adirondack is a public community college in Queensbury, New York that enrolls 2,576 students. The program's last federal report shows 87 associate's degrees conferred, so it is larger than 54 in every 100 programs measured here. Across the whole college, 37% of students finish, which is a higher rate than 56% of the institutions behind this list. Tuition and fees run $6,528 a year in state against $9,192 out of state, so on price it sits at the 41st percentile. Distance students can complete the whole degree online, so where you live matters less here. What lifts it most is the graduation rate of its college, where it reaches the 56th percentile.
10
Suffolk County Community College
New York
49.9- Public
- College graduation rate
- 29%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,440 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 950
About the Program
Suffolk County Community College is a public community college in Selden, New York that enrolls 19,973 students. During the most recent year on record it awarded 950 associate's degrees, a count at the 96th percentile for size. Of the students who start at Suffolk County Community College, 29% graduate, and that beats 29 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Tuition and fees are $6,440 a year for residents and $12,080 for students from out of state, which makes it cheaper than 42% of programs at this level. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 96th percentile.
11
Ulster County Community College
New York
48.9- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 34%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,376 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 96
About the Program
Ulster County Community College is a public community college in Stone Ridge, New York that enrolls 3,091 students. Some 96 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 57% of the programs ranked alongside it. A 34% graduation rate puts the college at the 48th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Tuition and fees are $6,376 a year for residents and $11,656 for students from out of state, which makes it cheaper than 43% of programs at this level. Nothing in the degree requires attending in person, since it is offered fully online. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 57th percentile.
12
Dutchess Community College
New York
48.4- Public
- College graduation rate
- 30%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,346 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 135
About the Program
Based in Poughkeepsie, New York, Dutchess Community College is a public community college with 6,606 students on its rolls. Some 135 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 68% of the programs ranked alongside it. Of the students who start at Dutchess Community College, 30% graduate, and that beats 33 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Residents pay $5,346 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $10,146. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 68th percentile.
13
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
New York
47.8- Public
- College graduation rate
- 45%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $8,710 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 25
About the Program
Delhi, New York is home to SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, a public college of 3,056 students. Some 25 associate's degrees were conferred in the last year on record, a bigger output than 21% of the programs ranked alongside it. Across the whole college, 45% of students finish, which is a higher rate than 77% of the institutions behind this list. Residents pay $8,710 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $12,480. Applicants are admitted at a rate of 89%, which leaves room for a rejection. Strongest of its measures is the graduation rate of its college, which lands at the 77th percentile.
14
Genesee Community College
New York
47.2- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 31%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,800 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 111
About the Program
Some 4,240 students attend Genesee Community College, a public community college in Batavia, New York. It conferred 111 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 63% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Its college-wide graduation rate is 31%, the 37th percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Tuition and fees run $5,800 a year in state against $6,400 out of state, so on price it sits at the 49th percentile. Nothing in the degree requires attending in person, since it is offered fully online. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 63rd percentile.
15
Herkimer County Community College
New York
47.0- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 35%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,776 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 47
About the Program
Some 1,971 students attend Herkimer County Community College, a public community college in Herkimer, New York. It conferred 47 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 37% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. A 35% graduation rate puts the college at the 51st percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Tuition and fees are $5,776 a year for every student, residents and nonresidents alike. Because the full degree is offered online, it is open to students well outside the region. Its strongest mark is the graduation rate of its college, at the 51st percentile.
16
Monroe Community College
New York
46.4- Public
- College graduation rate
- 27%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,856 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 323
About the Program
Rochester, New York is home to Monroe Community College, a public community college of 8,641 students. During the most recent year on record it awarded 323 associate's degrees, a count at the 84th percentile for size. Of the students who start at Monroe Community College, 27% graduate, and that beats 24 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Expect tuition and fees of $5,856 a year as a resident and $10,756 otherwise. What lifts it most is the number of degrees it awards, where it reaches the 84th percentile.
17
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
New York
42.3- Public
- College graduation rate
- 38%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $8,689 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 41
About the Program
Canton, New York is home to SUNY College of Technology at Canton, a public college of 3,459 students. It conferred 41 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 32% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Its college-wide graduation rate is 38%, the 59th percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Tuition and fees are $8,689 a year for residents and $15,173 for students from out of state, which makes it cheaper than 26% of programs at this level. Getting in is not automatic, because 92% of applicants are admitted. Strongest of its measures is the graduation rate of its college, which lands at the 59th percentile.
18
Sullivan County Community College
New York
38.8- Public
- College graduation rate
- 33%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,289 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 24
About the Program
Based in Loch Sheldrake, New York, Sullivan County Community College is a public community college with 1,527 students on its rolls. It conferred 24 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 20% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. A 33% graduation rate puts the college at the 45th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Expect tuition and fees of $6,289 a year as a resident and $11,761 otherwise. Strongest of its measures is the graduation rate of its college, which lands at the 45th percentile.
19
SUNY Corning Community College
New York
37.7- Public
- College graduation rate
- 34%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $5,966 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 13
About the Program
Some 3,720 students attend SUNY Corning Community College, a public community college in Corning, New York. It conferred 13 associate's degrees in the latest reported year, which is more than 7% of the associate's programs ranked at this level. Of the students who start at SUNY Corning Community College, 34% graduate, and that beats 48 in every 100 institutions on this measure. Tuition and fees are $5,966 a year for residents and $9,230 for students from out of state, which makes it cheaper than 48% of programs at this level. Its strongest mark is price, at the 48th percentile.
20
Onondaga Community College
New York
37.6- Public
- College graduation rate
- 27%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,042 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 81
About the Program
Onondaga Community College is a public community college in Syracuse, New York that enrolls 8,537 students. The program's last federal report shows 81 associate's degrees conferred, so it is larger than 52 in every 100 programs measured here. A 27% graduation rate puts the college at the 24th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Residents pay $6,042 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $11,332. Its strongest mark is the number of degrees it awards, at the 52nd percentile.
21
Tompkins Cortland Community College
New York
36.8- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 26%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,946 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 127
About the Program
Based in Dryden, New York, Tompkins Cortland Community College is a public community college with 4,958 students on its rolls. During the most recent year on record it awarded 127 associate's degrees, a count at the 67th percentile for size. Its college-wide graduation rate is 26%, the 21st percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Residents pay $6,946 a year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $12,831. Nothing in the degree requires attending in person, since it is offered fully online. On the number of degrees it awards it does best, reaching the 67th percentile.
22
Niagara County Community College
New York
35.3- Public
- College graduation rate
- 32%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,726 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 23
About the Program
Based in Sanborn, New York, Niagara County Community College is a public community college with 4,547 students on its rolls. During the most recent year on record it awarded 23 associate's degrees, a count at the 19th percentile for size. A 32% graduation rate puts the college at the 41st percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Tuition and fees are $6,726 a year for residents and $11,862 for students from out of state, which makes it cheaper than 40% of programs at this level. Its strongest mark is the graduation rate of its college, at the 41st percentile.
23
Erie Community College
New York
34.8- Public
- College graduation rate
- 28%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $11,300 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 185
About the Program
Erie Community College is a public community college in Buffalo, New York that enrolls 8,090 students. The program's last federal report shows 185 associate's degrees conferred, so it is larger than 74 in every 100 programs measured here. Across the whole college, 28% of students finish, which is a higher rate than 26% of the institutions behind this list. Residents and nonresidents are both charged $11,300 a year in tuition and fees. Its strongest mark is the number of degrees it awards, at the 74th percentile.
24
Jefferson Community College
New York
32.9- Public
- Fully Online Option
- College graduation rate
- 28%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $6,048 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 33
About the Program
Some 2,319 students attend Jefferson Community College, a public community college in Watertown, New York. During the most recent year on record it awarded 33 associate's degrees, a count at the 28th percentile for size. Its college-wide graduation rate is 28%, the 26th percentile, because the federal record tracks completion by institution. Tuition and fees are $6,048 a year for every student, residents and nonresidents alike. Because the full degree is offered online, it is open to students well outside the region. Strongest of its measures is price, which lands at the 47th percentile.
25
SUNY Broome Community College
New York
32.3- Public
- College graduation rate
- 23%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $7,470 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 111
About the Program
Some 5,327 students attend SUNY Broome Community College, a public community college in Binghamton, New York. During the most recent year on record it awarded 111 associate's degrees, a count at the 63rd percentile for size. Across the whole college, 23% of students finish, which is a higher rate than 15% of the institutions behind this list. Tuition and fees run $7,470 a year in state against $12,942 out of state, so on price it sits at the 33rd percentile. On the number of degrees it awards it does best, reaching the 63rd percentile.
26
SUNY Morrisville
New York
27.2- Public
- College graduation rate
- 28%
- In-state tuition and fees
- $8,769 a year
- Degrees awarded, latest year
- 38
About the Program
Based in Morrisville, New York, SUNY Morrisville is a public college with 2,186 students on its rolls. During the most recent year on record it awarded 38 associate's degrees, a count at the 31st percentile for size. A 28% graduation rate puts the college at the 26th percentile, though that figure counts every student who started there and not this degree alone. Expect tuition and fees of $8,769 a year as a resident and $19,189 otherwise. Admission is selective enough to plan for, with 92% of applicants accepted. On the number of degrees it awards it does best, reaching the 31st percentile.
Other General Studies Associate Degrees in New York
The other general studies associate degrees in New York awarded fewer than 10 degrees in the latest year or did not report a figure the ranking uses, so they are listed here without a score. That says something about size and nothing on its own about quality.
| College | Degrees Awarded | Graduation Rate | Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinton Community College, Plattsburgh | 6 | 37% | $6,831 |
| Manhattan University, Riverdale | 5 | 64% | $50,850 |
| Maria College of Albany, Albany | 4 | 30% | $17,680 |
| Pace University, New York | 3 | 60% | $51,424 |
| Trocaire College, Buffalo | 1 | 31% | $19,820 |
Source: IPEDS, as of September 29, 2026. Graduation rate is the college's, for first-time, full-time students.
How Much Does a General Studies Associate Degree Cost in New York?
A general studies associate degree in New York costs $6,694 a year in resident tuition and required fees at the median of the 31 programs for 2023-24, and the ranked community colleges sit in a narrow band around it. Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie is the low end at $5,346, then Herkimer at $5,776, Genesee at $5,800, Monroe at $5,856 and Columbia-Greene at $5,904, with most of the rest between $6,042 at Onondaga and $7,470 at SUNY Broome. Erie Community College in Buffalo, at $11,300, charges more than twice Dutchess's rate. The six state-operated SUNY campuses run from $7,630 at Empire State to $8,862 at Alfred.
Two state programs fit this level. Part-Time TAP, from 2025-26, covers students enrolled in at least 3 but fewer than 12 credits of degree-applicable coursework. SUNY Reconnect is narrower than it sounds: the state pays free tuition, fees, books and supplies for eligible adults ages 25 to 55 to pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field, and the 2026-27 budget expanded it to include eligible associate degree programs at bachelor's-granting institutions. Ask the college whether its general studies associate counts as high-demand before you plan around it.
Will a General Studies Associate Degree Transfer in New York?
A general studies associate degree in New York transfers with a guarantee attached when it's an A.A. or A.S. from a SUNY or CUNY two-year college and you're a resident: SUNY says such graduates are guaranteed an opportunity to continue their education on a full-time basis at a baccalaureate campus within SUNY. The general education you finished travels with you, because satisfactorily completed general education requirements at one SUNY campus will meet the same requirement at another SUNY campus. And courses on an approved SUNY Transfer Path are guaranteed to transfer as courses in the major or required cognates, not just as electives, if completed with the grade of C or better. For a general studies associate, that last rule is the one to check, since the degree isn't built around one major and only the courses that sit on a Transfer Path carry the major-credit guarantee.
The guarantee also runs backward. SUNY Reverse Transfer lets you use credits from a four-year SUNY campus to earn an associate degree at your former SUNY community college, as long as your credits were earned within the last 10 years. If you left Suffolk, Monroe or Hudson Valley a semester short and finished the credits at a four-year campus, the general studies associate can still be awarded, which matters if the bachelor's stalls.
What Do Jobs With a General Studies Associate Degree Pay in New York?
Jobs open to a general studies associate degree in New York pay the state medians below, from the May 2025 federal wage survey, with the national median beside each for comparison. Each row links to the salary guide for that job.
How to Choose a General Studies Associate Degree Program in New York
Completion rate is the first filter for a general studies associate degree program in New York, because 19 of the 20 ranked community colleges charge between $5,346 and $7,470 and graduation rates run from 55% to 23%. Alfred, Farmingdale, Columbia-Greene and Delhi all graduate 45% or more. Suffolk, Monroe, Onondaga, Erie, Jefferson, Morrisville and Broome all graduate under 30%, and Suffolk and Monroe are also the two largest programs, which is the trade-off the data shows: the biggest campuses finish the smallest share of their students.
The second filter is the state-operated rate against the community college rate. Farmingdale at $8,576 and Alfred at $8,862 justify it with the two highest graduation rates, while Morrisville charges $8,769 and graduates 28%. Twelve ranked programs offer a fully online option, led on score by Mohawk Valley and Fulton-Montgomery and on completion by Alfred at 55% and Empire State at 41%. If you plan to continue to a bachelor's, ask whether the degree is an A.A. or A.S., since SUNY's guarantee of a full-time place at a SUNY baccalaureate campus is written for those two awards, and ask which of your courses sit on an approved Transfer Path for the major you want.
If you plan to finish a bachelor's in the state, the general studies bachelor's degrees in New York have their own page.
Common Questions About General Studies Associate Degrees in New York
Which New York General Studies Associate Degree Has the Lowest Tuition and Fees?
Where Do the Most Students Finish a General Studies Associate Degree in New York?
How Many New York General Studies Associate Degrees Are Online?
Is a General Studies Associate Degree in New York Free Under SUNY Reconnect?
Do SUNY's Four-Year Colleges Offer a General Studies Associate Degree in New York?
Where Do the Figures on This New York Page Come From?
- Transfer Basics (Seamless Transfer)
- Reverse Transfer
- Part-Time TAP Eligibility and Certification
- Governor Hochul Announces Major Expansion of SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect Programs (June 15, 2026)
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, state estimates