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The State University of New York (SUNY) comprises a unique system of community colleges, two-year colleges of technology, specialized colleges, and traditional four-year colleges and universities. With 64 campuses enrolling close to 400,000 students, it is the nation's largest single, most diverse, multi-campus higher education system. The 30 locally sponsored Community Colleges under the program of State University of New York are the major entry point to the University for more than half of SUNY's student body.
The first of SUNY's community colleges was founded in 1948 as part of a nationwide movement to increase access to higher education. Since that time, the institution has rapidly expanded into a system of thirty colleges, distributed throughout New York State, and serving approximately 200,000 students a year. Today's community colleges are comprehensive, open-door institutions, committed to providing an affordable higher education of the highest quality. Why Choose a Community College? Community colleges are comprehensive in nature, offering transfer programs that parallel the first two years of a bachelor's degree, career training programs for business and industry, and continuing education courses. Students can pursue the associate degree in arts, science and applied science, and at some colleges, the associate in occupational science. Community colleges also offer a host of certificate programs designed to upgrade existing skills or retrain workers. Community colleges provide more than just the opportunity to enroll; they provide the tools to succeed in a supportive and safe environment. Small classes, professors whose primary job is to teach, rather than to do research or publish, and creative innovations like Weekend College, electronic classrooms and distance learning promote access to higher education and maximise flexibility for students. Students can find over 200 different career options at community colleges. Campus training facilities include dental clinics, technology facilities, automotive centers, science labs, computer centers and TV studios. Affordable Tuition Because community colleges receive much of their support from the State of New York and local governments, community college tuition is generally much lower than at private colleges and universities in the US. By attending a community college for their first two years and then transferring to the four-year college of their choice, students can save a considerable amount of money, compared with attending a private college for four years. Opportunity SUNY's community colleges serve a diverse student population. Flexible scheduling, quality programs, moderate tuition, the increased use of distance learning programs, and on-site daycare are some of the factors that students consider when enrolling in a community college. The features meet the diverse needs of students who are increasingly older, and often have family and employment commitments. Community College Faculty Community college faculty are by definition accessible and approachable to their students. Today's faculty member is part teacher, researcher, guidance counselor, and user of technology. Faculty are committed to student success, and focus on helping students reach their educational and career goals. Many are nationally recognized in their academic field, and others bring valuable work experience and practical insights to the classroom. New York State New York State is an ideal location for pursuing higher education. Located in the heart of the northeastern US, New York is the gateway to Canada as well as close to the major cities of Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC. New York is a state of contrasts. While New York City is one of the world's busiest financial and business centers, much of upstate New York is a rural patchwork of farmland, lakes and rolling hills. One of the most beautiful states in the US, the visitor to New York can travel to the lush Hudson Valley and picturesque Finger Lakes Region, hike the Adirondack Mountains, or take a boat ride along the famous Erie Canal. Niagara Falls and the Letchworth Gorge have impressed travelers since the first Indian settlers, while New York City has few rivals for excellent shopping, museums and cultural events. For more information on New York State community colleges, contact the specific campus or the Office of Community Colleges, State University of New York, USA (518) 443 5555, or visit our website at www.suny.edu. |
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