About Tompkins Cortland Community College
Founded in 1968, Tompkins Cortland Community College is one of 30 community colleges and 64 campuses in the State University of New York system. Located in Dryden, the college serves more than three thousand students in credit programs and another three thousand in non-credit workshops and customized training. It is known for its commitment to academics and providing community support to students.
The college offers programs for associate’s degrees and certificates in areas such as nursing, business administration, criminal justice, chemical dependency counseling, new media, sports management, culinary arts, sustainable farming and food systems, wine marketing, and liberal arts programs. Tompkins Cortland students study both full-time and part-time, and the college is a leader in online education. The college operates extension centers in Ithaca and Cortland.
Tompkins-Cortland online degrees are flexible, fitting into your schedule instead of your schedule revolving around them. They offer the affordability of a community college and a robust online learning experience with faculty experienced in online teaching.
Accreditation & Licensing
Tompkins Cortland Community College is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
2-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Associate's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 7,983 ; Graduate: Not applicablePercent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 10% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
26%Transfer Rate:
18%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$40,707Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$15,750Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
89%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$2,219Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Tompkins Cortland Community College
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
TC3 is a practical first step for students who plan to transfer. It helps you finish general education classes at a steady community college pace. Many students build a clear path here, then move on to a four-year school.
Students often finish faster when they use support early. TC3 offers free tutoring, including help in required statistics. That support can keep a tough class from slowing your timeline.
Cost is a big reason families choose TC3. Many see real savings by starting here, then transferring. For many students, the best value comes from this transfer-first plan.
At TC3, support works best when students connect with staff and faculty early. From application through classwork, many students find clear, steady help. Professors often know students by name and take time to help them do well. That personal contact can make daily school life feel less stressful.
Academic support is practical and easy to use. Free tutoring is a big plus, including help for required statistics. Students can get real help when classes get hard. Class experience can vary by instructor, especially around response time and grade updates, but strong support is a clear part of the TC3 experience.
Online classes at TC3 can feel different from one course to the next. Communication with instructors may vary, and some classes feel more direct than others.
A strong point at TC3 is the faculty. Professors are often described as knowledgeable, caring, and active in teaching.
If you do well with clear class plans and steady independent work, TC3’s online courses can be a good fit.
At TC3, teaching is a clear strength. Professors know their subjects well and bring real work experience to class. Lessons feel practical, not just theoretical. Small group discussion is used in some classes, which helps students learn at a steady pace.
A Business Law course taught by an attorney is a good example of hands-on instruction. Students also get solid support outside class. Free tutoring, including help in statistics, helps students stay on track in hard courses. Library staff and advising support guide students from application through their classes. Some frustrations come from areas outside instruction, but classroom teaching remains TC3’s most reliable strength.
TC3 is a practical place to start college. Teaching is a clear strength. Professors know their subjects and stay involved. Many classes tie lessons to real jobs.
Learning feels hands-on, not just from a textbook. Academic support is part of daily life. Free tutoring is available, including statistics. That helps students stay on track in a tough class.
Staff support often begins in admissions and continues in class. TC3 can be a smart low-cost first step, especially for transfer plans. Online classes offer flexibility for busy schedules. Course setup and communication can differ by instructor, so class experience may vary.
TC3 is a practical place to start college. Teaching is a clear strength. Professors know their subjects and stay involved. Many classes tie lessons to real jobs.
Learning feels hands-on, not just from a textbook. Academic support is part of daily life. Free tutoring is available, including statistics. That helps students stay on track in a tough class.
Staff support often begins in admissions and continues in class. TC3 can be a smart low-cost first step, especially for transfer plans. Online classes offer flexibility for busy schedules. Course setup and communication can differ by instructor, so class experience may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tompkins Cortland Community College
Is Tompkins Cortland Community College accredited?
Yes. Tompkins Cortland Community College is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Tompkins Cortland Community College offer?
Tompkins Cortland Community College offers 12 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Tompkins Cortland Community College offer?
Tompkins Cortland Community College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Tompkins Cortland Community College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Tompkins Cortland Community College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Tompkins Cortland Community College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Tompkins Cortland Community College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Tompkins Cortland Community College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Tompkins Cortland Community College military friendly?
Tompkins Cortland Community College does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Tompkins Cortland Community College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Tompkins Cortland Community College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Tompkins Cortland Community College accept life experience credit?
Tompkins Cortland Community College does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Tompkins Cortland Community College programs fully online or mixed?
Tompkins Cortland Community College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Tompkins Cortland Community College offer?
Tompkins Cortland Community College has online program options in areas such as Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Computer Science & IT, and Art & Liberal Arts; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Tompkins Cortland Community College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Placement Test. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Tompkins Cortland Community College?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Tompkins Cortland Community College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Tompkins Cortland Community College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Tompkins Cortland Community College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Tompkins Cortland Community College programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Tompkins Cortland Community College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Tompkins Cortland Community College is featured in 8 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Tompkins Cortland Community College is located in New York
New York at a Glance:
Top Majors in New York:
Top Incentives in New York:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Up to $5,665 annually
- Excelsior Scholarship: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in New York:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($85,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($130,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($200,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, Series 7, Series 63