Erie Community College: Tuition, Fees, and Comprehensive Guide

Erie Community College (ECC) provides accessible and affordable educational opportunities for individuals seeking post-secondary education, whether on a part-time or full-time basis. This comprehensive guide delves into the tuition, fees, and various aspects of enrollment at ECC.

Admission and Matriculation

Students aiming for an associate degree or certificate must be formally admitted into a degree or certificate program, becoming a matriculated student. To matriculate, students are generally required to take the college’s placement test unless they have been granted a waiver based on previous college coursework, test scores, or high school average. Waivers are determined by an admissions counselor who evaluates the students’ transcripts during the admission process. If waived, students will receive a letter detailing their waiver status, which may apply to all or part of the placement test.

All admission decisions are conditional, pending official proof of graduation from an accredited high school or proof of HSE (High School Equivalency), including the certificate and scores. Students may also enroll as non-matriculated, taking courses for personal fulfillment without pursuing a degree or certificate.

Placement Testing

Incoming students are typically required to take an English Placement Test Battery, consisting of reading and writing sections. Students who score below a minimal level on either section may be required to take EN 022 - Improving College Reading & Writing. Exemption from the English Placement Test Battery is granted to students receiving a score of three or better on the Advanced Placement Exam and should request to be waived from the English Placement Test Battery. Students who have taken and passed (C- or better) a college-level English course or the New York State Regents ELA course with an 85 or better on the final exam within the last ten years, should also request the placement test be waived.

It is very important that you do your very best on these tests so that you will have an accurate measure of your academic skills. The results of the placement test are used in conjunction with your academic background, goals and interests are used by an academic advisor to determine your course selection. You cannot “pass” or “fail” the placement test.

ECC also offers a paper-and-pencil version of the ACCUPLACER test, known as the Companion to ACCUPLACER, available upon request. For students residing more than a two-hour drive from an SUNY Erie campus, Remote Location Testing is available at another academic institution or testing center.

Non-Credit Courses

English EN 031 and EN 041 are non-credit courses that may be used to meet the credit requirements of any scholarship, financial aid, or immigration program. They may also be used as credit hours toward the requirements for participation on athletic teams. However, they may not be used as electives toward graduation and may not be substituted for any English requirement of any curriculum.

Application and Enrollment

Erie Community College accepts online admissions applications, including those from international students. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment from one sequential semester to another must complete an Admissions Reactivation Application. Those who have not registered for courses in the past five years may apply for a Fresh Start status. Approved students may receive credit for only previous courses with a “C” grade or better which meet degree requirements for a new program of study and are intended for students who experienced academic difficulties during their previous enrollment.

After notification of dismissal, students may register for up to 11.5 credit hours at the college as a non-matriculated student. Non-matriculated students are ineligible for financial aid. Tuition and fees will be the responsibility of the student since they are no longer eligible for financial aid. Students may appeal the dismissal decision for matriculation by completing an Academic Dismissal packet. The Academic Standards Committee reviews completed packets monthly.

Applications remain incomplete until all requested documents are received. While reporting certain information is required, these reasons are not automatic grounds for denial of admission. The Admissions Review Committee meets monthly, considering applicants whose documentation was received two weeks prior to the meeting.

Read also: SUNY Erie Community College

Students with Disabilities

In compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008, Erie Community College does not discriminate against people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are required to meet the same admission requirements for their academic programs as individuals with non-disabilities. Individuals who require assistance with alternative testing techniques for the Placement Test due to a disability may arrange for such assistance by contacting the Student Access Center on the campus where they plan to take the test. Alternatives include large print copy, scribes, readers, extended time, interpreters, etc. Individuals who have vision problems, learning disabilities, hearing impairments, etc., who did not have any accommodations made for them at the time of the Placement Test, and therefore, performed poorly on it or who were notified that they do not appear to be eligible for admission can submit documentation of their disability to the campus Student Access Center so that their application can be given a second and more in-depth review. Submission of such information is voluntary and will be kept confidential. Knowledge of an individual’s disability will not adversely affect admission to the college. Individuals who check the voluntary self-identification of disability box on the SUNY application form must still contact the Student Access Center to arrange for services.

Notification

Applicants are typically notified within 3-4 weeks once their file is complete with all necessary documentation. All incoming students are required to take their determined placement test. Students who score at an inappropriate level on the placement test will be contacted by an SUNY Erie staff person to discuss available options.

Support for Veterans and Military Personnel

Erie Community College is committed to supporting reservists, veterans, and their families. Faculty and staff receive ongoing training to facilitate the readjustment from military service to academic life. Each campus has a dedicated office staffed with a school certifying official to certify educational benefits under the GI Bill. Military transfer credits are accepted and reviewed for possible credit toward degree completion. Scholarship opportunities are available for veterans, and additional grants may be obtained through the Financial Aid Office.

ECC is an institutional member of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium, easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and experiences. SUNY Erie has also been designated as a participating institution in the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP), where individuals entering military service can receive preliminary acceptance and be guaranteed a space upon discharge.

International Students

Erie Community College provides international student advisors located in the International Student Services office at the North Campus in Williamsville, New York, to ensure a smooth transition for international students.

Read also: The Behrend College Experience

Requirements for International Students

English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and scoring a minimum of 48 internet-based (460 paper-based). Canadian citizens attending an English language high school do not require TOEFL or IELTS but will be required to take SUNY Erie’s English placement test.
Adequate Finances: International students must demonstrate that they can adequately finance their stay in the United States to obtain an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student from Erie Community College and present it to the U.S. Embassy when applying for an F-1 student visa.
Full-time Enrollment: All F-1 international students must maintain enrollment of at least 12 credit hours continuously throughout each entire semester, with at least 9 credit hours in regular seated courses (not internet, hybrid, or distance learning courses).
Required Documents: Applicants must submit an original high school diploma or graduation certificate (certified true copies accepted with each page stamped and signed by the official) and an original high school transcript showing classes taken and grades received (certified true copies accepted with each page stamped and signed by the official). All documents must be in English or accompanied by a notarized translation.
F-1 Visa: Prior to arriving in the United States, all international students (except Canadians) must obtain an F-1 visa from the U.S. Embassy in their home country. Canadian students do not need to apply for an F-1 visa.

Limited Enrollment Programs

Certain academic programs, such as Health Sciences (Dental Hygiene, Nursing, etc.), require advance submission of a completed application. These programs are competitive, have limited enrollments, and may require pre-requisites. Acceptance is based on criteria such as grades and courses already taken. International Student Services does not guarantee acceptance into these programs. Students must understand the conditions, dates, deadlines, and additional requirements for these programs.

Honors Program

The Honors Program at Erie Community College is open to both full- and part-time students in any degree program. To graduate with recognition from the Honors Program, students must complete at least three Honors courses and a capstone experience. Students will select three Honors-designated courses, with the option to take one Honors course in the student’s major area of study. Students may apply to the Erie Community College Honors Program at the time of their admission to the college, or in subsequent semesters. Although a student’s academic record is strongly considered in admitting students to the program, it is not the only consideration. Those students with the ability and a keen interest in education are also encouraged to apply. Admission to the program is through the Honors Coordinator, and a personal interview is recommended.

Transfer Options and Articulation Agreements

Erie Community College offers several pathways for students looking to transfer to four-year institutions:

Articulation Agreements: These agreements allow students to earn college credit by successfully completing a course in high school. Articulation agreements are high school courses that equal entry level college courses. Project Lead the Way is a sequence of courses offered at the high school and BOCES centers for pre-engineering students.
Joint Admissions: Students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in selected areas may begin their program at SUNY Erie. Interested students must indicate their interest in Joint Admissions by the end of their first semester of attendance. (Transfer students are not eligible for this option.) The specific four-year unit and intended major must be included in the SUNY Erie application. Final acceptance will be verified upon receipt of an acceptance letter from the Admission Office of the four-year unit. There is a transfer counselor at each SUNY Erie campus who can further explain the program. Additional Joint admissions agreements are being negotiated.
Major to Major Articulation Agreement: This is an agreement between a specific major at SUNY Erie and a specific major at a four year college. This type of agreement informs students that a major taken at SUNY Erie is an appropriate match for the major a student intends on transferring into at the four year college.
Course to Course Articulation Agreement: This is an agreement between a particular department at SUNY Erie and a particular department at a four college. Both departments have agreed that a certain course taken at SUNY Erie will transfer as an equivalent match for a course at the four year college.
Dual Admission Articulation Agreement (sometimes called joint admission): This is a special type of major to major articulation agreement for a ‘first time’ college student with no more than 30 credits already completed at SUNY Erie.

Acceptance to all four year college programs is always dependent upon meeting minimum grade point average requirements.

Tuition and Fees

Erie Community College offers relatively affordable tuition compared to other institutions. The in-state tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $5,722, while out-of-state tuition and fees were $10,769. By 2023, the undergraduate tuition was $5,200, which is $−3,053 less than the national average for Associates Colleges ($8,253).

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the total estimated expenses for one academic year at a college. As an estimate, the COA assists students in developing a budget necessary to cover the expenses for attending college and is used during the financial aid process to determine eligibility to receive student aid.

Additional Costs

Beyond tuition, students should anticipate expenses for books and supplies, which averaged $1,100 in 2020-2021 and $1,600 in 2023. Other costs include personal expenses and transportation.

Financial Aid

At Erie Community College, 49 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, with the average scholarship or grant award being $6,515. In 2023, 43% of undergraduate students attending Erie Community College received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 20% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.

Payment Plans

ECC offers payment plans to help students spread tuition and fees over time, making college more affordable. These plans are available for fall, spring, and summer terms (not winter session).

Refunds

EC3 utilizes a pro-rated refund system that considers the length of the class and when the withdrawal occurs to determine the refund amount owed back to the student.

Academic Environment

Erie Community College operates on a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 17-to-1. The highest degree offered at Erie Community College is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. The Registrar’s Office is responsible for all student records.

Academic Programs

Students can earn degrees and certificates in 87 different fields. Popular programs include General Studies, Business Administration and Management, General, and Social Sciences, General. In 2023, the most common associates degree concentration at Erie Community College was General Studies with 221 degrees awarded.

Campus Life

Erie Community College does not have on-campus student housing. However, the college offers various campus services, including employment services, academic/career counseling, placement services for completers, and on-campus day care for students' children.

Key Statistics (2022-2023)

Total Enrollment: 7,618 (2023)
Full-time Enrollment: 4,396 (2023)
Part-time Enrollment: 3,222 (2023)
In-State Tuition & Fees: $5,722 (2020-2021)
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $10,769 (2020-2021)
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,200 (2023)
Average Net Price: $5,740 (2023)
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduation Rate: 27.1% (2023)
Default Rate on Student Loans: 0% (2021)

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