Overview
Founded in 1971 as part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, LaGuardia Community College was named after former New York City Mayor Fiorito LaGuardia. It was established with a mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to the diverse population of Long Island City, Queens, and has grown into one of the most ethnically diverse community colleges in the nation, serving students from over 150 countries. LaGuardia is particularly known for its strong career and technical education programs, robust ESL and adult education offerings, and successful transfer pathways to four-year institutions.
At a Glance
| Type | Community College |
| Location | Long Island City, New York |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Total students | 16,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open Admission |
| Graduation rate | 27% |
| Average starting salary | $38,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $5,730 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $9,600 |
| Room & board | N/A |
| Average financial aid | $6,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Liberal Arts
- Digital Media
- Culinary Arts
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.