In 2003, the college was named one of the Top 3 large community colleges in the U.S. by a national student poll.

The college offers 31 degree programs, 2 certificates and an Internship Program, where students explore career options through educational experiences in the workplace. Our academic programs are designed to provide a wide range of learning opportunities in the areas of academic achievement, personal growth and career preparation.

Degree programs can be geared to students who want to start working in that industry immediately after graduation or those who will transfer to 4-year colleges and go on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Students enter LaGuardia with varying levels of preparation. Therefore, our curriculum includes non-credit basic skills courses in Math, English, Reading and ESL for those who need extra attention in those areas, as well as our rapidly growing Honors Program.

The Honors Program features rigorous classes and is affiliated with the college’s Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, one of the largest chapters in the country.  Many students who start out in basic skills courses ultimately qualify for the Honors Program and after graduation transfer to top 4-year colleges.  This attests to the quality of a LaGuardia education and the dedication and fortitude of our faculty and students.

Academic opportunities for degree program students include our award-winning Learning Communities and Opening Sessions, Study Abroad, our Partnerships with Barnard College, Columbia University and Vassar College, enhanced Science and Computer Research, and free intensive basic skills classes for new students prior to their first semester.

Located in New York City’s most ethnically diverse borough, LaGuardia provides students with the advantages of a large college and the benefits of a smaller one, including nationally-recognized academic excellence.  The student body comes from over 150 countries and speaks more than 110 languages.

A LaGuardia degree opens the door to new opportunities, career change, personal growth and more money.  It can lead to an immediate (better) job after graduation. It's also a bridge to a Bachelor's Degree for many students who choose among our 30+ majors and save up to $40,000 in tuition by completing their first two years of study here. 

Some freshmen enter the college knowing exactly what their future goals are, including the field they want to major in, their educational plan and desired career. Others plan to use their time here to explore and refine their educational interests and career options.  Regardless of where you fall in that spectrum, you’ll find a home and a community at LaGuardia.

Finally, LaGuardia has the lowest college tuition in New York City.  50% of students also qualify for Financial Aid.  Because most of our students lead full, active lives, amidst jobs, family and community commitments, the college provides numerous support services to help nurture their academic success, including evening and weekend classes, free tutoring labs, and on-campus childcare which now includes a Pre-K through 2nd grade school. 

We, at the LaGuardia Office of Admissions, are ready to help you apply and enroll in the college.  We invite you to join our world.