Admissions & Registration

Admissions

Erie Community College provides quality and affordable educational opportunities for all eligible applicants who are seeking post-secondary education on either a part-time or full-time basis. Retention, graduation rates, and transfer information are all indicators of student success and are available in the college’s Institutional Research and  Assessment Accreditation and Planning department, North Campus Room G-104.

General Information on Admissions Policies

Erie Community College admits applicants based upon two categories of Admissions: matriculated or non-matriculated.

Students interested in earning an associate degree, certificate, or microcredential must be matriculated in an academic degree program. 

A student who seeks to matriculate is required to take the college’s placement test or must be granted a placement testing waiver. Matriculation, once granted, remains in effect as long as the student has continuous sequential enrollment at the college and is in good academic standing.

Applicants wishing to seek matriculation will need to:

• complete the matriculated application online by visiting https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-apply.html and selecting “Apply Now”;
• submit official high school and college transcripts OR High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE) to the Admissions Office. Please have the transcripts sent directly to the Admissions Office (admissions@ecc.edu); and
• take any required Placement Tests unless you have been granted a waiver (See https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/course-placement-chart.html).

All admission decisions are conditional based upon official proof of graduation from an accredited high school or proof of HSE (High School Equivalency), including the certificate and scores. Final placement in a degree or certificate program is dependent upon the results of the required English and Math Placement Test.

Admission of Non-Matriculated Students

Non-matriculated students are students who have not applied or been accepted into a degree or certificate program or have not met the minimum standards for matriculation. This classification excludes students from qualifying for financial aid grants and graduation until they meet the requirements for matriculation. On the application please choose “I want to take some classes (Non-Degree)” option to apply as a non-matriculated student. 

Placement Testing

SUNY Erie primarily places students based on their previous academic achievements. This includes High School GPA and TASC/GED exam scores. Please submit your transcripts during your application process.  Students who are not native English speakers may need to take the ESL placement test.

**Some competitive programs may require additional assessments.

Students not placed on previous academic achievements and need to take a placement exam will be placed according to the following criteria:

SUNY Erie Course Placement

Accommodated Testing is available for students with disabilities who require placement testing.  An interview with the campus Student Access Center must take place prior to scheduling the accommodated test. Student Access Centers:  City: (716) 851-1189; North: (716) 851-1495; South: (716) 851-1933.

Minimum Competencies in English

Students who place or score below specified minimums on the reading and writing portion of an assessment must successfully improve their reading and writing skills to achieve a minimum level required for placement into EN031/EN041 or higher (EAL students). Students who are placed into EN031/EN041 or higher must successfully pass the course prior to enrolling in most 100-level or higher college English courses.

Minimum Competencies in Mathematics

Students who place or score below specified minimums on any of the multiple measures of math proficiency must successfully complete any required prerequisite developmental or co-requisite math course required by their major.

Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) The purpose of the ATB requirements is to ensure the effective use of financial aid funds and to help align admission requirements, level of curricula, and academic support. A student seeking State financial aid (including NYS TAP) for the first time must pass a federally approved ATB test identified by the Board of Regents if the student does not possess a U.S. high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Minimum passing ATB scores: ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading 233, Writing 235

For more information and details on placement testing, please go to:  SUNY Erie Placement Testing

Online Admissions Applications

Erie Community College accepts online admissions applications and online international applications. Complete your application from our Applications page.  If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Admissions Office.

Readmission to SUNY Erie

Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment from one sequential semester to another must complete a new application for admissions. Once the application is processed, the student will receive an acceptance letter through the mail and notification of acceptance in the student’s Workday account.

Academic Forgiveness Programs

Students will be given the opportunity to improve their academic standing in order to graduate under the following programs - Fresh Start and 36 Credit Hour Adjustment. Fresh Start is granted to students after an extended break in attendance. The 36 Credit Hour Adjustment program assists students who change their major and are pursuing a new degree. Requests for academic forgiveness must be approved by the Divisional Dean.

To apply for Academic Forgiveness: 

Step 1: Complete the online application. 

Step 2: Contact the Student Support Services Center to make an appointment to meet with a Counselor to review the full policy language and complete the student letter of petition. A counselor must review your appeal, sign the letter of petition, and provide the Academic Review Committee with comments and recommendations. 

Student Support Services Center Phone Numbers: 

• City Campus: (716) 851-1188 
  North Campus: (716) 851-1488 
  South Campus: (716) 851-1688 

• Dean of Students email: dos@ecc.edu 

Readmission of Students Having Been Academically Dismissed

After notification of dismissal, students may register for up to 11.5 credit hours at the college as a non-matriculated student. Academically dismissed students will need to reapply for admission as a non-matriculated student by completing an application online at https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-apply.html

Please note, non-matriculated students are not eligible 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 Student Petition. Petitions may be obtained by contacting the Student Support Services Centers on their campus. Completed petitions must be returned to the Student Support Services Centers. The Academic Standards Committee will review all completed petitions on a monthly basis. All appeal decisions will be mailed to the student after each monthly meeting. 

For more information, or to obtain an Academic Dismissal packet please contact the Student Support Services Centers.

Admissions Review Process for Disciplinary Dismissals from Previous Colleges or Universities

Persons reporting disciplinary dismissals and/or expulsions from previous colleges or universities will need to submit:

• a letter from the previous institution of higher education stating the violation and disciplinary dismissal; and
• a letter of explanation from the applicant stating specifically the student code of conduct violation or infraction.

Applications will remain incomplete and admission decisions will not be considered until the requested documents have been received. Although it is required to report such information, please know these reasons are not automatic grounds for denial of admission. Once all of the information is received, the Admissions Review Panel will meet and make a decision on admittance.

The Admissions Review Committee meets once a month. Only those applicants whose documentation was received in the Admissions Office two weeks prior to the next meeting will be forwarded to the committee. No application for admission to SUNY Erie shall be denied by reason of the applicant having been expelled and/or dismissed from college for disciplinary reasons unless:

• there is a direct relationship between the SUNY Erie campus community and one or more of the previous criminal offenses and/or dismissals or expulsions; or
• the granting of admission to SUNY Erie would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public.

Applicants dismissed or expelled from college for disciplinary reasons must meet the same admissions requirements expected of all entering students. Among those factors that will be included in the admission decision are:

• the seriousness of the offense(s) and/or dismissal or expulsion;
• any information produced by the applicant, or produced on the applicant’s behalf, in regard to his/her rehabilitation and good conduct;
• the legitimate interest of the college in protecting property, and the safety and welfare of specific individuals or the general public;
• a certificate of good conduct issued to the applicant, which shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offense or offenses specified therein;
• appropriateness of the applicant’s background for the academic program requested; and
• the relationship between dismissal or expulsion and the availability of rehabilitative and other services at the college.

A campus Admissions Review Committee consisting of three Admissions Counselors, the Director of Admissions or designee, and two Deans of Students will be responsible for reviewing all applications of applicants who fall into the categories stated.

If the committee finds that the person’s admission would involve an unreasonable risk to property or the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public as outlined in the Education Law, the applicant will be informed that his or her admission has been denied with no reason given. Under Section 754, should the applicant request it, a written statement of reasons for the denial shall be provided within 30 days of the request.

If the committee does not find that an unreasonable risk exists, the applicant will be notified by the Office of Admissions that he or she has passed the special screening required by college policy.

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. Admission of any student to an individual program of study is contingent upon successful completion of the college’s Placement Test. 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. Additional information on the Student Access Center may be found in the Student Services Section  of this catalog.

SUNY Admissions Procedure

Applicants may apply directly to SUNY Erie by visiting https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-apply.html and completing the application at no cost. Applicants may also apply via SUNY. All incoming students are required to take their determined placement test or receive a waiver. Location information for all SUNY Erie Admissions offices is as follows:

SUNY Erie City Campus
Admissions Office
45 Oak Street
Buffalo, NY 14203-2698
(716) 851-1155

SUNY Erie North Campus
Admissions Office
6205 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221-7095
(716) 851-1455

SUNY Erie South Campus
Admissions Office
4041 Southwestern Boulevard
Orchard Park, NY 14127-2199
(716) 851-1655

(International Application)
SUNY Erie North Campus
International Student Office, S-203
6205 Main St.
 

Certificate Programs

Students who plan to enroll full-time or part-time in a college certificate program must complete the same application process and requirements as students applying to a degree program.

SUNY Erie Microcredentials

Microcredentials are concise, targeted qualifications that equip you with in-demand skills, knowledge, and experience. These stackable credentials can also serve as a stepping stone toward a certificate or a full degree. 

Students who plan to enroll full-time or part-time in a microcredential must complete the same application process and requirements as students applying to a degree program. 

Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

With the option of choosing from numerous degree or certificate programs available during the day, evening, weekend, or online, SUNY Erie Community College is the first choice among veterans in Western New York for job readiness training or beginning their education with the intention of transferring to a four-year institution.

To address the specific needs of reservists, veterans, and their family members, faculty and staff are provided with ongoing training to ease the readjustment from service to scholar. In addition to the numerous support services available, each of the three campuses has a dedicated office staffed with a school-certifying official to certify educational benefits under the GI Bill®. Military transfer credits are also accepted and reviewed for possible credit toward degree completion. Scholarship opportunities are offered for veterans and additional grants may be obtained through the Financial Aid Office. 

In honor of the service of our Nation’s Veterans receiving tuition through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA, SUNY Erie Community College does not prevent or delay enrollment, assess late fees, require the student to secure alternative or additional funding, or deny access to resources, classes, or facilities available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fees bill. 

To qualify for this provision, such students are required to produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class, complete a written request to be certified, and comply with all institutional policies for academic progress and attendance.

International Students

To provide a smooth transition for international students, SUNY Erie Community College provides international student advisement located in the International Student Services office at the North Campus in Williamsville, New York. Prior to class registration, the adviser will guide the student through the SUNY Erie application requirements and U.S. F-1 visa process, including the issuance of the I-20 A-B Certificate of Eligibility.

English Proficiency: Prior to an international student’s acceptance at the college, the applicant 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). An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 5.5 or a Duolingo score of 85 is also acceptable.

• Canadians: Canadian citizens attending an English language high school do not require TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test but will be required to take SUNY Erie’s English placement test. 

Required English Classes: All students with a TOEFL score less than 80 internet-based (551 paper-based), IELTS score less than 6.5, or Duolingo score less than 105 are mandated to take EN132 Reading/Writing III and EN142 Oral/Aural III during the first semester at SUNY Erie.

Adequate Finances: International students must demonstrate that they can adequately finance their stay in the United States. Financial sponsor documentation is required with the SUNY Erie application and for the U.S. Embassy when applying for an F-1 student visa. Financial aid is not available for international students.

Employment: International students should budget their stay in the United States without employment, as employment opportunities are limited for F-1 international students, and are not guaranteed.

Student Housing: Erie Community College does not have on-campus student housing, but does maintain relationships with local housing providers. International Student Services can assist you with locating housing options.

Matriculation: All F-1 international students must be admitted into an academic degree or certificate program.

Full-time Enrollment: All F-1 international students must maintain enrollment of at least 12 credit hours continuously throughout each entire semester. At least 9 credit hours must be in regular seated courses (not internet, hybrid, or distance learning courses). It is the student’s responsibility to abide by these regulations which must be treated seriously. Students not matriculated and maintaining full-time enrollment will be reported to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) as out of status.

Application Process:

Apply online at https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/how-to-apply.html. After applying international students will receive instructions for submitting the following documents to International Student Services:

• original high school diploma or graduation certificate - certified true copies also accepted with each page stamped and signed by the official; regular copies or scans are not acceptable;
• original high school transcript showing classes taken and grades received - certified true copies also accepted with each page stamped and signed by the official; regular copies or scans are not acceptable;
• proof of financial responsibility - signed letter on bank letterhead;
• proof of English language proficiency - TOEFL (48 or higher), IELTS (5.5 or higher), Duolingo (85 or higher);
• a copy of passport;
• any other documents to support the application; and
• all documents must be in English or accompanied by a notarized translation.

Transfer Students: must also include:

• copy of F-1 visa;
• copy of current I-20;
• official transcript from a U.S. college or university; and
• transfer Eligibility Form.

Canadian Students: Canadians living within 75 mi (120 km) of the border may commute and are eligible to attend part-time. Canadian citizens attending an English language high school do not require TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test but will be required to take SUNY Erie’s English placement test. Official SAT scores may waive the English or math portion of the Placement Test.

Certificate of Eligibility: To allow sufficient time for verification, processing, and issuing the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility, the following are the preferred deadlines:

• Fall (September) Semester - June 30*
• Spring (January) Semester - November 30*

*International Students must follow acceptance guidelines for competitive degree programs (e.g., Nursing, Dental Hygiene). For more information, visit Majors and Programs.

Acceptance

The student will be notified of acceptance after review and approval of the application and all documents. Erie Community College will issue a letter of acceptance and an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for a Non-immigrant (F-1) Student. There is a fee to activate the I-20.

The student will need to apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy in the home country. Prior to arriving in the United States, all international students (except Canadians) must obtain an F-1 visa. Canadian students do however need the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for a Non-immigrant (F-1) Student is the document needed when crossing the Canada/United States border.

Transfer Students

A transfer student (anyone who has completed at least one course at another college) must follow the admissions procedure as outlined for new students enrolling in a degree, certificate, or microcredential program and must forward an official transcript of all his/her earlier college work to the Admissions Office (email: admissions@ecc.edu).

Honors Program

The mission of Erie Community College’s Honors Program is to challenge academically talented students, providing them with an enriched Liberal Arts education to nurture learning, build character, and promote leadership, ensuring that their undergraduate opportunity is an educationally rewarding experience.

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. The capstone experience may be an Honors Capstone Seminar course which focuses on the development of critical thinking skills, or an Honors capstone component added to an already existing class.

Some benefits of the program include: small Honors classes, working with peers who share an enthusiasm for learning, an opportunity to apply for a variety of scholarships and awards, publication and presentation opportunities, and undergraduate research opportunities.

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. Once accepted into the program, all Honors students must maintain at least a 3.25 GPA.

The Honors Program is open to both full- and part-time students in any degree program. Additional information can be obtained from the Honors Coordinator.

Dual/Joint Admissions Agreements

Erie Community College has entered into several Dual/Joint Admissions Agreements with area colleges and universities.

Students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in selected areas may begin their program at SUNY Erie. Transfer of credit and entry to a parallel major at the four-year school is guaranteed following completion of an associate’s degree at SUNY Erie and the specific requirements, grade point average and/or required courses listed in the agreement.

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 institution and intended major must be included in the SUNY Erie application (e.g. Buffalo State University Kat 2 Bengal). Final acceptance will be verified upon receipt of an acceptance letter from the Admission Office of the four-year institution. There is a transfer counselor at each SUNY Erie campus who can further explain the program.  For more information, contact the SUNY Erie Student Support Services. 

Departmental Articulation Agreements

Listed below is a brief explanation of four main ways a SUNY Erie student may transfer to another college. Contact a Student Support Services Center for more information.

• SUNY Transfer Paths: SUNY has created Transfer Paths that summarize the common lower division requirements shared by all SUNY campuses for similar majors within most disciplines. If you want to prepare for as many SUNY campuses as possible, the SUNY Transfer Paths will help you identify core coursework that will prepare you for multiple SUNY campuses. Visit https://www.suny.edu/attend/get-started/transfer-students/suny-transfer-paths/ for more information. 
• 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 (for example, an associate’s degree in math at SUNY Erie will count as the first two years of a statistics degree at college “X”).
• Course-to-course articulation agreement: This is an agreement between a particular department at SUNY Erie and a particular department at a four-year 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 (for example, Biology 107 taken at SUNY Erie will count as Biology 110 at college “X”).
• 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. Some benefits of dual admission include guaranteed* acceptance to the four-year college, access to four-year college advisers while attending SUNY Erie, and advance registration for the four-year college while attending SUNY Erie.

 * Acceptance to all four-year college programs is always dependent upon meeting minimum grade point average requirements. Any questions relating to this information can be directed to a transfer counselor at one of our three campus locations.

Registration and Records

Student Records

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for all student records. These records are kept confidential and will be released upon approval of the campus registrar to appropriate faculty, administrators, or federal, state, or county officials.

Campus Registrars are located at the following:

Student Communications

Students are responsible for maintaining their current mailing address, phone number, and email within Workday. Mail returned to the college as undeliverable will not be re-mailed. Returned mail will be forwarded to the office issuing the mail and will be held for 30 days, after which time it will be destroyed.

Dropping or Adding a Course

• students who need to make a schedule change should consult their academic adviser to determine which classes to change;
• class changes can be made by:
  1. utilizing Workday - log into  https://wd5.myworkday.com/ecc/d/home.htmld, click on the registration area, and follow the prompts to make the change; or
  2. contacting the Registrar’s Office for processing.
• course availability is based on class capacity; classes that are at capacity will not be overloaded.
• copies of schedule/bills are only available through the student’s Workday account; students are to review their schedule/bill after the schedule change has been processed.

Registration transactions are complete once processed through Workday. Attending a class is not a method of official registration. Final grades will not be issued to anyone whose name does not appear on an official roster. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm they are properly registered for a class(es).

Withdrawal from a Course

After the drop/add period has ended, students can still adjust registration by withdrawing from courses. Withdrawn courses appear on student transcripts with a W and may affect financial aid. Before withdrawing from a class, it is recommended you meet with an advisor and consult the financial aid office. Students can withdraw from a class in Workday under the Academics worklet. Students may also sign and submit a withdrawal form to the Registrar’s Office for processing. The official withdrawal deadline is defined for each semester on the Academic Calendar.

Withdrawal transactions are complete once processed through Workday.

Official Enrollment/Attendance in a Course

Attending a class does not constitute official registration. Final grades will only be issued to students whose names appear on the official roster. If a student has not attended class within the first three weeks of instruction, the instructor may mark them as “never attended” on the third-week roster, resulting in the student’s removal from the course section. According to New York State law, students remain financially liable regardless of attendance. Students should not assume that non-attendance will lead to automatic withdrawal from a course. Failure to formally withdraw from a course may result in an “F” grade, which could negatively impact the student’s academic record and financial aid. Non-attendance does not absolve the student of their financial responsibility. 

Transfer of Credit

The term “transfer” refers to those courses and programs for which students expect to receive credit at any other college or university. All credits to be transferred are subject to review by the receiving institution. Students transferring credits to SUNY Erie review the Academic portion of the catalog.

Transcripts

Students who are currently enrolled or attended SUNY Erie may obtain transcripts either by using the Parchment Transcript system or by sending a request to the Registrar’s Office. There is a $7 fee for an official transcript if ordered in person or by mail. Requests made through the Parchment system will be subject to additional processing fees.

Confidentiality of Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their educational records. An “eligible student” is a student who is 18 years of age or older, or who attends any postsecondary institution at any age. These rights include the following:

• the right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access.  Students should submit to the registrar, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The college official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the college official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed;
• the right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.  Students may ask the college to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.  If the college decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the college will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedure will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing; and
• the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the college in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the college has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks; SUNY system Administration who have a legitimate educational interest.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.  Upon request, the college discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

FERPA permits the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) from students’ educational records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, FERPA regulations require the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the educational records without obtaining prior written consent of the student:

• to other school officials, including teachers, within Erie Community College whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the college has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed within FERPA regulations are met; 
• to officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled, if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer;
• to authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local educational authorities, such as a state postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the College’s state-supported educational programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made in connection with an audit or evaluation of federal- or state-supported educational programs, or for the enforcement of, or compliance with, federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf;
• in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid; 
• to organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests;  (b) administer student aid programs; or  (c) improve instruction;
• to accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions; 
• to parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes;
• to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§ 99.31(a)(9));
• to appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency;
• to provide information the College has designated as “directory information”;
• to a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding;
• to the general public as final results of a disciplinary proceeding, if the College determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense, and the student has committed a violation of the College’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her; and
• to parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the College governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. 

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the college to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of FERPA is:

Public Notice Designating Directory Information

Erie Community College hereby designates the following categories of student information as public or directory information. Such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion:

• name, address, telephone number, SUNY Erie email address, picture, student ID number, academic program, date of birth, and SUNY Erie home campus location;
• previous institution(s) attended, major field of study, awards, honors (includes dean’s list), and degree(s) conferred including dates; and
• past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height, weight of athletes).

Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of any category of information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Students were provided the opportunity to withhold disclosure of information upon application to the college. If, after application, students decide to withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the campus Registrar’s Office by October 1 in the Fall semester and February 1 in the Spring semester. Students’ records are flagged as private, and no information will be released to any requestor under any circumstances, except as authorized by FERPA, such as a court order. SUNY Erie assumes that failure on the part of any student to specifically request the withholding of categories of directory information by the deadline date indicates individual approval for disclosure.

Notwithstanding the College’s definition of “directory information,” the Department of Defense (DOD), pursuant to the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (the Solomon Amendment), identifies the following information as “student recruiting information”: student’s name, address, telephone listing, age, date of birth, place of birth, level of education, academic major, degrees received, and educational institution in which the student was most recently enrolled. If the College receives a request for student recruiting from the DOD or one of its affiliated agencies, the College will release the student recruiting information requested. Because the information sought by the DOD may include information not designated as “directory information” under the College’s policy, compliance with the DOD’s request may result in the release of personally identifiable information. If a student has exercised his or her right to request that no information be designated as directory information, then no information will be released to any third party, including the DOD, health insurance companies, and prospective employers. 

Application for Graduation

Students must complete a Graduation Application in Workday before the end of the student’s final semester.

Students must ensure that all degree requirements have been met. Students who fail to apply for program completion will not be certified as a graduate

Cross Registration Information

Students are required to affirm an understanding of the financial obligation to pay all tuition, fees, and other associated costs assessed as a result of registration. The Student Financial Responsibility Agreement provides important information about College policies and contractually binds the student to these policies.  

Student Right to File Complaints

If a student has exhausted all rights for review of a complaint at SUNY Erie they may pursue a complaint with the SUNY System or with the college’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The address for SUNY complaints is as follows:

State University of NY (SUNY)
System Administration
State University Plaza
Albany, NY 12246

Complaints with the college’s accreditor can be submitted here: https://www.msche.org/complaints/. 

Tuition and Fees

Student Financial Responsibility Agreement

Students are required to affirm an understanding of the financial obligation to pay all tuition, fees, and other associated costs assessed as a result of registration. The Student Financial Responsibility Agreement provides important information about College policies and contractually binds the student to these policies. 

Tuition and Fees

Students should carefully examine the following chart on tuition and fees. While analyzing the costs involved, students should:

• keep in mind that many funding sources are available to help finance their education (see the section that follows); and
• remember that excessive part-time employment may jeopardize their ability to do well in coursework.

*Dependent upon premium charged to SUNY Erie - varies based upon age and semester attended

Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change upon approval of the SUNY Erie Board of Trustees.

• Residents of New York State outside of Erie County must submit a Certificate of Residence to the SUNY Erie Student Account Services’ office each year prior to registration. The Certificate of Residence is obtained from the treasurer of the student’s home county. When received, tuition will be lowered to the resident rate, if received prior to the start of the semester.
• Lab fees and distance learning fees are assessed on a course-by-course basis.
• Due to the fluctuating nature of insurance premiums, specific programs may require additional payment.
• Students who do not have tuition and fees paid or deferred by the due date may have their registration canceled.
• All international students must have International Student Health Insurance or equivalent. Cost may fluctuate depending on age and current insurance rates.

Summary of Important Factors Related to Tuition and Fees:

• Registration Cancellation: Students who do not have their tuition and fees completely paid or deferred by the due date may have their registration canceled. Students who register and are canceled during the first week of classes will be assessed tuition liability.

• Financial Responsibility: Applicants should be financially prepared to pay tuition and meet other expenses incurred during any year of study.
• Collection Costs: Students whose accounts are turned over to a collection agency will be liable for these additional costs. The cost will vary depending on the amount of the debt. The current mark-up will be approximately 22 percent. These accounts may be referred to credit bureaus.
• Due Dates: Students who complete registration must pay all tuition and fees by the due dates published on the college’s website at https://www.ecc.edu/admissions-and-aid/tuition-fees.html under “Make a Payment”. Failure to pay tuition on time may result in cancellation. Students who register and are canceled during the first week of classes will be assessed tuition liability.
• First Monies: SUNY Erie Community College will deduct unpaid tuition from the first monies received.
• Liability: Registration for a course(s) constitutes full financial liability. Failure to attend class(es) for which a student has registered does not absolve students from financial liability.  The formal withdrawal or drop process must be followed.
• Financial Obligations: Students who have not met prior financial obligations to the college will not be able to register or receive a diploma.
• Consortium Agreements: Tuition for students with Consortium Agreements is due in full by the due date indicated on the registration bill.
• Medical Malpractice Insurances: Medical Malpractice insurance is mandatory for all students with client contact (full or part-time) in the following Allied Health curricula: Alcohol Counseling, Child Care, Dental Hygiene, Dental Lab, Dietetic Technology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Ophthalmic Dispensing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Lab Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and Substance Abuse Counseling. This fee will be billed and is non-refundable.
• Immunization: Please note that according to NYS Public Health Law, no institution shall permit any student to attend the institution in excess of 30 calendar days if not in compliance with the public health laws. Tuition, fees, and book costs incurred by the student will not be refunded as a result of the imposition of New York State Public Health Law sanctions.
• Tuition Refunds: To receive a tuition refund, a student must complete the formal withdrawal process. Liability for tuition is pro-rated based on the date of withdrawal:

SCHEDULE OF STUDENT TUITION LIABILITY

*The first week of the semester shall be deemed to start with the first calendar day of the college semester and shall end on the seventh calendar day of the term. (Fall and Spring semesters only).

• The first day of classes is the day the semester begins.
• All student fees are non-refundable.
• Summer school refunds will be granted only if a drop is processed prior to the first day of instruction.
• Refunds will reach students approximately eight weeks after the start of classes.
• Repayment Policy: A student who withdraws, drops out, or is expelled may be required to repay financial aid that was given directly to the student as a cash disbursement to cover living expenses. Living expenses are a student’s educational costs above and beyond the amount the school charges to the student for tuition and fees. A student’s living expenses include items such as room and board allowances, books/supplies, transportation, child care, and miscellaneous expenses. If the student’s living expenses incurred up to the time of total withdrawal/drop exceed the amount of cash disbursed, the student has not been underpaid. However, if the cash disbursement was greater than the student’s living expenses up to the withdrawal/drop date, the student must repay the excess amount.  This regulation does not affect students who withdraw/drop from some classes but continue to be enrolled in other classes. Only students who have completely withdrawn or dropped, and have received cash back for living expenses, may owe a repayment. See the Financial Aid Office for details.
• Pro Rata Refund and Title IV: A portion of unearned aid credited to the student account must be refunded if a student who receives the Title IV aid withdraws prior to the end of the ninth week of classes. Unearned aid (paid as a refund) to cover costs must be repaid by the student and then returned to the sources of financial aid.
• Legal Permanent Residents: Applicants who have U.S. Visa status of Legal Permanent Residents in the United States must meet state and local residency requirements in order to have their tuition reduced to the in-county rate. All students with a legal non-immigrant U.S. Visa status pay double tuition. Exceptions are for refugee or asylum U.S. Visa holders in legal status. These individuals are considered residents of Erie County as long as they have not resided for a time in a state other than New York and will be charged the in-county tuition rate. An individual college registrant will be considered an Erie County resident and be charged in-county tuition rates when that individual is determined to be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and to have had a New York State domicile (i.e., a permanent and principal home in New York) for a twelve-month (six months of which must be in Erie County) durational period prior to registration. Persons who do not meet this twelve-month and six-month durational requirement will be presumed to be out-of-county residents and will be charged out-of-county tuition rates unless satisfactory proof is presented to show that domicile in Erie County has, in fact, been established. Proof of domicile is based upon official Erie County and New York records provided by the individual and other New York State records. Factors relevant to a determination of domicile include New York State Income Tax Forms; New York State vehicle registration or driver’s license; Federal Income Tax Form; deed to real New York State property; marriage license issued in the State of New York; and proof of receiving Social Services Benefits from Erie County. Resident card holder, residency date begins “Resident since mm/dd/yy” on the date indicated on the Legal Permanent Resident card.
• Legal Permanent Resident Students: In-county tuition (single tuition) is only afforded to a U.S. citizen or a Permanent Resident card holder that meets state and county guidelines (an established permanent and principal residence in New York State for one- year, the last six months in Erie County). The one-year qualification must be one full year previous to the beginning of the semester for which single tuition is being considered. Documentation for proof of residency is limited to “official” items such as licenses and taxes and must be dated in order to establish the beginning of the student’s claim for permanence in the state and county. For a U.S. Visa status Legal Permanent Resident card holder, the residency date begins “Resident since mm/dd/yy” on the date indicated on the Legal Permanent Resident card.

All students with a legal non-immigrant U.S. Visa status pay double tuition. Exceptions are for refugee or asylum U.S. Visa holders in legal status.

Out-of-County Residents

Under SUNY and ECC policy, legal residence means more than simply living in Erie County and New York State. More specifically, it means establishing a domicile as opposed to a temporary residence or physical presence incidental to enrollment in the College. 

A student’s residency is established based on information supplied on the admissions application. If a student is assigned a non-residency status, documentation must be provided to establish New York State and Erie County residence. 

Please see: Residency Policy

International Students

Mandatory health and repatriation insurance is required of all international students on an SUNY Erie I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. The fee for coverage will be billed to the student at the beginning of each semester.

Online Payment

Online payments can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week by logging into your Workday account and selecting ‘Make a Payment’ on the left side of the page. Mastercard, Visa, and Discover accepted.

Mail Payment

Payments may be made by check payable to Student Account Services at your campus location. Payments must be postmarked by the tuition bill’s due date.
City Campus Bursar Office, 121 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
North Campus Bursar Office, 6205 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221
South Campus Bursar Office, 4041 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park, NY 14127

In-person Payment

Payments can be made in person at the Bursar Office at any of the three campus locations. Call in advance to ensure the office is open.

Bursar Main Office, (716) 851-1888
City Campus, Room O150E (45 Oak Street), 
North Campus, Room S117, 
South Campus, Room 5223, 
Accounts Receivable (questions on accounts referred to a collection agency), (716) 851-1627

Tuition Payment Plans

SUNY Erie Community College partners with Nelnet Campus Commerce to let you pay your tuition and fees over time, making college more affordable. The payment plan is available for fall, spring, and summer terms (not winter session). Please enroll before the tuition due date. 

Payment Methods

• automatic bank payment (ACH)
• credit/debit card (additional service fee will be assessed)

Cost To Participate

• $75 nonrefundable application/enrollment fee per term
• Upt to $30 nonrefundable returned payment fee if a payment is returned

Steps To Enroll

1. log into your Workday account from the Workday mobile app or web browser*;
2. click Finances Worklet on the Workday home page; and
3. click Make Payments, Payment Plans, E-Refunds (Nelnet) link.

* you may need to temporarily disable your internet browser’s pop-up blocker

All application/enrollment fees are processed immediately!  Important: Students must apply for a Nelnet Campus Commerce payment plan by the due date indicated on their SUNY ECC billing. www.MyCollegePaymentPlan.com/erie

For additional help, please call Nelnet Campus Commerce at (800) 609-8056. Account information is also available online.

Cancelling Students for Non-Payment of Tuition and Fees

For each Fall and/or Spring term, the due date for payment of applicable tuition and fees will be 14 days prior to the first day of classes for that term. The term “payment” includes the following:  

• payment of balance due in full by cash, check, or credit/debit card  Documented application of financial aid resources, to include payment plans, to the balance due;  
• documented evidence of ongoing coordination with financial aid and bursar to complete documentation necessary to apply financial aid resources to balance due. Financial Aid will consider documented evidence to mean packaged students; and
• any combination of the above.

All pre-registered students will be notified at least ten days prior to the due date that payment is due. Students who do not make satisfactory payment as defined above will be assessed the standard registration/late in effect at that time. Those students will then have until the last day of add/drop to satisfactorily address their past due balance as defined above before their schedules will be considered for cancellation. 

Students who have outstanding balances equal to or less than the cost of one class, including fees, by the end of add/drop, will not have their courses cancelled, but will have a hold flag placed on.