History
 A
major research university and two comprehensive colleges within
a 30-mile radius weren't quite enough to satisfy a local population
hungry for higher education in the early 1960s. Cornell University,
Ithaca College and the State University College at Cortland had
strict entrance standards, required four years of study for a degree
and in some cases weren't conveniently located. Legislators in Cortland
and Tompkins counties figured they needed their own community colleges,
where recent employees in business, industry and the health professions--as
well as recent high school graduates--could work toward a two-year
associate's degree. Both counties submitted proposals to the state
Board of Regents in Albany. The board suggested they combine their
efforts into a single community college and by 1966 legislators
agreed. The doors to a new Tompkins Cortland Community College opened
in 1968 at the site of the old Groton High School, with 133 day
students and 47 taking night classes. By 1972, enrollment rose to
nearly 800, prompting the college's board of trustees to purchase
220 acres in Dryden for a new facility that opened in 1974.
TC3 today
The college now has 27 degree programs and transfer agreements
with more than 30 four-year schools and continues to evolve. In
addition to a newly renovated campus building, the college has opened
two satellite centers in downtown Ithaca and Cortland, The college
also offers courses at Owego Free Academy. Students can also take
TC3 courses via the Internet. Students from across New York state,
other states and more than 50 countries attend TC3. About 10 years
ago, the college began attracting a broad range of international
students. This international flavor, unusual for a community college,
has progressed through a college program known as Global Connections.
Each summer since 1992, the college has offered an intensive study
option for students from universities in countries such as Spain
and the Dominican Republic. Through its Business Training and Development
Center, TC3 provides workshops and seminars and customizes courses
for local businesses.
- Enrollment: 3,500 full- and part-time
- Tuition: $2,500 for Tompkins and Cortland County residents,
or $98 per credit hour; non-resident tuition is $5,200 or $196
per credit hour.
- President: Carl E. Haynes
- Campus: 170 North St., off Route 13, in Dryden
- Information: Phone 844-8211, or visit the Web site www.sunytccc.edu
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