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CUNY LaGuardia Community College

Long Island City, NY

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Quick Facts

1968
Founded
Public community college
Type
10,556
Total Students
$5K
Tuition (In-State)
$8K
Tuition (Out-State)
$6K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Kenneth Adams

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About CUNY LaGuardia Community College

Empowering NYC's future with comprehensive education, innovative workforce training, and deep community roots.

CUNY LaGuardia Community College stands as a vibrant hub of education, deeply integrated into the fabric of New York City. Founded with a clear vision to serve community needs, LaGuardia offers a comprehensive range of programs, emphasizing skills training, cultural activities, and continuing education for learners of all ages. Its commitment to public service, echoing its namesake Mayor LaGuardia, guides its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education.

From its inception in 1967, the college set out to be a pioneer, even appointing the nation's youngest community college president at the time. This spirit of innovation continues today, exemplified by a monumental $116 million donation in 2024 for a state-of-the-art workforce development center. This upcoming facility, slated for 2029, will significantly enhance LaGuardia's capacity to prepare students for the demands of a dynamic job market.

LaGuardia's campus is not just a place for college students; it's a dynamic educational ecosystem. It proudly hosts Middle College High School and International High School, providing a unique early college experience and demonstrating a holistic approach to student development. For prospective students and their families, LaGuardia offers a supportive, community-oriented environment where opportunities for personal and professional growth are abundant, all designed to foster success in higher education and beyond.

Key Highlights

  • A transformational $116 million donation in 2024 to establish a new workforce development center, opening in 2029.
  • Founded in 1967 with a mission to be a comprehensive community college, providing cultural activities, services, continuing education, and skills training.
  • Initially led by Joseph Shenker, who, at age 29, was the youngest community college president in the United States.
  • Serves a diverse student body of over 17,500, offering a wide array of programs.
  • Home to the prestigious La Guardia and Wagner Archives, preserving significant New York City history since 1982.
  • Hosts two affiliated public high schools, Middle College High School and International High School, on its campus.

Timeline

1967
Founded as 'Community College Number Nine' by the Board of Higher Education.
1970
Named LaGuardia Community College in honor of Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.
1971
Officially opened its doors to students on September 22.
1972
Received its first accreditation from the Middle States Association and graduated its first class.
1982
The La Guardia and Wagner Archives was established on campus.
1989
Purchased and dedicated the Marie LaGuardia Building (L Building) to house Middle College High School and an Early Child Care Learning Center.
2012
Completed an 820-seat annex to the Middle College Campus, allowing International High School to move in.
2020
Kenneth Adams appointed as the college's fourth president.
2024
Received a $116 million donation for a new workforce development center, planned to open in 2029.
🏛️
58 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within CUNY LaGuardia Community College

🏫

Middle College High School at LaGuardia Community College

A public high school affiliated with the college, offering an early college experience on campus.

🏫

International High School (Queens)

A public high school affiliated with the college, serving a diverse student body on the Middle College Campus.

Leadership

Kenneth Adams
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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