SUNY community college in Syracuse offering affordable two-year degrees and workforce training with 19 championship-winning athletic teams.
OCC offers career and transfer programs across four schools: Health, Wellness & Human Services; Arts, Communication, Business & Entrepreneurship; Technology, Engineering & Computing; and Liberal Arts & Sciences. Programs range from short certificates (3–26 weeks) to two-year associate degrees in fields including advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, nursing, culinary management, computer information systems, and architectural design. The college serves as a training center for the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium and partners with industry leaders like Micron Technology for hands-on learning opportunities.
The main campus spans 280 acres in Onondaga Hill, west of Syracuse, with a second location (OCC@Liverpool) in Liverpool, NY. Four residence halls provide suite-style living with easy access to classrooms and dining. The SRC Arena & Events Center (60,000 sq ft, 6,500 capacity) hosts basketball, track, and community events. Students engage through 15+ clubs, the Arts Across Campus program (established 2001), and counseling services. The Coulter Library offers books, databases, study rooms, and adaptive technology.
OCC is an open-access institution with free, fast online applications. High school transcripts or GED are recommended but not required. International students requiring F-1 visas use a separate application. Returning students have a dedicated pathway. Applicants receive acceptance packets with login credentials and are assigned a Navigator to guide them through registration, financial aid, and orientation. The college welcomes all eager learners and emphasizes education as a pathway out of poverty.
The Lazers compete in NJCAA Region III and the Mid-State Athletic Conference with 8 men's sports, 10 women's sports, and co-ed esports. Teams have won 17 national championships (12 men's lacrosse, 2 women's lacrosse, 1 men's basketball, 1 men's tennis, 1 esports) plus 25 individual national championships. OCC is recognized nationally as Military Friendly and Best For Vets. The college's Phi Theta Kappa chapter ranks among the highest performing internationally. Economic analysis shows students enjoy strong return on investment with significant community economic impact.