Suffolk County Community College

Eastern Campus in Riverhead
Suffolk County Community College serves students across three main campuses in Suffolk County and remains a major center for affordable higher education, transfer study, and workforce training on Long Island. File photo: Inside Creative House, licensed.

Suffolk County Community College (SCCC), commonly branded as SUNY Suffolk, is a public community college in the State University of New York system. Founded in 1959, the college serves students through three primary campuses in Selden, Riverhead, and Brentwood, along with additional centers and specialized facilities elsewhere in Suffolk County. With comparatively affordable tuition, a broad mix of academic and career-focused programs, and strong transfer pathways, SUNY Suffolk remains one of the county’s most important higher-education resources for Long Island residents.

Campuses & Locations

SUNY Suffolk operates three main campuses, each with its own academic strengths, student services, and community role:

  • Ammerman Campus (Selden, NY)
    The original campus and a major hub for liberal arts, sciences, general education, student activities, athletics, and campus events.
  • Eastern Campus (Riverhead, NY)
    Serving the East End, this campus supports liberal arts, business, science, and other academic offerings in a setting convenient to Riverhead and surrounding communities.
  • Michael J. Grant Campus (Brentwood, NY)
    A centrally located campus known for health-related programs, business and technology offerings, and major indoor athletics and event facilities.
  • Additional Centers & Sites
    Other college locations and specialty sites have included the Sayville Center and the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Center in downtown Riverhead. Program offerings, public access, and schedules may vary by site.

Academics

SUNY Suffolk offers a wide range of degree, certificate, transfer, and workforce-development options for recent high school graduates, adult learners, and career changers.

  • Associate Degrees & Certificates: Programs span liberal arts, sciences, nursing, criminal justice, automotive technology, business, technology, and many other fields. Availability can vary by campus and semester.
  • Transfer Opportunities: Students benefit from transfer agreements and advising pathways with SUNY institutions and other four-year colleges, helping many continue on to bachelor’s programs.
  • Continuing Education & Workforce Training: Noncredit and professional programs often include healthcare, trades, information technology, culinary training, and customized instruction for regional employers.
  • Academic Support: Advising, tutoring, honors opportunities, libraries, and transfer-focused support help students build a path toward graduation or continued study.

Student Life

Student life at Suffolk extends beyond the classroom, with opportunities for involvement, leadership, recreation, and cultural programming across the campuses:

  • Clubs & Organizations: Students can join a wide variety of clubs, honor societies, leadership groups, and service organizations.
  • Athletics: The Suffolk Sharks compete in NJCAA athletics, giving student-athletes opportunities in team sports and intercollegiate competition.
  • Arts & Culture: Theater productions, gallery exhibitions, music performances, lectures, and community events help make the campuses active cultural spaces as well as academic ones.

Athletics

  • Teams: Suffolk student-athletes compete under the Suffolk Sharks name in NJCAA play.
  • Programs: Sports offerings have included baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, track and field, and other collegiate teams, with details varying over time.
  • Facilities: Athletic fields, fitness areas, gymnasiums, and event venues are located across the campuses. Public event schedules and access rules may vary.

Community Impact

SUNY Suffolk is closely tied to the economic and civic life of Long Island.

  • Workforce Development: The college supports regional training needs in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, cybersecurity, skilled trades, hospitality, and other in-demand fields.
  • Business & Community Partnerships: Partnerships with employers, public agencies, and local organizations help connect education with real-world career pathways and community needs.
  • Access & Affordability: As a public community college, SUNY Suffolk helps expand access to higher education for first-generation students, commuters, adult learners, and families looking for lower-cost options.

Alumni Network

SUNY Suffolk’s legacy is reflected in a broad alumni network across Long Island and beyond.

  • Graduates and transfer students have gone on to careers in healthcare, education, public service, business, hospitality, engineering, the trades, and the arts.
  • Many students begin at Suffolk and then continue their studies at SUNY universities and other four-year colleges throughout New York and the Northeast.
  • The college has long served traditional students, adult learners, veterans, and career changers seeking practical pathways to advancement.

Admissions & Tuition

  • Admissions: SUNY Suffolk generally offers broad access for many programs, although some health and specialized programs may have additional requirements or selective entry standards.
  • Tuition & Fees: Rates vary by residency status, credit load, and program. Check the college’s current tuition schedule before applying or registering.
  • Financial Aid: Eligible students may qualify for federal and state aid, scholarships, grants, and payment plan options.
  • Planning Ahead: Application deadlines, residency documentation, and course availability can change by semester, so it is wise to review official admissions information in advance.

Selden, Riverhead, and Brentwood Campuses


Key Facts & Details

FeatureDetails
Official NameSuffolk County Community College
Common NameSUNY Suffolk
College TypePublic community college in the State University of New York system
Founded1959
Main Address533 College Road, Selden, NY 11784
Primary CampusesAmmerman Campus in Selden, Eastern Campus in Riverhead, and Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood
CountySuffolk County, Long Island, New York
Academic OfferingsAssociate degrees, certificates, transfer programs, continuing education, and workforce training
Notable Program AreasLiberal arts, sciences, nursing, business, criminal justice, automotive technology, information technology, culinary and hospitality training, and other career-focused programs
Student ServicesAcademic advising, tutoring, libraries, honors opportunities, transfer support, financial aid, and student organizations
AthleticsNJCAA intercollegiate athletics
TeamsSuffolk Sharks
Campus ActivitiesClubs, athletics, theater, music, gallery exhibitions, lectures, and community programs
VisitingCampus tours, admissions events, athletics, performances, and public programs vary by campus and schedule; visitors should confirm current access and parking information before arriving
TransportationDriving is generally the most direct way to reach the campuses; some locations are also served by local transit, while Long Island Rail Road travel may require a bus, taxi, or rideshare connection
Official Websitesunysuffolk.edu

Suffolk County Community College continues to play a major role in public higher education on Long Island. With three primary campuses, broad academic and career-training opportunities, transfer pathways, athletics, and longstanding ties to the surrounding community, SUNY Suffolk remains an important educational resource for students, families, employers, and residents throughout Suffolk County.


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