Admissions (First Time College Student)

Deciding on a college can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are so many things to consider: programs of study, costs, location, flexibility of scheduling classes and getting to the campus. "Will I be admitted to the college?" "Do they have the major I need to achieve my career goals?" "Will the classes be too challenging? Not challenging enough? After I graduate, what will I have to show for the time and the money I spent?"

Maybe you've known all along that you wanted to attend college. Or you went right into the workforce after high school, thinking you didn't need additional education, but now see that a college degree is necessary to get a better job, salary or a position in a different industry.

We know that you have questions and were here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.	How many programs of study or majors does LaGuardia have?
A.	LaGuardia has more than 50 majors.
Q.	Who is a first time college student?
A.	At LaGuardia, its an applicant who has never attended college before. If you've attended another college before, you are a transfer student. People often confuse first time college student with first year college student, which is also known as a freshman. A transfer student can also be a first year college student but cannot be a first-time college student.
Q.	Which application should I file?
A.	First time college students should file a Freshman application.
Q.	I am/was an advanced student at the high school level. Does LaGuardia have challenging courses for me?
A.	LaGuardia has an Honors Program that features rigorous classes.
Q.	I have a high school diploma or GED but, to become the best student I can be, I could probably use some extra instruction in reading, writing, math and/or English as a Second Language. Will LaGuardia classes be too difficult for me?
A.	After you're admitted to the college, you'll take the ACT tests to determine your placement in math and English. If your scores indicate that you will benefit from extra studies any of these subjects or ESL, those non-credit basic skills classes will be built into your schedule. Note: if you apply early enough, you may be eligible to take a free refresher course prior to the start of the semester. You can then re-take the corresponding ACT test before you register for classes. Another option you may consider is participating in one of LaGuardia's nationally recognized Learning Communities. Students who take classes within a Learning Community usually do better than if they were taking the same classes outside of one. You may also be eligible for our College Discovery or COPE programs, which give extra support for students who come from educational and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Q.	How much does it cost to attend LaGuardia? Is there financial aid or assistance?
A.	LaGuardia has the lowest college tuition in New York City. 70% of our student body qualifies for financial aid.
Q.	When do classes start and end?
A.	LaGuardia's academic calendar has an enhanced structure, where each semester is split into 2 sessions. This allows students to earn more credits per semester than the traditional academic calendar. The first class of the day starts at 8am; the last one starts at 8:05pm.
Q.	Does LaGuardia have a summer semester?
A.	Yes. At LaGuardia, its called Spring Semester, Session 2. To see when it starts and ends, please visit our academic calendar.
Q.	Im a little nervous about going to college, since its very different from high school or working fulltime. Does the college provide any orientation for new students?
A.	As a first year student, you will participate in LaGuardia's award-winning New Student Seminar. This non-credit course is designed to help you adjust to college life and its demands, improve your study skills, and begin the process of educational and academic planning to achieve your career goals.
Q.	How do I get to the college? Can I go on a campus tour?
A.	Conveniently located in Western Queens, 10 minutes from Times Square and minutes from Brooklyn, LaGuardia is easy to get to by major subway and bus lines. We invite you to visit and tour the campus. Please Email Admissions for campus tour information or take our Virtual Campus Tour now from your computer.
Q.	I have young children and would need to find high quality, low cost childcare for them while I'm in class. Do you have any suggestions?
A.	LaGuardia has a wonderful on-campus program for children of our students. The Early Childhood Learning Center provides educational childcare for 1 - 6 year olds Monday Friday, during the day. They also provide care for 3 -10 year olds on weekday evenings and Saturdays.
Q.	After I graduate, what will my options be?
A.	A LaGuardia degree is the key to a better future with a clear direction. Some of our graduates go directly into the workforce -- either getting better jobs and salaries in the fields they had worked in previously or starting a brand new career in the industry of their choice. Many other graduates use their LaGuardia degree as a stepping stone to a Bachelors Degree by transferring their credits to a 4-year college, saving up to $40,000 in private senior college tuition. Be sure to read 2nd Step: Before You Apply for our admission requirement, application deadlines, pre-admission counseling opportunities and other important things to know.