Forest Hills, NYprivate forprofitwww.plazacollege.edu/
Plaza College is a small, career-focused institution in Forest Hills, NY, with a tight-knit student body (80% female) and a sharp focus on health sciences and business programs. Its 30% acceptance rate makes it selective for a two-year college, and its 64% graduation rate far outpaces the national average for similar schools—though early-career earnings lag behind peers. The vibe is practical and supportive, with white-coat ceremonies for health students and a financial aid team that works to make its $19,860 annual cost manageable.
Plaza College is selective for a two-year institution, with a 30% acceptance rate—putting it in the top 8% of hardest U.S. colleges to get into, per EduRank. The admissions process is competitive, with 1,000 female applicants and only 300 accepted in one recent cycle (Peterson’s). Notably, the school doesn’t publicize SAT/ACT ranges, suggesting a holistic or Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. approach. Its selectivity contrasts with typical community colleges, aligning more with specialized professional schools.
Plaza’s academic identity revolves around career-ready programs, particularly in health sciences (like Surgical Technology and Dental Support Services) and business (Healthcare Management, Accounting). Classes are small, with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, and the curriculum emphasizes practical skills—evidenced by rites of passage like white-coat ceremonies for health students. The college offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, with 87% of awards going to undergraduates in applied fields. Notably, the school lacks liberal arts breadth, focusing instead on direct workforce preparation.
With 846 undergraduates (80% female, per U.S. News), Plaza fosters a close-knit, professionally oriented community. Instagram highlights show students celebrating milestones like white-coat ceremonies, while the DEIB statement emphasizes cultural awareness training. There’s no mention of traditional college staples like dorms or athletics—unsurprising for a commuter school. Instead, engagement focuses on career prep, with blogs touting ‘behind-the-scenes moments’ in labs and clinics. The vibe is less ‘rah-rah college’ and more ‘let’s get you employed.’
Plaza’s 64% graduation rate (College Scorecard) crushes the 35% midpoint for two-year schools—a testament to its supportive environment. But post-grad pay lags: median earnings six years out are $32,282 (U.S. News), with early-career grads averaging just $20,000 (College Factual)—$7K below expectations. Health sciences dominate degrees awarded (Data USA), yet salaries suggest these are lower-paying niches like dental assisting. The ‘white coat’ pomp doesn’t always translate to white-collar paychecks.
At $19,860 annually (College Scorecard), Plaza costs double the midpoint for two-year schools ($9,666). But 64% of students receive aid, with an average package of $10,217 (BigFuture), bringing the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $17,923. The school actively promotes its financial aid team to help students tap grants and scholarships. Still, the ROI is questionable: graduates earn less than peers from similar programs, and the net price exceeds many CUNY options.
Plaza defies two-year college stereotypes with its 30% acceptance rate and strong grad rates, but it’s a trade-off. You get tight-knit cohorts, health-focused rituals, and career services—yet pay premium tuition for degrees that, per earnings data, may not outpace cheaper alternatives. Ideal for students seeking a structured path into allied health or business support roles, but less compelling for those eyeing higher-paying fields or transferable liberal arts credits.