Mohawk Valley Community College is the oldest community college in New York State, beginning operations in 1946. MVCC serves more than 5,000 full-time and part-time students annually, on campuses in Utica and Rome. The college’s mission: “Mohawk Valley Community College offers choice, opportunity, and hope by providing accessible and affordable higher education, training, and services that emphasize academic excellence, diversity and a global view. The college is committed to excellence in career and transfer preparation, business, economic and community development, and personal and cultural enrichment."

The college offers more than 80 associate degrees and certificates in a wide range of disciplines, including liberal arts and sciences, business, health care, engineering technology, hospitality, human services, elementary education, fine arts, graphic communication, engineering science, and many others. Included in MVCC's degrees are "career" programs, which prepare graduates to enter the workforce immediately, and "transfer" programs, which prepare students to continue their education in four-year colleges or universities.