It was initially accredited in 1969, and is the only college in the State University of New York (SUNY) System with a zoo technology degree program.

[4] In June 2020 the college fired around twenty employees after a loss of over $5 million USD due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[6][7] The College campus, located near Interstate Highway 81 on the western boundary of the City of Watertown, consists of ten permanent buildings, athletic fields, and ample parking for its commuter student body.

The 294-bed residence hall features fully-furnished suite-style units designed to accommodate 6, 5 and 4 students.

The first floor contains academic support services for students including academic coaching, placement testing, transfer counseling, career planning and job placement, veterans services and the Strategies To Achieve Results (STAR) and EOP programs.

Jefferson offers a baseball diamond, soccer/lacrosse fields, lighted tennis and basketball courts, and a walking/running trail.