What is Community College in USA?
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Wondering what is community college in USA and why is it a fruitful option for study for international students? Check out the article to understand what are community colleges in USA, the benefits of studying there and some of the top community colleges in USA along with other related details.
The first step of studying in the USA is shortlisting courses and universities. Around 40% of the students opt to study at community colleges each year to culminate into a four-year bachelor’s degree from reputed US universities. Those looking at admission to community colleges in USA from India, and those who want to know in detail about what is a community college in USA can check out this article.
Community Colleges in USA Highlights
| Total Community Colleges in USA |
1,700 |
| Type |
Public Institutions |
| Recognised by |
Regional accreditors |
| Degrees Offered |
Associate degrees |
| Courses offered |
Arts, Science, Technology, Business, etc |
| Average Annual Tuition Fee |
USD 7,000 to USD 10,000 |
| Average GPA Requirement |
2.5 - 3.7 |
| US State with Max Community Colleges |
California: 184 community colleges |
What is Community College in USA?
The definition of Community Colleges in USA as per the Cambridge Dictionary goes like this:
‘A local two-year college where students can learn a skill or prepare to enter a university.’
Thus, a Community college in USA is a two-year tertiary institution which aids high school students to earn credits towards their bachelor’s degree program. Applicants pursuing two-year-long Associate degree programs at Community colleges which offer vocational and technical fields of study like Arts, Sciences, Business Administration and others to gain credits.
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Community colleges in USA only offer two-year programs, after which, applicants can transfer to four-year US universities. Initially, they were referred to as junior colleges which could give applicants admissions to build their skills for taking admissions to a bigger college or university. Check out the sections below to understand the top community colleges, reasons to choose to study there and admission eligibility criteria.
Top Community Colleges in USA
Located across 50 US states, there are various community colleges in USA to choose from. Some of the best and top community colleges in USA are as follows based on Niche - 2025 rankings:
| Community Colleges in USA |
Best Community Colleges in USA - NIche 2025 Rankings |
|---|---|
| Collins Career Technical Center |
#1 |
| Indian Capital Technology Center |
#2 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology |
#3 |
| Foothill College |
#4 |
| Renton Technical College |
#5 |
| Lorenzo Walker Technical College |
#6 |
| Allan Hancock College |
#7 |
| Fort Myers Technical College |
#8 |
| Brazoport College |
#9 |
| Pasadena City College |
#10 |
Please note, that the rankings are dynamic and can change over the years. Thus. those looking at admissions based on rankings, must check the recent ones and then proceed for admissions.
Top Reasons to Study at Community Colleges in USA
While community colleges in USA are in abundance, let us understand what are the benefits of studying across these colleges as an Indian applicant:
The Affordability Factor
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The average cost of studying in Community Colleges in USA is around USD 8,500 annually for international students. This means that community colleges are cheaper than four-year universities in USA, irrespective of public or private universities. While international applicants have to pay lakhs of Rupees for admission to private or public four-year colleges, on the other hand, more than one-third of the amount is slashed for admissions at Community Colleges. Thus, community colleges are a better option for starters leading to a four-year private or public US university.
Check out: Affordable and Cheap Universities in USA
Wide Variety of Courses Available for Study
There is a wide variety of courses offered at community colleges of USA. The most popular courses at community colleges in USA are spread across different fields of study. To name a few, the following courses are popular among international students applying for admission to community colleges in USA:
- Business
- Computer Science
- Computer Graphics
- Internet Technology
- Hotel Management
- Psychology
- Accounting
- Early Childhood Education
- Environmental Conservation
Thus, these cover all major fields of study - Arts, Education, Science & Tech, Business and others.
High Standard of Education
Education at community colleges is of a high standard. Community colleges in the USA are accredited by regional accreditors, plus, the degrees are accepted worldwide. Applicants who graduate with a degree from Community college are also eligible to work both part-time in USA or even a full-time jobs.
Open Admission Policies at Community Colleges
Open admission policies mean applicants who have passed their previous course of study and have a score are eligible for admission at community colleges. The applicants admitted at community colleges will be equipped with the necessary prerequisites to help them become eligible to enrol in college-level courses. Thus, there will still be a couple of admission requirements which need to be fulfilled and it will be discussed in the sections below.
Easily Obtain Bachelor’s with 2+2 Model of Study
A 2+2 program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year university after completing general education requirements at a community college. This pathway enables focused coursework in their chosen field upon transfer. Many universities offer transfer scholarships based on merit to community college graduates. Dual admissions programs streamline the transition by guaranteeing admission to both institutions after earning an associate degree, simplifying the transfer process.
Transfer to Top US Universities after Associate Degree
After obtaining Associate degrees from community colleges, applicants can choose to transfer to bigger colleges like public or private US universities. The four-year universities or colleges have partnerships with community colleges, but applicants will still have to submit applications, various application materials and supporting documents. This is beneficial in two aspects, one there is no loss of credit and it can be transferred to the next university or college. Second, applicants can get admission as transfer students to top-ranking US universities from community colleges. The transfer is also based on the credit hours at community colleges which then get transferred to a bigger degree program.
Easy Accommodation Options
90% of the community colleges have accommodations near the college vicinity, hence, applicants will have to mandatorily live there, plus they will not have to hunt for accommodations. Also, the cost of room and board at community colleges is cheaper in comparison to those living on-campus enrolled across four-year US colleges. Thus, this is another plus point of studying at community colleges. Check out the cost of living in USA
Work Opportunities Available for Students
Applicants who graduate from community colleges can earn anywhere between USD 62,000 to USD 90,000 as per - US News. Some of the well-paying jobs after graduating from community colleges in USA are as follows:
- Air Traffic Controllers: USD 137,380
- Nuclear Technicians: USD 101,740
- Radiation Therapists: USD 98,3000
- Nuclear Medicine Technologies: USA 92,500
- Dental Hygienists: USD 87,530
These are some of the top paid jobs in USA after graduating from a community college in USA.
Overall, these are some of the top reasons and benefits of studying across community colleges in USA. These reasons suffice why international applicants can take up an associate degree and then progress towards a bachelor's degree.
Who is Eligible to Study in Community Colleges in USA?
The following international applicants are eligible to study in community colleges:
- Passed high school or those who hold a diploma
- Show English language proficiency by submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores
- Should have AP tests scores
- Also, ACT or SAT may be required
Documents Required for Community College Admissions
- Transcripts
- Standardised Test Scores: ACT or SAT
- Passport
- Proof of Funding
- Health Insurance
- Letter of Recommendation (LORs)
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or CV (if required)
- Admission essays
In conclusion, community colleges in the USA offer an invaluable pathway for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. With diverse programs, open admissions, and opportunities to transfer to four-year universities, these institutions make higher education accessible to all. The combination of a supportive learning environment and cost-effective tuition allows students to gain essential skills and knowledge, paving the way for successful careers. Embracing the community college experience can be a transformative step toward achieving educational and professional goals.
What is Community College in USA FAQs
Q. What is the concept of community college?
A. A junior college or a higher education instituion for high school students to gain more skills through Associate degree programs to be fully redy for enrolling at four-year universities. These colleges serve as a pathway for students through the 2+2 model for paving their way through an associate degree to a proper bachelor's degree program. This concept is in USA and interantional students are also a part of it.
Q. What is the difference between community college and college in USA?
A. Following are the key differences between community college and colleges in USA:
| Feature | Community College | College |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Programs | Primarily offer two-year associate degrees and certificates. |
Offer four-year bachelor's degrees, as well as graduate and doctoral degrees.
|
| Focus | Often focus on general education, vocational training, and transfer preparation. |
Offer a broader range of academic disciplines and majors.
|
| Tuition | Generally lower tuition costs compared to four-year colleges. |
Typically have higher tuition costs.
|
| Admission Requirements | Often have open enrollment policies or less stringent admission criteria. |
May have more competitive admission processes, including standardized test scores.
|
| Student Life | May have a smaller campus and fewer student activities compared to four-year colleges. |
Often offer a more vibrant campus life with various clubs, organizations, and social events.
|
Q. Are there any free community colleges in the US for international students?
A. No, apparently there are no free community colleges in USA for international students. However, there are a few for domestic students. To support education, applicants who are international can get financial aid from their respective colleges or theough external funding.
Q. Which is the biggest community colleges in USA?
A. The biggest community colleges in USA are as follows:
- Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)
- Maricopa County Community College District
- California Community Colleges
- Lone Star College
- Northern Virginia Community College
Q. Can I enrol for cheapest community colleges in USA from India?
A. Yes, there are a wide number of cheapest community colleges in USA which can be considered for admissions from India. Some of them are - Bristol Community College, Lehman College, South Texas College, Reedley College and others.
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Is Texas A&M Commerce a good university?
Texas A&M Commerce is regarded as one of the top public universities across the United States. Moreover, the Texas A&M Commerce ranking 2024 under the category of Best Colleges is National Universities is #369. Also, the acceptance rate of this university is 42%. Additionally, the university offers the best academic programs, expert faculty, job & placement, and more. Besides, Texas A&M University-Commerce also offers over 130 academic degrees for its students.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: How long does it take to get admission to Iowa State?
After submitting the application the Iowa State admission committee will review the application for admission on the basis of documents that applicants provide. A decision may require several weeks as it depends on the time of year the applicant submits the application (Applications submitted right before the deadline require a much longer processing time due to the volume of applications received then.). Applicants will receive an admission offer letter and the I-20 Form if admitted.
Q: Is the University of South Dakota hard to get into?
With a 99% acceptance rate, the University of South Dakota is easy to get into. The university follows an easy approach during admission. The university takes a simple admissions procedure. The high acceptance percentage does not mean that the university admits every applicant; rather, it suggests permissive admittance as compared to another university.
Students must prove themselves by scoring excellent academic scores, English proficiency requirements, and standardized test scores. Also, the university prioritizes factors, such as rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendations, and more.
Q: What GPA do you need to get into Iowa State?
International students who wish to study at Iowa State must have at least GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission. International transfer applicants must have a minimum equivalent GPA of C+ on a scale of A to F or 2.25 on a 4.0 scale for all transferable courses.
Q: Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
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