Top 50 Best Community Colleges in USA 2024
Top 50 Best Community Colleges in USA. There are currently more than 1000 community colleges in America. Community colleges in USA were previously known to be junior colleges. It is a public educational institute providing 2 years long degree courses to both domestic and international students. It is an entry-level college that helps students undertake higher education in US at affordable tuition fees.
Many of these schools offer degrees in popular areas, such as business, nursing, and education, while some of these community colleges even offer partnership options, giving you the chance to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree without transferring to a new college.
What is a Community College?
These are schools for students who wish to pursue higher education in their home region. Community college students who live at home can save a significant amount on housing and living expenses. Community colleges are also less expensive than universities, making them an excellent option for those with limited financial resources.
Best Community Colleges In USA For International Students
- Hillsborough Community College.
- Fox Valley Technical College.
- Ohlone College.
- Arkansas State University, Arkansas
- Casper College.
- Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
- Irvine Valley College
- Central Wyoming College
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.
- Nassau Community College
- Howard Community College
- Queensborough Community College
- Northwest Iowa Community College.
- Lehman College, New York.
- Mitchell Technical College
- Moorpark College.
- Brigham Young University, Utah.
- Cerritos College
- Frederick Community College.
- Shoreline Community College.
Can You Get a Scholarship for Community College?
Community college students qualify for scholarships and can begin their searches by contacting their schools for in-house opportunities. Community college students also qualify for private and federal scholarships.
What Is the Difference Between Community College and College?
Community colleges focus on two-year programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment. These programs can also cover general education requirements, allowing students to transfer to four-year schools. Four-year programs include general education requirements and advanced topics, and are what most people think of when they think of traditional college.
Best Community Colleges in USA
1. Minnesota State Community and Technical College
With four campuses throughout the state of Minnesota, Minnesota State Community and Technical College is proud to offer an array of liberal arts and career and technical programs in numerous fields, including business, engineering, human services, computer information systems, and natural resources. This college is devoted to its students’ success, and even offers in-person or online tutoring services for free through its Spartan Center.
2. De Anza College.
At De Anza College in Cupertino, CA, you’ll find cutting-edge learning facilities and a supportive and active campus that promotes learning and community engagement. De Anza College offers numerous experiences to ease the transition to college life for first-year and first-generation college students, such as a first-year experience and a summer bridge program.
3. Ellsworth Community College
At Ellsworth Community College, you’ll find two campuses and an impressive nature area and interpretative center in or near Iowa Falls, Iowa. The college features a wide variety of programs in liberal arts, business, agriculture, animal sciences, health sciences and math that can get you prepared for your career or for transfer to a 4-year university. Unique facilities include an equestrian center at the Hamilton campus, a renewable energy center, and natural resource outdoor laboratory.
4. Herkimer County Community College.
Herkimer County Community College promotes a total college experience to prospective students. Here, you’ll find apartments if you want to live on-campus, an award-winning athletic program, a strong international student population, and numerous student organizations.
5. Northeast Lakeview College
Northeast Lakeview College is part of the Alamo Colleges system, providing an innovative learning experience to students in the Northeast San Antonio, Texas area. At this college, you can major in a specific field while earning an associate’s degree, pre-major in a general area in preparation for transfer to a 4-year college, or earn a certificate in a career-focused area.
6. Ancilla College
A private Catholic 2-year school, Ancilla College in Donaldson, Indiana offers a unique setting and numerous facilities for hands-on learning for its students. The campus is part of an intergenerational learning center, which features a working farm and an assisted living facility, as well as learning opportunities in state-of-the-art biology labs and simulation rooms. Ancilla has certificate and associate’s degree programs in more than 20 fields of study, including business, science, education, and general studies.
7. Rockland Community College
A SUNY college based in Suffern, New York, Rockland Community College proudly offers courses taught by nationally recognized and distinguished SUNY faculty. Both transfer and career/technical programs are offered here in areas like business, math, marketing, journalism, theater, homeland security, and graphic design.
8. Holmes Community College
Holmes Community College offers technologically advanced e-learning programs in addition to its traditional campus-based courses. Your options include transfer programs in STEM, kinesiology, business, arts, and health sciences as well as a variety of career and technical programs leading to an associate’s degree or certificate.
9. McLennan Community College
With the goal of seeing every student succeed, McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas offers small class sizes, success coaches, tutoring services, and state-of-the-art technology on its riverside campus. You’ll also find a horse farm and a center devoted to emergency services education at this college, which offers associate’s degrees and certificates in six broad areas: STEM; industry and business; health; creative arts; liberal arts; and public service.
10. Western Nebraska Community College.
Committed to providing quality education to students in the Nebraska panhandle, Western Nebraska Community College offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs leading to transfer to a 4-year college or a career. In fact, 93% of graduates are working in their fields or pursuing advanced education.
11. Iowa Western Community College
Iowa Western Community College proudly offers more than 80 career and technical programs and liberal arts options as well as ongoing career education and personal enrichment classes. Your options include programs in business, science, agriculture, culinary arts, music, health occupations, and vet technology, to name a few. In addition to an abundance of program offerings, the college also has its own radio station and even a flight school.
12. Anne Arundel Community College
Anne Arundel Community College proudly offers educational opportunities to nearly 50,000 students. You can take a non-credit course, pursue an associate’s degree, or earn a certificate at this college, which is the largest 2-year single-campus college in the state. You’ll get plenty of support at Anne Arundel Community College, which offers academic services, career guidance, health counseling, student achievement programs for minority students, and childcare.
13. Southeast Community College
Southeast Community College has three campuses providing academic opportunities to students throughout a 15-county area of Nebraska. The college is dedicated to providing a student-centered focus both in the classroom and through support services, global experiences, hands-on opportunities, research, and health education. You can choose from more than 50 certificate and degree programs that allow you to either transfer to a 4-year college or enter your career field upon graduation.
14. Hudson Valley Community College
New York college proudly offers its students classes taught by award-winning faculty and cutting-edge learning facilities. You’ll find 80 programs leading to an associate’s degree or certificate, such as career-focused programs in chemical dependency counseling and clean energy management and transfer programs in liberal arts, physical sciences, and business. Hudson Valley has an active campus featuring championship sports teams, cultural affairs, civic engagement programs, and student clubs.
15. Hillsborough Community College
Invest wisely in your future by attending Hillsborough Community College. When you do so, you choose a school that is committed to the highest level of academic achievement. They serve at least 47,000 students and are one of the University of South Florida’s most prominent transfer institutions. They offer a number of delivery methods, including daytime, evening, hybrid, and online courses, which enables them to reach out to the community members they serve, particularly during pandemics.
16. Western Piedmont Community College
Western Piedmont Community College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs in about 40 areas of study. Committed to affordable education for its students, the college maintains a database of scholarships that you can apply for while earning your degree as well as providing FAFSA Friday events where you can meet with financial aid counselors to get assistance filling out applications.
17. Laramie County Community College.
With around 80 transfer and career-focused programs available, Laramie County Community College has excellent educational options to meet your needs. You can choose from programs offered through the following four schools: Wellness and health sciences, Science and math, Arts and humanities, Business, technical studies, and agriculture.
18. Wharton County Junior College
Wharton County Junior College, in Texas, offers affordable education in diverse academic areas and the convenience of four college campuses to choose from. You can find transfer programs and vocational programs here in several areas, including computer science, education, public service, technical education, and behavioral sciences.
19. Carroll Community College
Based in Westminster, Maryland, Carroll Community College provides state-of-the-art learning centers to students, including a business training center, life fitness building, and center for performing arts. You can find programs here to fit any academic goal, such as transfer degree options, courses for personal growth, and career-readiness programs.
20. Fox Valley Technical College
Attending one of the most innovative two-year colleges is the most effective method to begin your study. Fox Valley Technical College is changing education with technology. With improvements in agriculture, healthcare, aviation, and robotics, they excel on all fronts. They provide high-tech occupational training and have more than 200 programs and courses in some of the most in-demand careers of the present day.
21. Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Anoka-Ramsey Community College has two campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, Minnesota, to serve your academic needs. You can earn an associate’s degree or certificate here or participate in the bachelor’s partnership program that lets you get your bachelor’s degree in an area like business or teaching.
22. Sullivan County Community College
Located near New York City, Sullivan County Community College makes sustainability education a priority, with courses and programs promoting a green workplace. The school even practices this approach throughout the campus through its 9-acre solar farm and a green roof, among other green efforts. Degree and certificate programs at this SUNY college are available in such career-ready fields as computer science, culinary arts, business technology, graphic design, and casino operations.
23. Carl Sandburg College
Offering two campuses and an annex, Carl Sandburg College provides transfer degrees and technical/career programs to students in the central and western areas of Illinois. You can get a global perspective while at this college through its study abroad program, which offers academic opportunities in Ireland, Austria, Spain, Costa Rica, and more.
24. Lake Area Technical Institute
Known for being South Dakota’s first technical institute, Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown offers around 30 degree programs focused on providing the most relevant and beneficial learning experience possible. Career and technical education options are plentiful here and include a law enforcement academy, nursing certification programs, welding and diesel technology, and building trades technology programs.
25. East Mississippi Community College.
East Mississippi Community College tops our list of best community colleges due to its abundant program offerings, campus locations, and student activities available. Here you can choose from degree and certificate programs in science, math, culinary arts, industrial maintenance, the humanities, and more, giving you plenty of options to pursue your dream career or further your education at a 4-year university.
Best Community Colleges in USA For International Students
1. University of Minnesota, Morris
UNM Morris is known for its quality of education in the fields of Arts and Science. The number of students enrolling for UG courses every year is about 3 thousand. Some of the popular courses offered by the college are BBA, B.Sc and B.E/B.Tech. International students are eligible for the Achievement Scholarships and Non-resident Tuition Waiver.
2. Brigham Young University, Utah
This university is one of the most affordable Community Colleges in USA for international students to attend because it provides courses in more than a hundred disciplines. The university provides instruction to roughly 31,292 students.
3. South Texas University, South Texas
This is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. Some of the popular courses are Bachelors of Applied Technology in Computer & Information Technologies, Associate of Science in Engineering, Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration are
4. Arkansas State University, Arkansas
Arkansas State University is one of the nation’s finest community colleges in USA. This university’s present location is Jonesboro, Arkansas. Approximately 380 international students are enrolled for the autumn semester at this community institution.
5. Arkansas State University, Arkansas
This is one of the oldest community colleges in the US after the City University of New York. Nearly one thousand students join the UG courses every year. The most popular courses taken by students are MS, B.E/B.Tech, B.Sc, MBA/PGDM. The college offers financial aid to international students under the Freshman Scholarship and Transfer Scholarship.
6. Casper College
Casper College was the first community colleges in USA in Wyoming. Their 200-acre campus is comprised of 28 buildings hidden among forests. Every year, approximately 5,000 students enroll. Small class sizes are one of the factors that make Casper Community College one of the best in the nation.
7. California State University, Long Beach.
CSULB is among the most preferred community colleges in the US. Nearly 25 thousand UG students get admission every year. Popular courses taken by students are MS, B.E/B.Tech, MIM, MBA/PGDM, B.Sc, BBA and BHM. The college has a Career Development Center, Women’s Resource Center, Graduate Studies Resources Center and Center For International Education to improve student life on campus.
8. Irvine Valley College
Irvine Valley College may be a suitable choice if you’re seeking for one of the greatest community colleges that delivers a great deal of individualized attention.
9. The City University of New York, NYC
It has ranked over many years as one of the best community colleges in USA for international students. The university includes several departments such as the School of Medicine, School of Architecture, The Grove School of Engineering, School of Education, etc. CUNY Office of Research is dedicated to helping students with research opportunities.
10. Frederick Community College
This public two-year college is considered as one of the finest in the Midwestern United States. It is completely approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and it is the most convenient option in the region, saving hundreds of families thousands of dollars annually for the first two years of college.
11. Nassau Community College.
Nassau Community Colleges in USA should be your first choice if you wish to study in a fast-paced, diverse, and academically excellent atmosphere with abundant student resources. If student participation is essential to your college experience, you will find a lively campus environment at a school that enrolls over 30,000 students annually.
12. Mitchell Technical College
In Mitchell, South Dakota, Mitchell Technical College is a community colleges in USA. Their programming is meant to give new skill sets applicable to a wide variety of technical jobs to a large number of learners. 99% of graduates are either employed or enrolled in additional academic programs within six months of graduating from this program.
13. Cerritos College
Cerritos College has been regarded as one of the finest community institutions in Los Angeles County since its establishment. The location is extremely convenient for students residing in North Orange County and Southeast Los Angeles County. Students can attend for as little as $46 per credit, to which they take great delight.
13. Fox Valley Technical College.
Attending one of the most innovative two-year colleges is the most effective method to begin your study. Fox Valley Technical College is changing education with technology. With improvements in agriculture, healthcare, aviation, and robotics, they excel on all fronts. They provide high-tech occupational training and have more than 200 programs and courses in some of the most in-demand careers of the present day.
14. Central Wyoming College
If you are fully committed to pursuing a higher education, Central Wyoming College is a great place to begin. They serve the villages of Fremont, Hot Springs, and Teton counties in Wyoming. They offer various online programs that students can complete totally online for people who are interested in their program offerings but do not reside in the area.
15. Northeast Alabama Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College has multiple times been recognized as one of the best community colleges in the nation. The college was honored by the Aspen Institute, a prominent public policy group in Washington, D.C. that researches education policy.
16. Ogeechee Technical College
The Ogeechee Technical College has profound ties to its community. The institution was formed by former state senator Joe Kennedy to provide employment training to rural Georgians.
17. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
This is an open-enrollment, two-year public community college. This is the ideal community college in USA for people who wish to join the region’s preferred education provider. There are construction apprenticeships, industrial electrician apprenticeships, mechatronics technician apprenticeships, and other programs that provide on-the-job training to students as they obtain academic qualifications.
18. Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
Numerous factors place Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture among the top community institutions. They are well-known for their accessibility, affordability, and broad programs that facilitate a seamless transfer to a four-year institution. Residents and non-residents pay $139 per credit hour. It is challenging to compete with it.
19. Alcorn State University, Mississippi
Alcorn State University is one of the schools and universities in rural Claiborne County that serve African Americans. This university attracts many international students because it is one of the most affordable community colleges in USA for overseas students.
20. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
This is an open-enrollment, two-year public community college. This is the ideal community college in USA for people who wish to join the region’s preferred education provider. There are construction apprenticeships, industrial electrician apprenticeships, mechatronics technician apprenticeships, and other programs that provide on-the-job training to students as they obtain academic qualifications.
Reasons for Studying at a Community Colleges in USA?
- International students attending community colleges in USA are eligible for financial aid.
- It is easier to achieve acceptance.
- Admission is relatively easy to obtain.
- The capacity to take classes part-time.
- Flexibility.
- It is less costly than attending college.
- Some community colleges in USA are tuition-free universities.
- They employ smaller class sizes.
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