U.S. community colleges, sometimes called junior or technical colleges, provide the first two years of a university education. There are nearly 1,200 two-year, associate-degree granting institutions in the United States. Some community colleges are large, with many campuses in an urban/suburban setting, while others are small and in rural settings. Most community colleges are public institutions and thus financially supported by their state or local government. A small percentage of community colleges are privately controlled, with little or no government assistance. Because of their close ties with local businesses, many community college campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art technology in fields such as biomedical engineering, biotechnology, renewable energy technologies, robotics, laser optics, and geographic information systems. 

The number of international students attending community colleges has increased dramatically over the past ten years because of their excellent programs, affordable costs, transferable course credits to universities, and English language instruction.

1.  10 Community College Facts

1. There are more than 1,200 public and independent community colleges in the U.S.
2. Community colleges enroll 11.6 million students.
3. Eight percent of community college students are non-U.S. citizens.
4. Almost fifteen percent of international students studying in U.S. colleges and universities in 2005/06 were enrolled in community colleges.
5. Community college students constitute 46 percent of undergraduates in the U.S., and 45 percent of first-time freshmen.
6. The number of international students enrolled at community colleges has increased eighteen percent since 1999/2000.
7. Fifty percent of new nurses and the majority of other new health-care workers in the U.S. are educated at community colleges.
8. Ninety-five percent of businesses and organizations that employ community college graduates recommend community college workforce education and training programs.
9. The five most popular community college programs are: registered nursing, law enforcement, licensed practical nursing, radiology, and computer technologies.
10. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, NASA space shuttle commander Eileen Collins, Star Wars movie series producer/director George Lucas, film actors Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood, fashion designer Calvin Klein, and human genome scientist Craig Venter all attended community college.

This fact sheet was developed in cooperation with AACC. Data are derived from the most current information available as of January 2007.

2.  Academic Programs

The first two years of an academic program (undergraduate years 1 and 2) culminate with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or an Associate of Science (AS) degree.  These degrees enable students to transfer credits earned at a community college to a 4-year university bachelor’s degree program.

The most popular AA pre-major programs for international students are accounting, architectural design, business management, communication studies, early childhood education, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology. The most popular AS pre-major programs are astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, forestry, geology, mathematics, multi-media, physics, and wildlife sciences.

3.  Accreditation

Community colleges are accredited by the same regional accreditation agencies that assess 4-year colleges and universities to ensure that certain criteria and standards are met in all programs offered. College level classes at community colleges are as rigorous as those given at universities, and because of parallel course offerings, colleges and universities will often allow community college course credits to transfer toward a bachelor’s degree at their institution.

4.  Admission Requirements

Community colleges aim to ensure that all qualified students have an opportunity to study at a higher education institution. The admission requirements are somewhat flexible, with the understanding that some pre-college, non-credit courses may be required before a student enrolls in an academic program.   

The basic information students need to submit when applying to a community college usually includes:

• An application form;
• Verification of secondary school completion or the equivalent;
• Proof of financial support (an affidavit of support and/or official bank documents); and
• Certification of having met the institution’s English language requirements (community colleges may waive or accept lower scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and/or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Although the SAT is not required for admission, taking the test demonstrates a student’s interest in, and commitment to, studying in the United States.

5.  Benefits of Attending A U.S. Community College

1). Lower Cost

Community college tuition and fees average $6,500 per year, which is significantly lower than at 4-year colleges and universities. Students can lower the overall cost of a bachelor’s degree by taking the first 2 years of course credits at a community college.

2). Excellent Transfer Opportunities

Most community colleges have agreements with 4-year colleges and universities (called articulation or “2 + 2” transfer agreements) which allow students to transfer their community college credits toward a university degree. Thus, students first go to a community college for 2 years of study, obtain an associate degree, and then complete 2 years at a university to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Many state universities give preference to qualified students who transfer from a community college in that state.

3). Flexible English Proficiency Requirements

Because community colleges provide their own assessment and offer Intensive English Programs (IEPs) to students who require additional English proficiency, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are not always critical to the admissions process. As community colleges offer excellent IEPs and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, many can offer more flexible TOEFL requirements. Some community colleges will accept an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score in place of the TOEFL score.

4). Focus on Teaching and Student Success

Although community college faculties do conduct research and publish articles and books, their main focus is on teaching. Community college students therefore enjoy a great deal of personal attention from their professors. Additionally, community colleges seek out faculty with work experience in their subject area, adding a real-world perspective to students’ studies.

5). Small Class Sizes

The average community college class size is between 15 and 20 students which allows professors to devote more time to individual students and for students to interact with each other. Small classes are highly beneficial for international students who may need to adjust to the pace of U.S. academic life and practice their English-language skills.

6). Additional Practical Training Opportunity

International students with F-1 status are eligible to do one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in their field of study immediately following completion of an associate degree, and a second year of OPT immediately following completion of a bachelor’s degree.

7). Use of the Latest Technologies

Because of their strong ties with business and industry, most community colleges are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, classrooms, and facilities. Community colleges lead the nation in educating students in cutting-edge fields such as biomedical engineering, biotechnology, robotics, laser optics, Internet and computer technologies, and geographic information systems.

8). Hundreds of Programs to Choose From

Community colleges offer programs in all major fields of study which can transfer to 4-year colleges and universities. Majors range from art to political science to zoology. Programs especially popular among international students currently include business, engineering, computer science, computer graphics, Internet technology, multimedia, hotel management, restaurant management, psychology, accounting, early childhood education, and environmental conservation.

9). Opportunities to Experience U.S. Culture

Because community colleges have strong ties to their surrounding communities, they offer international students both a rich academic environment and a unique opportunity to experience many aspects of life in the United States—both on and off campus.

10). Excellent Student Support Services

Community colleges are committed to attracting a diverse student population and ensuring that all students succeed. The colleges offer a variety of support services and cross-cultural programs, including tutoring, advising, career planning, study skills and counseling—many of which are designed specifically for international students.

Judith Irwin is Director of International Programs and Services at The American Association of Community Colleges.