In the United States, there are over a thousand community colleges, and the majority of them offer a variety of degrees or certificates that prepare both domestic and international students for their first entry-level job. Today, we’ll take a look at the top 30 Best Community Colleges in USA for International Students.
Every year, a significant number of students apply to the most popular community colleges in the United States since the country is one of the most popular Study Abroad Countries for International Students and a dream study location for many worldwide.
Undergraduate students who attend a community college earn academic credits toward a bachelor’s degree and have the option of transferring their courses to a private university later on. If you want to learn more about the best community colleges in the United States for international students, read on! you’ve come to the right place.
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About Community Colleges for International Students in the United States of America
Community colleges in the United States are cheap universities in the US primarily located in suburban areas and attended by both locals and international students.
Students can also save time by staying in a nearby hotel and attending college. International students in the United States can find on-campus student housing or rent apartments or houses in the surrounding area.
Students can easily afford to attend these community colleges, earn credits, and then transfer those credits to a private university after two years to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
High school Diplomas and certification courses leading to two-year associate degrees are the most popular programs for international students at community colleges in the US.
Why Community Colleges In USA For International Students Are Important
Here are a few compelling reasons to attend one of the best community colleges in the USA as an international student:
- It is less expensive than attending university.
- Some community colleges are tuition-free universities in the US
- International students in community colleges in the USA can have access to financial assistance
- It is less difficult to gain acceptance.
- Flexibility
- They work with smaller classes
- It is very easy to gain admission
- Ability to attend classes on a part-time basis.
List of the 30 Best Community Colleges in USA for International Students
Below is a list of some of the best community colleges in USA for International Students:
- Northwest Iowa Community College
- Lehman College, New York
- Oxnard Community College
- Moorpark College
- Brigham Young University, Utah
- Cerritos College
- Hillsborough Community College
- Fox Valley Technical College
- Casper College
- Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
- Irvine Valley College
- Central Wyoming College
- Frederick Community College
- Shoreline Community College
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- Nassau Community College
- Howard Community College
- Ohlone College
- Arkansas State University, Arkansas
- Queensborough Community College
- Alcorn State University, Mississippi
- California State University, Long Beach
- Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Alexandria Technical & Community College
- South Texas University, South Texas
- Pierce College-Puyallup
- Minot State University
- Ogeechee Technical College
- Santa Rosa Junior College
- Northeast Alabama Community College.
Best Community Colleges In USA For International Students – Updated
If you decide you want to attend a community college in the United States, you should begin your search for the best community college that meets your needs within this section. To make things easier for you, we’ve broken them down below.
#1. Northwest Iowa Community College
Northwest Iowa Community College provides a high-quality academic experience that is committed to seeing each student’s learning and meeting them where they are.
This is accomplished through small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. That’s right, every faculty member here knows every single one of their students.
Their website takes pride in the fact that nearly all of their student population achieves career success.
#2. Lehman College, New York
Lehman College in New York is a senior college located within the City University of New York in New York City.
It is one of the cheapest community colleges in the United States for international students, and as a bonus, this college also serves senior-year students.
#3. Oxnard Community College
Established in 1975 by the Ventura County Community College District, Oxnard College is a public community college in Oxnard, California. It has gained a reputation among the top 5 colleges in the state of California college system according to schools.com.
Admission to the college is open to any adult who is able to profit from instruction and opportunities for enrichment. Oxnard has professional staffs devoted to assisting international students to achieve their academic goals by offering a variety of services to meet students’ needs: application process, immigration advisement, academic counseling, activities, and clubs.
#4. Moorpark College
Moorpark College fits the bill if you’re looking for a beautiful place to study. This best community colleges option is known for fostering diversity and celebrating their students through visibility and accessible learning opportunities.
They were founded in 1967 as one of the three colleges that comprise the Ventura Community College District.
Their track record for students transferring from Moorpark to four-year colleges and universities in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree is impeccable.
Aside from coursework, they have extensive resource offerings for students, such as counselling, tutoring, and student life offerings.
Not to mention, they offer a plethora of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to ensure that education is available to all students in their community.
#5. Brigham Young University, Utah
This university is one of the cheapest community colleges in the United States for international students to attend because it offers courses in over 100 different fields. There are approximately 31,292 students who receive education from the university.
#6. Cerritos College
Cerritos College, founded in 1955, has long been regarded as one of the best community colleges in Los Angeles County. For students living in North Orange County and Southeastern Los Angeles County, the campus is truly convenient. They take pride in their affordability and the fact that students can attend for as little as $46 per credit.
In addition, honours scholars programming has a 92 per cent enrollment rate. They go out of their way to prioritize students by providing a variety of support services such as those for veteran students, career services, counselling opportunities, tutoring, student health, and a plethora of student life opportunities.
#7. Hillsborough Community College
Choose Hillsborough Community College to make a wise investment in your future. When you do that, you are selecting a school that is committed to the academic success of the highest calibre.
They serve at least 47,00 students and are one of the most important transfer institutions to the University of South Florida.
With over 190 programs to offer students, they also offer a variety of delivery options, including daytime, evening, hybrid, and online courses, allowing them to reach out to the community members they serve, especially during pandemics.
#8. Fox Valley Technical College
Attending one of the most creative two-year institutions is the best way to start your education. With the help of technology, Fox Valley Technical College is transforming education. They stand out on all levels, with advancements in agriculture, healthcare, aviation, and robotics.
They offer high-tech occupational training and have over 200 programs and training in some of today’s most in-demand professions.
#9. Casper College
Casper College was the state of Wyoming’s first community college, founded in 1945. Their campus consists of 28 buildings nestled among trees on 200 acres of land.
Every year, approximately 5,000 students enroll. Casper’s small class sizes are one of the things that make it one of the best community colleges.
#10. Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is ranked among the best community colleges for a variety of reasons. They are well-known for their accessibility and affordability, as well as their extensive programs that allow for a smooth transition to a four-year degree program.
Non-residents and residents pay the same price per credit hour: $139. It’s difficult to compete with that.
They are agricultural education leaders, offering majors in agronomy and agricultural mechanics, animal science and agricultural education, agribusiness management systems, and veterinary technology systems.
Students can earn associate’s degrees in veterinary technology and agriculture, as well as certificates and other credentials, through their offerings.
#11. Irvine Valley College
If you’re looking for one of the best community colleges that provides a lot of one-on-one attention, Irvine Valley College might be a good fit. Although they became an independent community college in 1985, their first satellite campus was established in 1979.
#12. Central Wyoming College
If you are fully prepared to commit fully to higher education, Central Wyoming College is an excellent place to start. They serve communities in Wyoming’s Fremont, Hot Springs, and Teton counties.
For those who are interested in their program offerings but do not live in the area, they offer several online programs that students can complete entirely online.
The main campus is in Riverton, Wyoming, and they understand that accountability is a big part of being successful in college.
Their staff is concerned about the students, whether they are transfer students obtaining an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year college or certificate students seeking immediate employment upon completion.
In addition, they offer professional development courses, basic adult education, and career readiness training.
#13. Frederick Community College
Frederick Community College exemplifies the principles of integrity, innovation, diversity, and educational excellence. They have assisted over 200,000 students in obtaining an associate’s degree since 1957.
This two-year public college is regarded as one of the best in the Middle States. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and they are the most convenient alternative in the area, saving hundreds of families thousands of dollars per year for the first two years of college.
General studies, healthcare, business administration, STEM, and cybersecurity are the top five areas of study. They provide comprehensive advice to work with students to achieve their educational objectives.
#14. Shoreline Community College
Shoreline Community College is located in beautiful Shoreline, Washington, just outside of Seattle. They were founded in 1964 and have grown at an exponential rate since then.
They serve nearly 10,000 students per year and have close to 6,000 enrolled students each quarter. The average student is 23 years old. Half of their students are full-time, while the other half are part-time.
#15. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
This is a two-year public community college with open enrollment. With a 100% acceptance rate, this is the best community college for those who want to be a part of the region’s preferred education provider.
They have construction apprenticeships, industrial electrician apprenticeships, mechatronics technician apprenticeships, and other programs that provide students with on-the-job training while they earn their academic credentials.
#16. Nassau Community College
Nassau Community College should be your first choice if you want to study in a fast-paced environment full of diversity, educational excellence, and more student resources than you can count on. They serve over 30,000 students each year, so if student engagement is an important part of your college experience, you’ll find a vibrant campus environment.
#17. Howard Community College
Howard Community College has been a proud member of Maryland’s 16 community colleges since it first opened its doors to students in 1970.
They primarily serve the residents of Howard County.
Their mission is simple to provide paths to success. They not only have a plethora of career pathway programs and transfer programs in support of matriculating into four-year degree schools, but they also have a plethora of personal enrichment classes.
#18. Ohlone College
Ohlone College is ranked among the best community colleges for a variety of reasons. Based in Fremont, California, and has two additional campuses in Newark and Online. Each year, they serve nearly 27,000 students across all of their campuses.
There are 189 associate’s degrees and certificate programs available, as well as 27 degrees designed specifically for transfer, 67 certificates of accomplishment, and 15 non-credit certificates of completion. They offer a diverse range of non-credit courses for students seeking personal enrichment or career advancement.
#19. Arkansas State University, Arkansas
Arkansas State University is one of the best community colleges in the United States. The current location of this university is Jonesboro, Arkansas.
This community college also serves a large number of international students, with approximately 380 students enrolled for the fall semester.
#20. Queensborough Community College
CUNY Queensborough Community College is located in the Bayside neighbourhood of Queens, New York. They were founded in 1959 and have been in business for 62 years.
Their mission is to assist their students in transferring four-year academic endeavours and gaining access to the workforce. At any given time, they have close to 15,500 students and over 900 educational faculty members.
#21. Alcorn State University, Mississippi
Alcorn State University is one of the colleges and universities that serve Black Americans in the rural county of Claiborne. Many international students attend this university because it is one of the cheapest community colleges in the United States for international students.
The university was founded in 1871 and now offers degrees and courses in over 40 different fields to its students.
#22. California State University, Long Beach
California State University is a public university that ranks high on our list of the cheapest community colleges in the United States for international students.
This community college is in Long Beach, California.
#23. Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Minnesota State Community and Technical College have campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorehead, and Wadena, as well as an online campus.
Accounting programs, administrative support, advanced HVAC, American Sign Language, architectural drafting and design, art transfer pathway, liberal arts and sciences transfer pathway, and many more are among the many associate’s degrees and certificate program offerings.
#24. Alexandria Technical & Community College
Alexandria Technical & Community College, located in Alexandria, Minnesota, is a public two-year college dedicated to academic excellence.
This top community college provides certificates, associate’s degrees, diplomas, and training for the workforce. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited them.
The college’s workforce development and continuing education division provide courses in training, farm business management, truck driver school, and other topics.
They also have relationships with organizations that help them structure their education so that students learn up-to-date industry knowledge.
#25. South Texas University, South Texas
This university is a top public community college in the United States. It is currently located in South Texas’ Rio Grande Valley region.
South Texas University’s main selling point is that it offers associate’s degrees in over forty different fields to both domestic and international students.
#26. Pierce College-Puyallup
Pierce College-Puyallup has a winning record that dates back more than 50 years. The Aspen Institute recently named them one of the top five community colleges in the country.
They serve a community dedicated to enriching their economy and the environment through education in Puyallup, Washington.
Pierce College employs a process known as Career Pathways, in which students work with an academic advisor to map out their career goals.
#27.Minot State University, North Dakota
Minot State University is one of the most affordable community colleges, offering undergraduate degrees in over 50 different fields. This university also accepts international students from all over the world.
#28. Ogeechee Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College is deeply rooted in its local community. Former state Sen. Joe Kennedy founded the college to provide job training to people in rural Georgia, and it has been in charge of the region’s adult literacy program since 1989.
#29. Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa Junior College is designed specifically to prepare students for admission to one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.
Many of the college’s students go on to attend the nearby University of California, Berkeley, one of the country’s most academically rigorous universities.
#30. Northeast Alabama Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College has been named one of the best community colleges in the country on numerous occasions.
The Aspen Institute, a leading public policy organization in Washington, D.C. that studies education policy, bestowed the honour on the college.
FAQs about Community Colleges in USA for International Students
When did community colleges start?
Community colleges, also known as junior colleges or two-year colleges in the United States, have their origins in the Morrill Act of 1862 (the Land Grant Act), which essentially expanded access to public higher education.
Are community colleges bad?
No, Community colleges are an excellent way for students who want to study at a US institution to save money.
They make higher education in the United States more affordable by lowering the cost of four-year courses while maintaining a high standard of education.
Conclusion
The popularity of community colleges among international students is growing, giving more people the opportunity to enter the US higher education system without the high cost.
So make plans to attend!