Posted by Community colleges are an attractive option for many international students who want to pursue higher education in the USA. They offer affordable tuition, and easy admission requirements compared to four-year universities. However, choosing the best community colleges in USA for International Students can be a daunting task, but with careful research and consideration of individual needs, you can find the perfect fit to launch your American academic journey.
According to the Institute of International Education, more than 49,000 international students attended US community colleges during the 2020-2021 school year, which represents slightly over 5% of all international students enrolled at colleges in the US.
Table of Contents
What is a Community College?
Community colleges, also known as junior colleges, are higher education institutions that prepare students for the workforce.
There are over a thousand colleges in the US, they offer various degrees and certificates for both domestic and international students.
They also serve as an access point to traditional universities for students planning to continue their education.
Community colleges offer traditional academic classes, community programs, and shorter degree programs compared to four-year universities.
Criteria for Selection of the Best Community Colleges in the USA for International Students
Selecting the best community colleges for international students involves a rigorous evaluation process.
We’ve considered the following key criteria to determine the top 35 community colleges in the USA:
- Academic Excellence
- Support Services: International students often require additional support. We’ve examined services such as academic advising, English language programs, counseling, and career guidance to ensure that students receive comprehensive assistance.
- Campus Life: An enriching student life contributes to a holistic educational experience.
- Location and Surroundings
List of the Best Community Colleges in the USA for International Students
Below is a table showing a list of the best community colleges in the USA for international students:
25 Best Community Colleges in the USA for International Students
1. Santa Barbara City College
- Founded: 1909
- Location: Santa Barbara, California, USA
Santa Barbara City College is a fully accredited community college located in Santa Barbara, California. It offers more than 155 degree and certificate programs. The college has a total enrollment of 12,525 students.
The school utilizes a semester-based academic year and the student-faculty ratio is 25-to-1. The highest degree offered at Santa Barbara City College is an associate degree.
2. Central Wyoming College
- Founded: 1966
- Location: Riverton, Wyoming, USA
Central Wyoming College is a community college located in Wyoming, United States. It offers more than 40 degrees in various fields such as film, nursing, equine, expedition science, culinary, and more.
The college has a total enrollment of 2,000 students. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year, and the student-faculty ratio is 12-to-1.
3. Santa Monica College
- Founded: 1929
- Location: Santa Monica, California, USA
Santa Monica College is a community college located in Santa Monica, California.
It was established in 1929 and has since grown to become one of the leading performing arts venues and the academy of entertainment and technology.
The college offers over 180 degrees, certificates, and transfer options to help students reach their goals.
4. Montgomery College
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Rockville, Maryland, USA
Montgomery College is a community college located in Maryland, United States.
It offers both credit and noncredit programs to more than 50,000 students each year. The college provides a quality higher education that gives everyone the chance to achieve success and to create meaningful change in their lives – and in the world.
5. Fox Valley Technical College
- Founded: 1912
- Location: Appleton, Wisconsin
Fox Valley Technical College is a public technical college located in Appleton, Wisconsin.
It offers over 200 associate degrees including technical diplomas, certificate programs, seminars, customized training for business, and continuing education.
The college is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System.
6. Orange Coast College
- Founded: 1947
- Location: Costa Mesa, California, USA
Orange Coast College is a community college located in Costa Mesa, California, United States. It offers more than 135 academic and career programs.
The college has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of programs, including transfer degrees, and associate in arts and science degrees.
7. Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale Campus
- Founded: 1964
- Location: Annandale, Virginia, USA
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is a public community college located in Annandale, Virginia.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree.
The curricula of the college are approved by the College Board and by the State Board, and the two-year associate degree programs are also approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).
8. Valencia College West Campus
- Founded: 1967
- Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
Valencia College West Campus is located in Orlando, Florida, United States.
The West Campus offers a variety of programs and services to students, including academic advising, career services, and international student services.
Valencia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
9. Bristol Community College
- Founded: 1965
- Location: Fall River, Massachusetts, USA
Bristol Community College is a public community college with four campuses in Southeastern Massachusetts. It offers a wide range of programs and courses, including associate degrees, certificates, and career and technical training.
Bristol Community College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
10. Hillsborough Community College – Plant City Campus
- Founded: 1968
- Location: Plant City, Florida, USA
Hillsborough Community College – Plant City Campus is a two-year community college located in Hillsborough County, Florida.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
11. Foothill College
- Founded: 1957
- Location: Los Altos Hills, California
Foothill College is a public community college located in Los Altos Hills, California. It offers 79 Associate degree programs, 1 bachelor’s degree program, and 107 certificate programs.
Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
12. Greenfield Community College
- Founded: 1962
- Location: Greenfield, Massachusetts
Greenfield Community College is a public, two-year community college located in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Greenfield Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
13. Las Positas College
- Founded: 1975
- Location: Livermore, California
Las Positas College is an educational institution located in Livermore, California, United States.
It offers a range of degree and certificate programs in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and humanities. Las Positas College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
14. Pasadena City College
- Founded: 1924
- Location: Pasadena, California
Pasadena City College is a public community college located in Pasadena, California.
It enrolls over 30,000 students each semester and offers a wide range of academic programs and career paths. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
15. De Anza College
- Founded: 1967
- Location: Cupertino, California
De Anza College is a public community college located in Cupertino, California, United States.
It is part of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, which also administers Foothill College in nearby Los Altos Hills, California.
16. College of San Mateo
- Founded: 1922
- Location: San Mateo, California
College of San Mateo is a community college located in San Mateo, California. It offers various degree, certificate, and transfer courses.
College of San Mateo is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
17. Trinity Valley Community College
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Athens, Texas
Trinity Valley Community College is a public community college located in Athens, Texas.
It offers a core curriculum of freshman and sophomore courses in the arts and sciences, as well as technical programs in fields such as nursing, welding, and cosmetology.
Trinity Valley Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates, and associate and baccalaureate degrees.
18. West Valley College
- Founded: 1963
- Location: Saratoga, California
West Valley College is a public community college located in Saratoga, California. It is part of the California Community College system and offers a wide range of academic programs.
West Valley College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
19. Green River College
- Founded: 1945
- Location: Auburn, Washington
Green River College is a public community college located in Auburn, Washington, United States.
It offers a wide range of programs and courses, including 9 bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees.
The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
20. Dallas College
- Founded: 1965
- Location: Mesquite, Texas, United States
Dallas College is a community college district in Dallas County, Texas.
It has seven independently accredited colleges: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland.
Dallas College offers a variety of programs that prepare students for university transfer or fast-track them into a rewarding career.
These programs include:
- Business
- Hospitality and Global Trade
- Creative Arts
- Entertainment and Design
- Education
- Engineering
- Technology
- Mathematics and Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Law and Public Service.
21. Bunker Hill Community College
- Founded: 1973
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is a community college located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the largest community college in Massachusetts with more than 16,000 students enrolled annually.
BHCC was founded in 1973 and is fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
22. Diablo Valley College
- Founded: 1949
- Location: Pleasant Hill, California, United States
Diablo Valley College is a two-year community college located in Pleasant Hill, California, USA. It was opened in 1949 and currently has more than 22,000 students enrolled.
Diablo Valley College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
23. Moraine Valley Community College
- Founded: 1967
- Location: Palos Hills, Illinois, United States
Moraine Valley Community College is a public community college located in Palos Hills, Illinois, United States.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
24. Northwest Iowa Community College
- Founded: 1966
- Location: Sheldon, Iowa, United States
Northwest Iowa Community College is a public, two-year coeducational institution located in Sheldon, Iowa. It was established in 1966 and has an enrollment of more than 1,000 students.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S.
25. Alexandria Technical & Community College
- Founded: 1961
- Location: Alexandria, Minnesota, United States
Alexandria Technical & Community College is a public community college located in Alexandria, Minnesota.
It offers a wide range of technical and transfer programs and services that meet the needs of learners, businesses, and communities in Minnesota.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
FAQs on the Best Community Colleges in the USA for International Students
What support services are typically available for international students at community colleges?
Support services often include academic advising, English language assistance, counseling, and career guidance. Some colleges also provide cultural and social integration programs to help international students feel at home.
Are there specific language requirements for international students at community colleges?
Most community colleges require proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Some colleges may offer English language programs for students who need additional support.
How do I make the most of my time at a community college as an international student?
Engage in campus activities, build relationships, seek academic guidance, and consider your long-term goals. Community colleges can be a stepping stone to a successful academic journey in the USA.
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Conclusion
Based on statistics, approximately 20% of all international students studying in the USA are enrolled in community colleges. Currently, more than 100,000 foreign students are enrolled in community colleges across the US.
These institutions are attractive to international students due to a variety of factors, including affordability, high admission rates, and others.
We’ve come to the end of this article, let us know the community college that caught your fancy.
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