Community Colleges: An Affordable Gateway to U.S. Higher Education

The US is one of the top study destinations for students all across the globe. Because of its top-notch education, along with racial and cultural diversity and opportunities for growth, it hosts the largest number of international students globally. 

According to the Open Doors 2022 Report on International Educational Exchange, released on November 14, by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, 948,519 international students from more than 200 countries are studying at various institutions and universities of the US during the academic year of 2021-22.

The United States is undoubtedly the best choice for higher education with its top-tier universities and Ivy League schools, but, it is also one of the most expensive countries to live and study in. 

Students who are considering pursuing higher education in the “land of dreams,” but are tight on budget, have an affordable study option available for them- Community Colleges.

With over 49,000 enrolled in the academic year 2021-22, Community Colleges are one of the most popular and affordable choices for international students. 

Why You Should Enroll in a Community College?

Community colleges offer practical and affordable higher education to international students. It is the most affordable way to get a higher education because its tuition is relatively low, and most students can earn their degrees without incurring debt. 

• Lower Tuition Fees

Compared to 4-year colleges, community colleges are generally a much lower-cost alternative. The tuition fee of community colleges ranges from $12,000 to $18,000 annually, whereas, the tuition fee of private schools and universities can cost around $32,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on the area of living and course chosen.

They also have transfer agreements with several four-year universities. These agreements make it easy for students to transfer into a four-year program at a private institution after fulfilling certain prerequisites. 

• 2+2 Approach

This is commonly known as a 2+2 approach. Through this, students can complete their lower division general education requirements at a community college for the first two years, and then they can transfer to a university. There, they can enroll in upper-division classes to finish their bachelor's degrees for the remaining 2 years. 

In simpler words, 2 years of community college + 2 years of university = 4 years of bachelor's degree. 

If students complete community college, they will have the same academic requirements that students from 4-year universities have and can be eligible for financial aid at the same time. Opting for the 2+2 approach will substantially reduce the tuition fee for obtaining a bachelor’s degree. 

• The flexibility of Admission/Classes

Another major perk of enrolling in a community college is that admissions and classes are flexible. For admission to US community colleges as opposed to four-year universities, there are typically less stringent academic and TOEFL/IELTS criteria. For students whose test results are too low to start academic studies, many community colleges also provide ESL programs. It also offers students the flexibility to take night classes or online courses. This is beneficial for students who are working part-time or have obligations elsewhere. 

Types of Degrees Offered by Community Colleges

Community colleges offer two types of degrees to students (not to be confused with courses). 

1. Associate of Arts (A.A.)
2. Associate of Sciences (A.S.) 
3. Diplomas/Certificates 

Associate Degree (Arts and Science) Programs are two-year courses that prepare students to transition to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.). Students who finish these two-year programs fulfill all academic requirements and gain the analytical, interpretive, and communication abilities required for transfer to a four-year university.

Additionally, non-degree programs that grant diplomas and certificates are offered by community colleges. These can last anywhere between a few weeks and several months. They are designed for students who want to pick up a certain skill without completing the necessary coursework for a degree.

Support at Community Colleges

• Tutors: The majority of community colleges have tutors available to help students with their academics. This helps students stay enrolled at the college and complete their degrees.
• Writing centers: Most community colleges now have writing centers available to aid students who feel overburdened by their academics.

• Open computer labs: Open computer labs provide students with the modern technological and/or digital equipment and expertise they need to finish assignments and projects for their classes.

• Student services centers: These are created to offer student services, including an increasing range of psychological and academic counseling, tutoring, career guidance, student housing, or financial aid. 

• International student clubs and associations: International student clubs and organizations aim to teach international students about American culture while also helping them stay connected with their own.

Community colleges are one of the most popular options for international students who want to pursue higher education in the US. Some of the leading community colleges include Lone Star College System, Houston Community College System, Santa Monica College, and De Anza College. 

Applications for winter and spring sessions for 2023 are currently open. Also, the Community College for International Development (CCID) is offering an International Student Scholarship* worth $1000 to selected international students to study at one of the member institutions of the CCID. 

*For more information about the scholarship, the steps to apply, and the eligibility criteria, visit the official website of CCID. 

Note: The above data has been taken from the official websites of Open Doors, CCID, and StudyUSA.

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