[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Community College Research Center at [hen-ui-link href=”https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/john.fink/viz/UndergraduateEnrollmentTrendsbySector/Summary”]Columbia University[/hen-ui-link] reports that nearly 9,000,000 people attended U.S. community colleges in the 2020-2021 academic year. This figure exceeded the number of students at four-year public colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may choose community colleges over four-year schools for many reasons, including affordable tuition, small classes, and an easy application process. Career-aligned certificates and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]associate degrees[/hen-ui-link] can train you for a new job in 1-2 years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary-700″]How to Apply to a Community College[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best community colleges, even those with open enrollment, ask you to meet minimum requirements, pay a fee, and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/applying-to-college/how-to-apply-for-college/”]submit an application[/hen-ui-link]. Most let you apply online. Some states are also developing partnerships with the districts where students are guaranteed acceptance to nearby public community colleges upon high school graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Community colleges’ application requirements typically include a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/high-school-diplomas-versus-ged/”]high school or GED diploma[/hen-ui-link]. Some community colleges may require you to take prerequisite courses or skills assessments for admission.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Application Fee:[/hen-ui-text] Expect to pay a modest fee to each school to which you apply. Speak to an admissions advisor if the fee burdens you financially. They may grant you a fee waiver based on your income.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Application Materials:[/hen-ui-text] Typical application materials include high school transcripts or proof of GED diploma. Do not forget to submit college transcripts if you have earned undergraduate credits. Some community colleges may also require an essay or interview.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Community Colleges in the United States[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]Read About Our Methodology [hen-ui-icon icon=”arrow-right” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /][/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Community College[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]factors you should consider[/hen-ui-link] when choosing a community college, including accreditation, program offerings, location, and credit transfer agreements. This process should narrow down your options to a manageable few.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Check for Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Department of Education (ED) charters [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accreditation agencies[/hen-ui-link], such as the Higher Learning Commission, to evaluate postsecondary schools nationwide. Accredited schools offer you a rigorous education you can use to start a job or enroll in a program at a four-year college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do not apply to nonaccredited schools, as many jobs and accredited colleges do not consider their degrees valid. This could lead to difficulties acquiring financial aid or challenges in transferring later. You can check [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home”]ED’s database[/hen-ui-link] to see if your prospective school is accredited.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Academic Program Offerings[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pay close attention to program offerings, as some community colleges focus on a specific academic or career field. A school with many programs lets you explore different subjects while paying an affordable tuition rate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best community colleges help you make the most of your academic experience with highly trained academic and career advisors. Their guidance will support your career development and help you select the best courses for your major and career path.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Location[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may find the most affordable community college within a few miles of your home. At some community colleges, people living within the district or county pay the lowest tuition rate. Schools may charge other in-state and out-of-state learners much more.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advances in online education mean you can explore community colleges outside your county or state. Learning online features many potential benefits, such as asynchronous education and reduced fees. However, every learner is different, and some students perform better in person, while others excel remotely. Be sure to know your needs before selecting your mode of learning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Credit Transfer Agreements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best community colleges prepare you to transfer to a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/online-degree-completion-programs/”]bachelor’s degree completion program[/hen-ui-link] at a four-year school. Your community college may advertise [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-transfer-guide/”]transfer agreements[/hen-ui-link] with in-state public colleges and universities. These agreements ensure all your credit transfers. Changing your major, however, could increase the time and money you spend on your degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transferring-to-online-college/”]transfer undergraduate credit[/hen-ui-link] to an online program if your community college and potential four-year colleges hold proper accreditation. However, keep in mind that you will need to maintain good academic standing to transfer successfully.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does Community College Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Average Full-Time Cost Of Community College (2021-2022)[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Item[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Cost[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Item”]Tuition and Required Fees[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Cost”]$3,860[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Item”]Room and Board[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Cost”]$8,120[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Item”]Books and Supplies[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Cost”]$1,440[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Item”]Other Expenses (e.g., Transportation, Laundry, Furnishings, etc.)[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Cost”]$4,340[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Item”]Total[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Cost”]$17,760[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The typical community college student paid nearly $4,000 in tuition and fees during the 2021-2022 academic year. However, tuition made up only a fraction of the total [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/”]cost of attendance[/hen-ui-link] (COA). You should also expect to pay for books, supplies, and other education-related expenses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need to calculate community colleges’ COA, even if they charge lower tuition than comparable four-year schools. Doing so helps you decide whether living on or off campus best minimizes your out-of-pocket costs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Average Total Cost: Living On Campus vs. Off Campus[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Location[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Cost[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]On Campus[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Cost”]$16,780[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Off Campus (Living With Family)[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Cost”]$10,360[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Location”]Off Campus (Not Living With Family)[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Cost”]$20,580[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Benefits of Community College[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending [hen-ui-link href=”/magazine/pros-cons-community-college/”]community college can help you[/hen-ui-link] in many ways during and after your education. Make sure to work with academic and career counselors to make the most of your time in school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Cost-Effective[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending a community college for two years and then transferring to a four-year school can significantly reduce your [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]college COA[/hen-ui-link]. Paying lower tuition and fees for those two years reduces your debt burden compared to those who begin their college education at a four-year school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you choose to transfer to a four-year school, this advantage can set you up for greater financial success long after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Increase Your Earning Potential[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report shows that professionals with an associate degree [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm”]earn around 15% more weekly[/hen-ui-link] than their peers with only a high school or GED diploma. Making more lets you pay down student debt faster and achieve a higher quality of life.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Enrolling in a bachelor’s degree completion program features even more financial benefits. The BLS reports that workers with a bachelor’s make around 80% more weekly than those with a high school or GED diploma.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Ability to Transfer Credits[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many community colleges maintain partnerships with in-state colleges to help you transfer your undergraduate credit toward a degree completion program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This benefit lets you rest easy knowing you won’t need to retake and pay for the same classes once you enroll in a four-year college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Financial Aid and Scholarships for Community College[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Don’t think that attending a community college limits your financial aid options. You can use [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]federal student loans[/hen-ui-link] to pay for your community college education. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]FAFSA application[/hen-ui-link] calculates your annual student aid index, a figure the government uses to identify your financial need.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa”]official FAFSA website[/hen-ui-link] discusses what you’ll need to submit the form every year you’re in school. Research [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]college scholarships[/hen-ui-link] if you need more financial aid to pay for an associate degree. Scholarship application deadlines and requirements vary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is community college free?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many states that offer grants and financial aid to cover the cost of community college, including California, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, and Virginia. However, there are certain requirements you must meet in order to be considered eligible, such as your income, field of study, age, and immigration status.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other requirements include holding state residency and a high school or GED diploma. You may also need to meet a minimum GPA. Speak with a college admissions counselor to see if you qualify.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can you get a bachelor’s degree at a community college?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community colleges in the 23-state [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.accbd.org/programs-by-state/”]Community College Baccalaureate Association[/hen-ui-link] (CCBA) award bachelor’s degrees. In CCBA member states like Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, all community colleges offer at least one bachelor’s program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Member states such as California, Idaho, and Utah only offer bachelor’s degrees at some community colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do community colleges have dorms?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Top community colleges that strive to provide a full college experience may offer on-campus housing. However, most community colleges do not offer housing. Some community colleges may offer housing at nearby partner institutions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do community colleges accept everyone?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In many cases, yes. Most community colleges [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/start-anytime/”]offer open admission[/hen-ui-link], which means anyone with a high school diploma or GED certificate can enroll in classes. The best community colleges accommodate any student who wants to earn a degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed October 6, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the [hen-ui-link href=”/contributors///tbs-rankings-team/”]TBS Rankings Team[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]