Community Colleges in the U.S.
Community Colleges are an extremely popular choice among international students as they are affordable and their credits are widely accepted by most U.S. universities.
Most international students would obtain an Associate Degree in 2 years and transfer to the Junior Year (3rd Year) of the bachelor degree program at a university. There are many reasons why students choose to enrol to study at a community college besides affordability.
One of the most popular reasons is that they are aiming to transfer to top U.S. universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, University of Southern California, University of Washington and more. Santa Monica College is the tops for transfer to UCLA. Some students even successfully gotten offers from Stanford University, Cornell University and NYU! Read our FAQs for more information on community colleges.
Important Information about Community Colleges
Community colleges are public institutions that offers programs like certificates and associate degree programs. Some community colleges are also offering bachelor degree programs. The most popular option for international students are the 2 year Associate Degree program.
Community colleges are very affordable compared to most universities. The estimated tuition for a year for international students is approximately 10,000 – 12,000 USD. Community Colleges also offers support to assist students to transfer to universities. Community College have multiple intakes a year and the entry requirements are not high.
Proof of high school/secondary school (minimum N or O Level) completion is required. If the medium of instruction in your high school is not in English, you will be required to take an English proficiency test, e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. Contact us for the specific English language requirements.
Community Colleges are publicly funded by the state so you would notice that there is in-state and out-of-state fee. Generally, international students would be considered out-of-state students. There are many community colleges located all over the U.S. so that education is accessible to everyone, especially for domestic students who are unable to afford housing.
Most community colleges do not offer on-campus housing with the exception of community colleges in the state of Washington. However on-campus housing availability is very limited and students are highly encouraged to secure their on-campus housing by paying the deposit as soon as possible.
2+2 is a popular term for 2 Year Associate Degree at a community college and Years 3 and 4 at a university. However this is not necessarily true as it only applicable if the community college has a transfer agreement with the university. It may also be 2+3.
Most community colleges offer four intakes: Fall and Spring semesters and Winter and Summer sessions.
Most Associate Degree programs are 60 credits. More specialized professional programs may require more credits to complete, e.g. Veterinary Technology and Dental Hygienist.
There are hundred of majors to choose from so do contact us with your interest and we will find the best community college for you.
There are college transfer advisors in every community college. Their purpose is to guide you to transfer to a university as well as transferring credits from the community colleges to universities.
Universities participate in student recruitment exercises and information sessions organized by community colleges.
Popular Community Colleges for International Students
Institutions | Location | On-Campus Housing | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
Bellevue College | Bellevue, Washington | Yes | Popular choice for transferring to University of Washington |
De Anza College | Cupertino, California | No | Located in Silicon Valley, popular choice for transferring to UC Berkeley |
Diablo Valley College | Pleasant Hill, California | No | Popular choice for transferring to UC Berkley |
Elgin Community College | Elgin, Illinois | No | |
Foothill College | Los Altos Hills, California | No | Located in Silicon Valley, popular choice for transferring to UC Berkeley |
Green River College | Auburn, Washington | Yes | Popular choice for transferring to University of Washington |
Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, California | No | Tops for transfer to UCLA |
Shoreline Community College | Shoreline, Washington | Yes | Popular choice for transferring to University of Washington |
College of Southern Nevada | Las, Vegas, Nevada | No | Popular choice for transferring to UNLV (One of the top schools for Hospitality Management) |
Popular Pathways for International Students
Institutions | Pathways | Pathway Provider |
|---|---|---|
University of Wisconsin-Madison | Associate Degree at UW-Fox Cities | King's Education |
William & Mary | Associate Degree at Richard Bland College | Navitas |
University of Virginia | Associate Degree at Richard Bland College | Navitas |
Virginia Tech University | Associate Degree at Richard Bland College | Navitas |
Why Apply With Us?
We are a highly experienced agency in U.S. education, universities and community colleges. We also conduct regular visits to colleges in the U.S. to provide students with the most accurate information about the school and the city.
