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USA School Search If you’re considering studying at a community college continue reading to learn more about how it can benefit you as an international student. Specifically, you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions like what is a community college, why study at a community college, and how to find a community college that’s right for you. What is a Community College?Explore the difference between a two year community college and four year university while gaining an understanding of the purpose of the community college system, and the important role it plays for both local students and those from around the world. You will also learn more about key topics to keep in mind as you consider studying at a community college like transferring credits, general education and important considerations regarding housing and student activities. Why Study at a Community College?Looking for the benefits of attending a community college? This section will provide you with just a few including the reasonable tuition and fees associated with a community college education. Here you will also learn the difference between the application requirements for a university versus a community college and details on standard class size, student resources, and activities at community colleges. Finding a Community CollegeAfter you decide you would like to attend a community college in the US you’ll need to start your search; dive into how to find a community college that best suits your needs within this section. Community colleges across the nation share many of the same academic features and policies, but they’re all unique in different ways. Similarly, all students are different, so what might work for one student won’t work for all. Get more information on academic disciplines, things that you should consider or look for when considering a community college, and how to pay for tuition and fees. After you’ve gathered all the information needed to decide if studying at a community college in the US is right for you, visit our US School Search and find a community college that will meet the location and field of study requirements you have. Related Content:Get the International Student newsletter!
USA is the world’s most popular country for international students. Many of them choose to study at a Community College. In this article we will have a closer look at these colleges. What is a Community College? Six reasons to study at Community College Who should not study at Community College? How to choose a Community College? Student Housing Visa for college in the US Insurance for studying in the US How to apply? 50 popular Community Colleges Ranking for Community Colleges What is a Community College?Community colleges or junior colleges are two year colleges that primarily cater for local students. It is schools for students who want to stay in their home area while pursuing higher education. Students attending a local community college can live at home and thus save a lot on housing and living costs. Community colleges also cost less than universities so it is a good option for students with limited economical means. They also attract students who don’t have the grades to get accepted at university and adults who want to take evening classes while working. The most common programs at community colleges are certificates, diplomas and two year Associate Degree’s. Taking an Associate Degree is much quicker and cheaper than taking a Bachelor’s Degree at a university but on the other hand it does not have the same status. But if you have an Associate Degree you can transfer to a university to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in two more years. Community Colleges don't only only have american students. According to statistics from AACC about one fifth of all international undergraduate students in the US study at Community College. That is almost 100 000 international students. Half of these students choose a college in one of these five states: California, Texas, Florida, Washington state or New York state. So why would an international student want to study at a community college? There are a number of good reasons as you will see below. We can help you to choose and apply to Community Colleges in the US. Fill out an information request to get help! Six reasons to study at Community College
Seattle Central College has created a pedagogic video to explain community college like this: Who should not study at Community College?While studying at Community College can be a good option for many international students it is not right for everyone. If you match one or more of the criteria below you might be better of looking for other options.
How to choose a college?Studying at a Community College can be a great experience but all colleges are not suitable for international students. So do some research and look for the following criteria:
You should also look at reviews, student housing, tuition fees, the subjects that the college offers etc. For more information see our article on how to choose a school abroad. Let us for example look at Seattle Central College using the criteria above:
Another good example is Valencia College in Orlando, Florida:
So based on this Seattle Central and Valencia College are definitely be a good options for international students. However everyone has different preferences. Below you will find a list of 50 popular community colleges. Student HousingUnlike US universities very few Community Colleges have their own student housing on campus. So you have to be prepared to find your own accommodation while you study there. But the schools can often advice you of private residences and landlords nearby. One exception is Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania. Here you can live on campus in a lively student town close to New York and Philadelphia. Visa for college in the USWhen you get accepted to a Community College they will send you an I-20 document that you use to apply for a student visa. Read more in our guide Student visa to the US. Insurance for studying in the USIt is vital to have a good insurance when you study in the US. Some colleges offer their own insurance, however their insurance is not mandatory there are usually better options. Read more about Study Abroad insurances. How to apply?To apply for a Community College you usually have to submit the following:
Sometimes you also need to submit other documents like a personal letter. Each school has their own admission guidelines so make sure to check the application procedures of the college you are interested in. We can help you to choose and apply to Community Colleges in the US. Fill out an information request to get help! 50 popular Community Colleges
Ranking for community collegesThere is no consistent ranking system for community colleges and many of the big university ranking providers don’t rank community colleges. The rankings that exist are not aimed at international students and schools that are top ranked on one site can be totally ignored on another. However if you are still interested in Community College rankings you can find some here:
More informationCan international students go to community college in USA?The answer is absolutely yes, you can! Community colleges are welcoming of students from all walks of life, from teenagers to seniors and from locals to foreign students. As of the 2014-15 school year, there were over 91,000 international students enrolled in U.S. community colleges.
Which is the cheapest community college in USA for international students?Here is a list of some of the least expensive community colleges for international students in the USA: Oxnard Community College. Central Wyoming College. Bristol Community College.
What is the #1 community college in the US?Top 50 Community Colleges. Which college accepts the most international students?Most International Students National Universities. |