All About Universities

Community Colleges in USA: 5 Best Community Colleges In USA For International Students

Author_Image
Yocket Editorial Team
23k views

USA is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations chosen by thousands of international students every year. The top-ranking community colleges in the US are located in New York, Texas, Florida and Washington. Studying in community colleges will give international students access to quality education and ample networking opportunities. Interestingly, the education system of the community colleges in USA is flexible, allowing students to choose from a variety of courses and degree programs.

In this blog, we have shortlisted some of the best community colleges in USA for international students and have provided information on their admission process and application deadlines.

Table of Contents
  1. What is a Community College in USA?
  2. Why Study in Community Colleges in USA for International Students?
  3. Best Community Colleges in USA For International Students
  4. Admission Requirements for Community Colleges in USA
  5. Admission Process for Community Colleges in USA

What is a Community College in USA?

Community colleges in USA were previously known to be junior colleges. It is a public educational institute which provides 2 years long degree courses to both domestic and international students. It is an entry-level college that helps students undertake higher education in US at affordable tuition fees. There are currently more than 1000 community colleges in America. At least one-fifth of the international students in America take admission to a community college first for their UG studies.

Suggested: 12 Benefits of Studying in USA for Indian Students

Why Study in Community Colleges in USA for International Students?

In recent years, the concept of studying in a community college before attending a university has risen to popularity among international students. Some of the advantages of attending community colleges in USA for international students are listed below:

  1. Affordability

The cost of pursuing higher education in the US is much higher than in other countries. For any UG courses in a good university, you are expected to spend an average of USD 45,000 a year on tuition fees. However, the top community colleges in USA offering similar UG courses have an average tuition fee of USD 15,000 per year.

  1. Variety of Courses

Studying in a community college does not offer limited courses to their students. Community colleges over America offer their international students a wide range of undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificate courses. Some of the most popular courses are engineering technology, geosciences, automobile mechanics and paralegal studies.

  1. Transfer to University

Once you have finished your 2 years bachelor’s degree in the community college and obtained good grades, you can then transfer your degree program to any university of your choice. So, you can directly join the 3rd year of the university and complete your studies further.

  1. Work Opportunities

After completing your 2 years associate degree in USA from the best community colleges in USA, you can search for work opportunities related to the subject you have majored in. The US government allows you to stay and work in the country for a period of 1 year for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Suggested: Guide to Best Courses in USA for Indian Students

Best Community Colleges in USA For International Students

Community colleges provide students with great learning opportunities.The acceptance rate of most of the community colleges in USA for international students is higher than universities. Here is a list of community colleges in USA for international students:

  1. The City University of New York, NYC
  2. California State University, Long Beach
  3. South Texas University, South Texas
  4. University of Minnesota, Morris
  5. Arkansas State University, Arkansas

Let us have a detailed look at these community colleges in USA, the programs offered by them and their fees:

1. The City University of New York, NYC

Over many years, it has ranked as one of the best community colleges in USA for international students. Founded in the year 1847, nearly 15 thousand undergraduate students take admission every year. The university includes several departments such as the School of Medicine, School of Architecture, The Grove School of Engineering, School of Education, etc. CUNY Office of Research is dedicated to helping students with research opportunities.

Popular Programs

Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Business, Healthcare

GPA Requirement

3.39

Average Tuition Fees (per annum)

USD 17,800

Application Deadline

October 15, 2022

2. California State University, Long Beach

Founded in the year 1949, CSULB is among the most preferred community colleges in the US. Nearly 25 thousand UG students get admission every year. Popular courses taken by students are MS, B.E/B.Tech, MIM, MBA/PGDM, B.Sc, BBA and BHM. The college has a Career Development Center, Women's Resource Center, Graduate Studies Resources Center and Center For International Education to improve student life on campus.

Popular Programs

Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, Healthcare

GPA Requirement

3.56

Average Tuition Fees (per annum)

USD 8,300

Application Deadline

April 1, 2023

3. South Texas University, South Texas

This is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. Founded in the year 1993, nearly 10 thousand students choose UG courses in this college each year. Bachelors of Applied Technology in Computer & Information Technologies, Associate of Science in Engineering, Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration are some of the popular courses.

Popular Programs

Liberal Art, Social Science, Business, Allied Healthcare

GPA Requirement

2.5

Average Tuition Fees (per annum)

USD 4,600

Application Deadline

December 1, 2022

4. University of Minnesota, Morris

Founded in 1960, UNM Morris is known for its quality of education in the fields of Arts and Science. The number of students enrolling for UG courses every year is about 3 thousand. Some of the popular courses offered by the college are BBA, B.Sc and B.E/B.Tech. International students are eligible for the Achievement Scholarships and Non-resident Tuition Waiver.

Popular Programs

Biology, Business Administration, Psychology, Environmental Studies

GPA Requirement

3.61

Average Tuition Fees (per annum)

USD 12,600

Application Deadline

December 1, 2022

5. Arkansas State University, Arkansas

Founded in the year 1909, this is one of the oldest community colleges in the US after the City University of New York. Nearly one thousand students join the UG courses every year. The most popular courses taken by students are MS, B.E/B.Tech, B.Sc, MBA/PGDM. The college offers financial aid to international students under the Freshman Scholarship and Transfer Scholarship.

Popular Programs

Liberal Art, Social Science, Business, Allied Healthcare

GPA Requirement

3.0

Average Tuition Fees (per annum)

USD 13,000

Application Deadline

April 1, 2023

Suggested: Know About 10 Top Universities in USA for MS

Admission Requirements for Community Colleges in USA

Before applying to the colleges of your choice, gather all the academic and immigration documents you would be asked to submit along with your application form. Here are the documents required for the best community colleges in USA for international students:

  • Online Application Form
  • Educational Transcripts & Certificates
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)
  • Standardised Test Score Report (ACT/SAT)
  • Passport & Student Visa
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds (bank statement/scholarships)
  • Health Insurance
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume

Suggested: What are Document Requirements for Masters in USA?

Admission Process for Community Colleges in USA

If you want to apply to the best community colleges in USA, then you must follow the college-specific admission procedure. This step-by-step guide will help you understand the admission process for community colleges -

  • Step 1 - Determine the course you want to pursue in a specific community college.
  • Step 2 - Visit the official website of the college/s and find out about their application requirements.
  • Step 3 - Fill out the application form and send it to the admission committee of the specific community college.
  • Step 4 - Submit all the required documents, such as educational transcripts, passport, etc along with your application.
  • Step 5 - Pay the application fees and complete your application process before the deadlines.
  • Step 6 - Once your application is accepted, appear for an interview with the college selection committee.
  • Step 7 - After you have cleared your interview round, apply for the USA student visa to complete your application process.

Suggested: How to Apply for MS in USA from India?

Studying in the best community colleges in the US will help you gain exposure in the field of your choice. These community colleges offer both Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees. On the other hand, if you want to pursue a certificate or vocational course, you can enrol to specific community colleges in the US. Take advantage of the 2+2 transfer process and study 2 years at a community college followed by 2 years’ study at a partner university.And if you want to know how you can get admission in a community college in USA with funding? Get in touch with Yocket Professionals and get all the information about admission and visa.

 

Frequently Asked Questions On Community Colleges in USA

Which are the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students?

Is a student visa required for attending community colleges in US?

Which standardised academic tests are accepted by the community colleges in the US?

Which English language tests are accepted by the US community colleges?

Can international students attend community colleges in the US?

Articles you might like