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What is a Community College in USA?
Community colleges in the USA were previously known to be junior colleges. It is a public educational institute that 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 the US at affordable tuition fees. There are currently more than 1,000 community colleges in America. At least one-fifth of the international students in America are admitted to a community college first for their UG studies.
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Why Study in Community Colleges in USA for International Students?
In recent years, the concept of studying at a community college before attending a university has gained popularity among international students. Some of the advantages of attending community colleges in the USA for international students are listed below:
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Affordability
The cost of pursuing higher education in the US is much higher than in other countries. For any UG courses at a good university, you are expected to spend an average of USD 45,000 (INR 37,31,150) a year on tuition fees. However, the top community colleges in the USA offering similar UG courses have an average tuition fee of USD 15,000 (INR 12,43,710) per year.
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Variety of Courses
Studying at a community college does not offer limited courses to its students. Community colleges all 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.
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Transfer to University
Once you have finished your 2 years bachelor’s degree at 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.
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Work Opportunities
After completing your 2 years associate degree in the USA from the best community colleges in the 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 1 year for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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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 the USA for international students is higher than that of universities. Here is a list of community colleges in the USA for international students:
- The City University of New York, NYC
- California State University, Long Beach
- South Texas University, South Texas
- University of Minnesota, Morris
- Arkansas State University, Arkansas
Let us have a detailed look at these community colleges in the 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 the USA for international students. Founded in 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. The 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 (INR 14,75,880) |
Application Deadline |
October 15, 2024 |
2. California State University, Long Beach
Founded in 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, a Women's Resource Center, a Graduate Studies Resources Center, and a Center for International Education to improve student life on campus.
Popular Programs |
Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Healthcare |
GPA Requirement |
3.56 |
Average Tuition Fees (per annum) |
USD 8,300 (INR 6,88,190) |
Application Deadline |
April 1, 2024 |
3. South Texas University, South Texas
This is one of the cheapest community colleges in the USA for international students. Founded in 1993, nearly 10 thousand students choose UG courses at this college each year. Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer and 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 (INR 3,81,400) |
Application Deadline |
December 1, 2024 |
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4. The 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 in UG courses every year is about 3,000. Some of the popular courses offered by the college are BBA, B.Sc., and B.E/B.Tech. International students are eligible for achievement scholarships and non-resident tuition waivers.
Popular Programs |
Biology, Business Administration, Psychology, Environmental Studies |
GPA Requirement |
3.61 |
Average Tuition Fees (per annum) |
USD 12,600 (INR 10,44,720) |
Application Deadline |
December 1, 2024 |
5. Arkansas State University, Arkansas
Founded in 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., and MBA/PGDM. The college offers financial aid to international students under the Freshman Scholarship and Transfer Scholarship.
Popular Programs |
Liberal Arts, Social Science, Business, and Allied Healthcare |
GPA Requirement |
3.0 |
Average Tuition Fees (per annum) |
USD 13,000 (INR 10,77,890) |
Application Deadline |
April 1, 2024 |
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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 the USA for international students:
- Online Application Form
- Educational Transcripts and Certificates
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)
- Standardised Test Score Report (ACT/SAT)
- Passport and Student Visa
- Proof of Sufficient Funds (bank statement/scholarships)
- Health Insurance
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
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Admission Process to Get Into Community Colleges in the USA
If you want to apply to the best community colleges in the 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 admissions committee of the specific community college.
- Step 4 - Submit all the required documents, such as educational transcripts, passports, 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 a USA student visa to complete your application process.
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 enroll in specific community colleges in the US. Take advantage of the 2+2 transfer process and study for 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 to a community college in the USA with funding? Get in touch with Yocket Professionals and get all the information about admission and visa.
From the Desk of Yocket
In conclusion, community colleges in the USA offer a cost-effective gateway to quality education for international students. The diverse programs, affordable tuition fees, and the option to transfer to universities make them a strategic choice. As you explore the best community colleges, remember to meticulously prepare your application, considering the specific requirements of each institution. Leverage expert insights, such as those offered by Yocket, to enhance your chances of success. Take the first step towards a globally enriched educational experience by considering the valuable opportunities presented by community colleges in the United States.
Navigating the realm of community colleges in the USA for international students? Dive into Yocket Premium! Our expert-guided insights help you uncover the top 5 community colleges, ensuring a smooth educational journey. Maximize your chances with strategic application tips and elevate your path to success with Yocket Premium's specialized counseling. Explore the best in community college education with Yocket!