Community College 101
Find your perfect value college
Community College is an affordable place for high school grads or further your education as a working adult and prepare for your next career move.
Community College 101: Community College Resume
1,138: Number of community colleges in U.S.
Featured Programs
Of that:
992: are public community colleges
96: are independent community colleges
40: are native American community colleges
750,399: number of Associates Degrees conferred in 2012-2013 school year
Location, Location, Location: Where Are They?
Number of Community Colleges:
Large cities: 186
Fringe of large city: 227
Mid-sized cities: 315
Fringe of mid-sized city: 77
Large Town: 60
Small town: 296
Rural: 110
Student Demographics: Who Goes There?
28: average student age
57: percentage of women students in CCs
43: percentage of male students
Ethnicity:
50: percentage of white students
21: percentage of Hispanic students
14: African-American
6: percent Asian
1: percent of native American students
2: 2 or more races
4: percent unknown
1: percent non-resident alien
Other Student Demographics
First generation to attend college: 36%
Single parent: 17%
Veterans: 4%
Students with disabilities: 12%
Working and Learning at the Same Time
Full time students employed full time: 22%
Full time students employed part time: 40%
Part time students employed full time: 41%
Part time students employed part time: 32%
Who Pays More? Average Annual Tuition (2014-2015)
Community college, public, in district: $3,347
4 year college, public, in state: $9,139
Pros and Cons: Why Attend a Community College?
Pros:
Tuition cheaper
Flexible Schedule (allowing for off campus work)
Can explore more options (after all, it’s cheaper)
Smaller class size
Qualified teachers
Good for transition (to a 4 year school if you want to)
Cons:
Limited curriculum
Lighter workload
Uninvolved students
Lack of campus life
Famous Community Colleges’ Alums
- George Lucas, Billionaire Director, Producer Star Wars, Modesto Junior College
- Nolan Ryan, Hall of Fame baseball pitcher, Alvin Community College
- Clint Eastwood, macho Hollywood star, Oscar winning director, Los Angeles City College
- Morgan Freeman, movie star, Los Angeles City College
- Eddie Murphy, comedian, movie star, Nassau Community College, New York
- Burt Reynolds, actor, Palm Beach State College, Florida
Related:
- Best Online Community Colleges in the US
- Best Value Online Colleges
- Lowest Out-of-State Tuition Colleges
- Best Value Community Colleges
- Best Value Online Graduate Schools
- Essential Guide to Online education in the USA
Featured Programs
Aya Andrews
Editor-in-Chief
Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.
Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.
In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.
With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.