10 Cheapest Community Colleges In USA for International Students. Explore our compilation of the most budget-friendly Community Colleges in the USA for international students in 2024. It’s a common objective for international students in affluent countries to seek admission to affordable colleges.
Community colleges offer an accessible and reasonably priced higher education option for international students in the US. Those from Asia and Africa, facing financial constraints, often pursue quality education at an affordable cost. This piece will analyse the ten most economical community colleges in the United States for overseas students, detailing their respective tuition expenses.
What is a Community College?
Community Colleges, serving predominantly residents, offer two-year programs, allowing students to reside at home, saving time and money. These institutions, more economical than universities, are particularly favoured by those with limited financial resources.
Popular programs include diplomas, certifications, and two-year associate’s degrees. The advantages of attending community colleges include affordability, ease of acceptance, smaller class sizes, lower costs for bachelor’s degrees, an authentic American College Experience, and the opportunity, per CC Laws, to stay and work for a year post-graduation.
Why Study in Community Colleges in USA?
Here are the reasons why opting for Community Colleges in the USA is beneficial:
- Affordability is a significant factor, making community colleges a preferred choice for students with limited financial means compared to private institutions.
- These colleges boast a high acceptance rate, ensuring that a majority of applicants are granted admission.
- Community colleges provide a diverse and culturally rich environment, offering international students an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in American college culture and broaden their global perspective.
- Credits earned at community colleges are transferable to other universities and institutions, serving as an advantageous pathway for further education.
- The flexibility of online classes is another beneficial feature community colleges offer.
10 Cheapest Community Colleges In USA for International Students
The provided list features some of the most affordable community colleges for international students, along with their annual tuition expenses:
| Name of College | Annual Tuition Fee Average |
| Bristol Community College | $9,960 |
| Lehman College | $14,800 |
| Greenfield Community College | $11,600 |
| Brigham Young University | $11,300 |
| University of Minnesota | $12,600 |
| Arkansas State University | $13,000 |
| Houston Community College | $3,750 |
| Alcorn State University | $7,600 |
| Oxnard Community College | $7,400 |
| Central Wyoming College | $10,900 |
| Roxbury Community College | $8,650 |
1. Bristol Community College
Bristol Community College is topping our list of the most affordable community colleges in the United States for international students. Situated in Fall River, Massachusetts, this public institution provides diverse programs in business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering.
With an annual tuition fee of $9,960 for international students, Bristol Community College stands out as one of the most budget-friendly community colleges in the USA. The college extends various financial aid options for international students, encompassing scholarships and work-study programs.
2. Lehman College
Lehman College, located in the Bronx, New York, is a public senior college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. With diverse business, education, health sciences, and social sciences programs, Lehman College offers an affordable tuition fee of $14,800 per year for international students.
This cost is notably economical compared to other four-year colleges in the USA, making Lehman College one of the most budget-friendly options for international students. Additionally, the college extends financial aid support through scholarships and work-study programs, further enhancing accessibility for international students.
3. Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University (BYU), situated in Provo, Utah, is a privately owned research university affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), emphasizing faith-based education. The annual tuition fee for international students is $11,300, making it a cost-effective option compared to other private U.S. universities.
Additionally, BYU provides various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, to support international students’ academic pursuits.
4. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a prominent public research institution situated in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Renowned for its expansive academic offerings in engineering, business, education, and social sciences, it is one of the United States’ largest universities.
Although the annual tuition for international students is $12,600, surpassing rates at other institutions in this article, it remains reasonably priced compared to many four-year colleges and universities nationwide. The University of Minnesota provides international students diverse financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
5. Arkansas State University
Situated in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Arkansas State University is a public research institution providing diverse business, education, health sciences, and social sciences programs. The annual tuition fee for international students stands at $13,000, positioning it as one of the most economical options among U.S. community colleges.
This rate is notably reasonable compared to other four-year educational institutions in the country. Arkansas State University extends various financial aid avenues for international students, encompassing scholarships and work-study programs to enhance affordability and accessibility.
6. Houston Community College
In Houston, Texas, Houston Community College (HCC) stands out as a highly affordable public community college for international students, with a yearly tuition fee of only $3,750.
Renowned for its affordability, HCC provides international students with various scholarships and financial aid options. The college ensures comprehensive support through an international student program, offering orientation, advising, and cultural activities.
7. Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University, situated in Lorman, Mississippi, is a public historically black institution providing diverse agriculture, education, nursing, and business programs. With an annual tuition of $7,600 for international students, it stands out as one of the most affordable options among U.S. universities.
Beyond its cost-effectiveness, the university extends various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, further enhancing its appeal to international students seeking economical yet quality education.
8. Oxnard Community College
Situated in Oxnard, California, Oxnard Community College is a public institution providing diverse programs in business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering.
With an annual tuition fee of $7,400 for international students, it is one of the most budget-friendly community colleges in the United States. Additionally, the college extends various financial aid options, including scholarships and work-study programs, to support international students’ educational pursuits.
9. Central Wyoming College
Central Wyoming College ranks among the ten most economical community colleges in the United States for international students. In Riverton, Wyoming, this public institution provides diverse programs encompassing business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering.
With a tuition fee of $10,900 per year, it is affordable compared to other U.S. community colleges. The college supports international students through various financial aid avenues, including scholarships and work-study programs.
10. Roxbury Community College
Roxbury Community College, situated in Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts, is a public institution providing diverse programs in business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering. With a tuition fee of $8,650 per year for international students, it stands as a cost-effective choice among U.S. community colleges. The college further supports international students with various financial aid options, encompassing scholarships and work-study programs.
More Top Community Colleges in USA for International Students
Here are other prominent community colleges in the United States include:
- San Bernardino Valley College, San Berndardino, CA
- American River College, Sacramento, CA
- Chabot College, Hayward, CA
- Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA
- Feather River Community College District, Quincy, CA
- Folsom Lake College, Folsom, CA
- Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, PA
- City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Albuquerque, NM
- Sacramento City College, Sacramento, CA
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
- Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA
- Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable, MA
- Massasoit Community College, Brockton, state
- Middlesex Community College, Bedford, MA
- Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
- Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA
- North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA
- Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA
- Panola College, Carthage, TX
- Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA
- Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, state
- Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, MA
- Roxbury Community College, Roxbury Crossing, state
- Dine College, Tsaile, AZ
- Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA
- Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA
- Wharton County Junior College, Wharton, TX
- Trinity Valley Community College, Athens, TX
- Salem State University, Salem, MA
- Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
- Coffeyville Community College, Coffeyville Community College
- Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA
- Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
- Worcester State University, Worcester, MA
- Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
- San Juan College, Farmington, NM
- Amarillo College, Amarillo, TX
- Clarendon College, Clarendon, TX
- Clovis Community College, Clovis, NM
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, Massachusetts
- El Camino College-Compton Center, Compton, CA
- Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA
- Merced College, Merced, CA
- San Diego Mesa College, San Diego, CA
- West Valley College, Saratoga, CA
- Merritt College, Oakland, CA
- San Diego Miramar College, San Diego, CA
- Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, CA
Application Requirements For Students
- All necessary details should be furnished on the college’s application form.
- An accredited agency assesses a student’s grade sheet, secondary and higher education report cards, and transcripts.
- While SAT and ACT exam results are currently not obligatory in most educational institutions, they are considered.
- A copy of the student’s passport is required.
- Financial documentation is necessary, such as bank statements or a sponsor’s financial declaration.
- English proficiency exam scores meeting the minimum standards, including TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, are essential.
- Submission of insurance and medical history is required, along with a recommendation letter, statement of intent, CV, and resume.
Admission Processes for Community Colleges
The admission process for community colleges is typically uncomplicated and less competitive than four-year institutions. Community colleges generally adopt open admissions policies, allowing anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent to enrol. While specific programs may have additional requirements like completing certain courses or passing placement tests, overall access is more inclusive.
Moreover, the tuition and fees at U.S. community colleges are generally lower than at four-year institutions. According to the College Board, the average annual cost is approximately $3,700 for in-state students and $8,000 for out-of-state students, making community colleges a more financially accessible option for many students.
Conclusion
American community colleges and universities present a favourable option for international students seeking affordable higher education. The institutions featured in this piece provide some of the most budget-friendly tuition fees for international students and various financial aid options and support services. Conducting thorough research and comparisons among different colleges and universities is crucial to identifying the institution that aligns best with your requirements and financial considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should international students choose community colleges in USA?
Community colleges in the USA offer more cost-effective education than private universities. They feature a flexible admission process, often accepting a majority of applicants. Programs typically last 2 years, unlike the 4-year courses at private universities. Class sizes are smaller, providing a more personalised learning experience.
Additionally, community colleges have transfer agreements with private institutions, facilitating credit transfers for students seeking to continue their education elsewhere.
How can an international student apply to a community college in the USA?
The process of applying to a community college in the USA closely mirrors that of applying to a private university in the USA. It involves submitting an online college application, along with the application fee, high school transcripts with English translations, English proficiency test scores, standardised test scores (SAT/ACT), a copy of the passport, medical insurance, financial documentation, and other supplementary documents.
What can an international student do after graduating from a community college in the USA?
After transferring credits from a community college, you can further your education at a private university in the USA. Exploring part-time employment opportunities before returning to your studies is also a possibility. While returning home is not the preferred choice for many students, most international students remain in the USA to pursue advanced education.
Can an international student work in the USA after getting a degree from a community college?
Upon finishing a two-year associate degree at a U.S. community college, international students are eligible for one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT), permitting employment in the country. A prerequisite is that the job must be directly aligned with the student’s field of study. To secure OPT employment, candidates must submit applications during the last semester of their associate degree program, adhering to the specified conditions.
