During your study abroad research, you will find courses being offered at institutions with all kinds of names, which can sometimes be unfamiliar. Community colleges are a common example. You will see many of them if you are looking at studying in the USA, and we know that this can be confusing. If you're unsure about what they are, what they offer and how they differ from a university, we can help. Here, we explain exactly what is a community college.
What defines a community college?
In the USA, where most community colleges are based, the name refers to a public institution that offers higher education at a level just below that of a bachelor's degree. This means that they mostly offer undergraduate certificates, diplomas and associate degrees.
Community colleges often take a vocational or skills-based approach to teaching and learning. This is intended to prepare students for particular professions and areas of employment. Those that would like to extend their studies can often do so with ease, as associate degrees and specific transfer programmes can lead to enrolment at a university.
Explore some community colleges in the USA to find out more about what they offer:
- Shoreline Community College
- Central New Mexico Community College
- Lane Community College
- Peralta Community College District
Are there community colleges outside the USA?
You will find similar institutions in countries other than the USA, but these often have a different name. For example, the equivalent of a community college in Australia is a Technical and Further Education College (TAFE). If you study in Canada, the equivalent is often known simply as a college, or a polytechnic or institute.
If you're looking to study in the UK, you will not find community colleges. There, the term college usually refers to a secondary educational institution where students receive the qualifications needed to enter higher education. However, some of these institutions do provide vocational training that is comparable to the offering of community colleges elsewhere in the world.
Find out more about TAFE and college institutions in Australia:
What qualifications can you get from a community college?
Community colleges are mostly known for offering associate degrees. While these qualifications are not equivalent to a bachelor's degree, they enable students to go on to study for one, if they wish. In many cases, associate degree holders are able to begin their bachelor's course in its third year.
This is a product of one of the big differences between community colleges and universities: the length of time it takes to complete a course. While a bachelor's degree at a US university can take four years to complete, community college associate degrees typically take just two years. After receiving one, you may be considered ready to move straight into the second half of a bachelor's course. Some community colleges have partnerships with universities that make this process seamless.
Other qualifications on offer at community colleges include certificates, diplomas and short courses. These can all make a great alternative if you do not want to study for a long time, would like to specialise in a specific area, or are simply exploring your education.
If you'd like to know more about the kind of subjects on offer, take a look at our guide to what you can study at community college.
Can community college qualifications be used as credit for university degrees?
Yes, they can. Around the world, community college qualifications are widely recognised by universities for entry onto various bachelor's degree courses.
However, it is always important to check with colleges whether a particular course they offer will make you eligible for a degree in your preferred subject area. You may also want to ask universities if they would accept students who complete that course. Making sure that your community college and course are accredited and appropriate for your future plans is vital.
Find out more about the differences between a college and a university.
Is community college free?
Unfortunately, it is not. However, the good news is that community colleges are more budget-friendly than universities. Tuition fees at a community college can be up to 33 per cent lower.
While this should not reflect the standard of teaching and support you will receive at a community college – there will be no less academic rigour, and sometimes the same curriculum – it can serve as a balance for a potential downside in the area of accommodation.
As community colleges are typically smaller than most universities, they do not usually provide accommodation to students. This is something that you should factor into your budgeting and planning if you are thinking about attending one, as it may require additional thought and money. If you need support, you could starting exploring financial aid such as scholarships, which community colleges can offer to international students.
Want to know more about what to expect when coming to one of these institutions? Discover what it's like to study at a community college.
What to do after community college
Once you have completed a community college course, you will have a number of options. If you graduate with an associate degree, you could look at transferring to a university for a bachelor’s degree. For students that wish to pursue a career in a field that can require academic qualifications, this is a common path.
Alternatively, you could head straight into the world of work. This is a particularly good route for anyone with a vocational qualification, as it should prepare you well for a specific profession. Employers are often impressed by applicants who have completed vocational courses, as it displays commitment to their area of interest.
Now that you know more about what a community college can offer, you might want to explore more of your options. Why not read our guide to the different types of bachelor’s degree? You could also take a look into which study level is for you, or learn all about foundation programmes.
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