Community Colleges in the United States

Community colleges constitute the largest segment of higher education in the United States. Community colleges offer both US and international high-quality and low cost courses. Though, the community colleges were created keeping the interests of the local community, today these colleges see a vast number of students from various multicultural backgrounds and goals. Therefore, community colleges are expanding their programs to involve the world community. The Community colleges are in process of including international curricula in their existing programs, special programs and activities for the international community. Results of a survey released by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) found that more than 80 percent of responding colleges have integrated international components into course work and 83 percent sponsor activities to promote global awareness.

Difference between community college and Four-Year College or University

Admission: Admission to community colleges is easier than a four-year degree course. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores and other academic requirements are generally lower than what is required in a four-year institution.

Cost: Studying in a community college is less expensive. Tuition fees can be less than 20% to 80% than at a four-year college. Tuition fees in a privately funded college can be even more.

Adjusting: A student finds it easier to adjust in a two-year community college than in a university. For international students, community colleges help students improve upon their language skills and get accustomed to their language skills.

Teacher-student ratio: Since there are fewer students in community colleges, teachers and mentors are able to give one-to-one attention to students. International students are more comfortable adjusting to smaller classes than in bigger ones.