U.S.EDUCATION > Studying
and Teaching in the U.S. > Undergraduate Study > U.S. Community Colleges: a Gateway to Higher Education for Many
U.S. Community Colleges: a Gateway to Higher Education for Many
George R. Boggs
Two-year colleges offer students an opportunity to begin their higher education in a small, community-based environment, often at lower cost than a four-year institution. George R. Boggs, president and chief executive officer of the American Association of Community Colleges, outlines the qualities that make community colleges an attractive alternative.
Community colleges are the gateway to higher education in the United States for a growing number of students. These colleges provide students with an opportunity to earn credits for the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree at high-quality, accredited institutions. With their lower tuition costs, community colleges give students a way to save money while learning in a supportive environment. They also allow students to access training for associate-degree or nondegree careers, and they offer continuing education and personal development classes for the broad spectrum of adult learners.
Community colleges are the largest and fastest-growing sector of higher education in the United States. There are now nearly 1,200 regionally accredited community colleges located throughout the country, serving more than 11 million students (approximately 46 percent of all U.S. undergraduates).
U.S. community colleges offer international students numerous benefits, including opportunities to improve English language skills and to build an understanding of American culture in a U.S. community.
Among the benefits of community colleges are:
Lower Cost. Tuition costs are significantly lower than four-year colleges and universities (about $5,000 per year as compared to $12,000 to $20,000 or more for a four-year institution).
Easy Transfer to a University. A "2+2" system in the United States refers to an efficient system of "articulation" between a two-year college and a four-year college or university. Most community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities, ensuring that credits earned at the community college will count toward the four-year degree program.
Accredited Institutions. American community colleges, four-year colleges, and major universities are all accredited by the same agencies. That is why universities accept course credits obtained at community colleges.
Wide Variety of Programs. Community colleges have hundreds of majors from which to choose, including popular areas such as business management, computer science, engineering, and health sciences-related programs.
English as a Second Language. Most community colleges offer a wide range of English course offerings at multiple levels and an array of support services to ensure that students with different language proficiencies succeed.
A Supportive Learning Environment. Community colleges offer small class sizes, averaging fewer than 30 students, allowing personal attention and ongoing support from professors. The focus is on individual student success within an environment designed to support students' learning patterns and needs. Support services for students include tutoring, advising, writing labs, international student clubs, and international student service centers.
Diversity. U.S. community college students come from diverse cultural heritages and ethnicities. The colleges offer a wide spectrum of clubs and activities that celebrate and support the diversity that describes society in the United States.
Access to U.S. Culture. Because they are reflective of and responsive to their communities, community colleges tend to have strong local ties. This relationship provides international students with extensive opportunities to interact with Americans and to experience American culture.
Variety of Locations and Campus Sizes. Community colleges, like other educational institutions in the United States, differ widely. Some are large, multicampus institutions located in big cities, while others are much smaller schools located in rural settings and serving small student populations. There is a community college conveniently located within commuting distance of 90 percent of the U.S. population.
Distinguished Alumni. Alumni of U.S. community colleges include California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening, NASA space shuttle commander Eileen Collins, Star Wars movie series producer/director George Lucas, film actors Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood, fashion designer Calvin Klein, human genome scientist Craig Venter, and U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona.
For more information about studying at a U.S. community college, go to http://www.CC-USA.org or read A Guide to Studying at U.S. Community Colleges, available at local EducationUSA advising centers.
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. government.
