Check out our list of the top 10 cheapest Community Colleges in USA for international students in 2024, with information about their fees, and courses. Seeking admission into an affordable college is a typical goal among international students pursuing higher education in wealthy nations.
International students who want to pursue higher education in the US have an accessible and reasonably priced option in community institutions. For instance, prospective students from Asia and Africa will inevitably experience financial difficulties and will always seek an excellent education at a cost that is affordable.
This article will examine the 10 most cost-effective community colleges in the United States for overseas students, along with their associated tuition costs.
Before you dive deep, you can also check out our list of the best universities in Canada for international students.
So, what is a community college?
What Are Community Colleges In USA?
Community colleges in the USA are public or private two-year institutions that offer a wide range of educational programs and services. They are often called junior colleges or technical colleges, and they are designed to provide affordable and accessible higher education to students who may not be ready for or interested in pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
Community colleges provide a wide range of programs, such as associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Typically, the programs are meant to offer students with the skills and information needed to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university.
Community colleges’ curriculum vary greatly depending on the institution, but they often include subjects such as business, health care, technology, education, and liberal arts.
Related: List of Universities in New Brunswick Canada
Advantages of Community Colleges for Foreign Students
One of the biggest advantages of attending a community college is the flexibility in scheduling. Community colleges offer a variety of class schedules, including daytime, evening, and weekend classes, as well as online courses. This allows students to work around other commitments, such as a job or family responsibilities.
In addition, community colleges often provide a range of support services for students, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling. Many community colleges also have transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities, which make it easier for students to transfer credits and continue their education.
10 Cheapest Community Colleges In USA for International Students 2024
The following list includes some of the absolute cheapest community colleges for students from abroad, along with their average yearly tuition costs in 2024:
| Name of Community 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 of 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 first on our list of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. BCC is a public community college located in Fall River, Massachusetts. The college offers a range of programs in areas such as business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering.
The tuition fee for international students at Bristol Community College is $9,960 per year, making it one of the cheapest community colleges in the USA for international students. The college also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships and work-study programs.
2. Lehman College
Lehman College is a public senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, located in the Bronx, New York. The college offers a range of programs in areas such as business, education, health sciences, and social sciences.
The tuition fee for international students at Lehman College is $14,800 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other four-year colleges in the USA. It is no doubt one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. The college also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships and work-study programs.
3. Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private research university located in Provo, Utah. The university is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and has a strong focus on faith-based education.
The tuition fee for international students at BYU is $11,300 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other private universities in the USA. The university also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Related: Top 15 Best Online Universities In USA
4. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a public research university located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. The university is one of the largest in the USA, with a wide range of programs in areas such as engineering, business, education, and social sciences.
The tuition fee for international students at the University of Minnesota is $12,600 per year, which is higher than the other community colleges and universities listed in this article, but still relatively affordable compared to other four-year colleges and universities in the USA. The university also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
5. Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University is a public research university located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The university offers a range of programs in areas such as business, education, health sciences, and social sciences.
The tuition fee for international students at Arkansas State University is $13,000 per year, making it one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. It is relatively affordable compared to other four-year colleges and universities in the USA. The university also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships and work-study programs.
Related: Top Universities for Data Science in USA
6. Houston Community College
Houston Community College (HCC) is a public community college located in Houston, Texas. With a tuition fee of just $3,750 per year, it is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students, HCC is one of the most affordable community colleges in the USA.
The college also offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students, as well as a comprehensive international student support program that includes orientation, advising, and cultural activities.
7. Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University is a public historically black university located in Lorman, Mississippi. The university offers a range of programs in areas such as agriculture, education, nursing, and business.
The tuition fee for international students at Alcorn State University is $7,600 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other universities in the USA. It is no doubt one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students to study. The university also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
8. Oxnard Community College
Oxnard Community College is a public community college located in Oxnard, California. The college offers a range of programs in areas such as business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering. The tuition fee for international students at Oxnard Community College is $7,400 per year, making it one of the most affordable community colleges in the USA. The college also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships and work-study programs.
Related: Top Trade Schools in California
9. Central Wyoming College
Central Wyoming College is one of the top 10 cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. It is a public community college located in Riverton, Wyoming. The college offers a range of programs in areas such as business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering.
The tuition fee for international students at Central Wyoming College is $10,900 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other community colleges in the USA. The college also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships and work-study programs.
Related: The Different Types of Trade Schools In USA
10. Roxbury Community College
Roxbury Community College is a public community college located in Roxbury Crossing, Massachusetts. The college offers a range of programs in areas such as business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering.
The tuition fee for international students at Roxbury Community College is $8,650 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other community colleges in the USA. The college also offers a range of financial aid opportunities for international students, including scholarships and work-study programs.
More Top Community Colleges in USA for International Students
Here are more top community colleges in USA:
- 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 required information must be provided on the college’s application form.
- A reputable agency evaluates a student’s grade sheet, secondary and higher education report cards, and transcripts.
- SAT and ACT exam results, even though they are currently optional in the majority of schools and universities.
- A duplicate of the student’s passport
- Bank statements or a financial declaration from a sponsor attesting to funds are examples of financial documentation.
- Scores that satisfy the minimum standards for English proficiency exams like the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
- Insurance and medical history.
- Recommendation letter
- A statement of intent
- CV and Resume
Admission Processes for Community Colleges
The admissions process for community colleges is usually straightforward and less competitive than four-year colleges and universities.
Community colleges typically have open admissions policies, which means that anyone who has a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in classes. However, some programs may have specific requirements, such as completing certain courses or passing a placement test.
The cost of tuition and fees at community colleges in the USA is usually lower than four-year colleges and universities. According to the College Board, the average annual tuition and fees for a community college in the USA is around $3,700 for in-state students and $8,000 for out-of-state students.
This makes community colleges a more affordable option for many students who may not have the financial resources to attend a four-year college or university.
Just as you’re interested in getting into any of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students, how does a tuition free college sound?
Tuition-free Community Colleges in USA for International Students
In a collaborative effort between the US government and community colleges, an impactful program called “The Community College Initiative” has been established, as reported by US Embassy. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of tuition costs for qualified international students. Over the past two years, several countries, including Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey, have actively participated in this program. More recently, Cuba, Ghana, and numerous countries in Central America have also joined, expanding the reach and impact of this initiative.
The Evolution of the Community College Initiative Program
Launched in 2007, the Community College Initiative Program initially started as a focused endeavor to enhance international education and opportunities. The program not only offers access to college education but also provides valuable job training for individuals who might not have otherwise been able to attend college. Participants acquire skills in fields that their countries specifically require, such as agriculture and healthcare. Furthermore, vocational educators from across the globe can take advantage of professional development training and instruction offered by US institutions. What began with a modest group of 84 participants has now grown to encompass over 500 students, with the opportunity to choose from 37 participating community colleges nationwide.
Qualifications for the College Initiative Program
To ensure the selection of suitable candidates, the administrator of the “Community Colleges for International Development” program, Carol Stax-Brown, has outlined specific requirements that admission boards look for during the evaluation process. Stax-Brown emphasizes the importance of credentials such as work experience, basic conversational English skills (with the option for accepted students to enroll in optional language courses), and a genuine desire to immerse themselves in a new culture and lifestyle.
Additionally, prospective students should display a specific interest in the diverse curriculum pathways offered by community colleges. The program, as detailed by the US Department of State, currently provides courses in fields such as agriculture, applied engineering, business management, administration, health professions, information technology, media, and more.
The Community College Initiative stands as a gateway for international students to pursue educational and vocational opportunities in the United States. By removing financial barriers and fostering cultural exchange, this program enriches lives, empowers individuals, and strengthens global connections.
Cheapest Community Colleges In USA for International Students (Conclusion)
Community colleges and universities in the USA offer a great opportunity for international students to pursue higher education at an affordable cost.
The colleges and universities listed in this article offer some of the most affordable tuition fees for international students, along with a range of financial aid opportunities and student support services.
It’s important to research and compare different colleges and universities to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
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