What is a community college?
Community college is often referred to as the “American Dream in Action.” They were created specifically to make higher education more accessible to the population. Education in such colleges is relatively inexpensive, and anyone can study there: both Americans and residents of other countries, and both recent high school graduatesand adults.
In a community college, students study for only two years, and after completing their studies, they are awarded an Associate Degree (Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS)). After that, you can either get a job (the Associate Degree allows this) or continue your studies if you plan to get a bachelor’s degree. So how do you do it?
There is an opportunity after the community college to immediately transfer to the third year of a 4-year college or university for a bachelor’s degree program. Such a system arose through an agreement between community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities on the transfer of academic credits and degrees between institutions. This system is called “2+2” (2 years in community college and 2 years in university). This system is very popular among students, because with it you can save a lot of money.
Benefits of studying at a community college
Easy to do!
Community colleges willingly accept international students. It will be enough for you to have a high school diploma and a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, while for admission to a four-year college or university, you will be required to pass the SAT or ACTspecialized tests with a high score.
There is a chance to enter the university of your dreams!
After graduating from community college, a student can transfer to a university or a 4-year college (this opportunity is guaranteed by contracts between certain universities and community colleges). They studyfor another two years and receives the coveted bachelor’s degree. And the best part is that there will be no mark in this diploma about community college and admission from the 3rd year. This is a great option for international students who currently cannot pass the sat exams with a score sufficient to enter a 4-year college or university in the United States.
You can save a decent amount!
Tuition at community colleges is almost two times cheaper than at a 4-year college or university, so if you study under the 2+2 program, you will save half the cost of a university undergraduate program.
Small group training!
Unlike universities, where up to 300 students can be in the same classroom at the same time, in community colleges groups are small – a maximum of 30 students. This means that teachers can work more individually with students, answer their questions, and help them and track their progress. All this helps foreign students – yesterday’s schoolchildren – to adapt to learning and live in a new country much easier and more comfortably.
Homely atmosphere!
Unlike universities, where up to 300 students can be in the same classroom at the same time, in community colleges groups are small – a maximum of 30 students. This means that teachers can work more individually with students, answer their questions, and help them and track their progress. All this helps foreign students – yesterday’s schoolchildren – to adapt to learning and live in a new country much easier and more comfortably.
How do I find the right community college?
At the selection stage, be very picky, pay attention to the teaching staff, the number of foreign students studying at the community college (the more of them there are, the higher the level the institution works with foreigners), and the availability of transfer agreements with universities (primarily those that interest you personally).
Note that there are community colleges that specialize in certain areas, such as STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). If you already know which professional field you are interested in, look for community colleges specializing in programs in this area. There you will be able to maximize your potential and get the maximum knowledge and experience for your future specialty!
Although most community colleges are not located in major cities, you can still find these kinds of institutions. You can also find colleges located outside the city (rural campus). The selection is truly huge.
Look for what’s most appealing to you!
