50 Cheapest Community Colleges in USA for International Students

Looking for affordable education options in the USA? The cheapest community colleges in the USA offer a great opportunity for students to pursue higher education without breaking the bank. Over 1500 community colleges in the USA offer several associate degrees and transfer pathways. Most of these colleges are from one of the 5 states in the USA: California, Washington State, Texas, New York State and Florida. With financial aid options like Pell Grants and federal loans, students can further reduce their education costs. In this blog, you will read more about the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students.

Cheapest Community Colleges in USA	Details
Total Community Colleges in USA	1500 (approx)
Approx Annual Fee (International Students)
General Eligibility	High school diploma or equivalent Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) SAT/ACT for some programs
Popular Courses Offered	Business Administration Computer Science Nursing, Healthcare Arts, Social Sciences

What is a Community College? 

Community colleges are higher education institutions that offer 2-year programs leading to a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. These colleges are affordable compared to universities and feature flexible schedules with smaller class sizes. There are various advantages of studying at community colleges such as: 

• It is more affordable than universities.
• It is very easy to get accepted.
• They work with smaller classes.
• Bachelor’s Degrees are less expensive.
• You will get the American College Experience.
• CC Laws allow you to stay and work for a year after graduation. 

Why Study in Community Colleges in USA?

The reasons why you should study in Community Colleges in USA are listed below

• The fact that community schools are less expensive than private institutions is one of the main factors influencing students with limited financial resources to choose them.
• Since these universities have a high acceptance rate, the majority of applicants are chosen by them.
• Due to the diversity and exposure to ordinary American college culture, community schools are an excellent place for international students to study and gain a broad perspective on the world.
• Since credits gained at community colleges can be transferred to other universities and institutions for further education, they can be advantageous.
• Community colleges offer the option of taking classes online.

Advantages of Community Colleges for Foreign Students

One of the most significant benefits of attending a community college is the scheduling freedom. Daytime, evening, and weekend classes, as well as online courses, are all available at community colleges. This permits students to work around other obligations, such as a job or family obligations.

Furthermore, community colleges frequently offer a variety of student support services such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counselling. Many community colleges have transfer agreements with four-year schools and universities, making it easier for students to transfer credits and further their education.

List of Top 50 Community Colleges in USA for International Students

Community colleges in the USA offer international students an affordable and flexible path to higher education. They provide a wide range of academic programs and are an excellent choice for those looking to study in the US while saving on tuition fees. Here are some of the best community colleges in USA for international students:

1. San Bernardino Valley College, San Berndardino, CA
2. American River College, Sacramento, CA
3. Chabot College, Hayward, CA
4. Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA
5. Feather River Community College District, Quincy, CA
6. Folsom Lake College, Folsom, CA
7. Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, PA
8. City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
9. Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Albuquerque, NM
10. Sacramento City College, Sacramento, CA
11. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Martinsburg, West Virginia
12. Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
13. Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA
14. Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable, MA
15. Massasoit Community College, Brockton, state
16. Middlesex Community College, Bedford, MA
17. Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
18. Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA
19. North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA
20. Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA
21. Panola College, Carthage, TX
22. Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA
23. Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, state
24. Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, MA
25. Roxbury Community College, Roxbury Crossing, state
26. Dine College, Tsaile, AZ
27. Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA
28. Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA
29. Wharton County Junior College, Wharton, TX
30. Trinity Valley Community College, Athens, TX
31. Salem State University, Salem, MA
32. Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
33. Coffeyville Community College, Coffeyville Community College
34. Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA
35. Framingham State University, Framingham, MA
36. Worcester State University, Worcester, MA
37. Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
38. San Juan College, Farmington, NM
39. Amarillo College, Amarillo, TX
40. Clarendon College, Clarendon, TX
41. Clovis Community College, Clovis, NM
42. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, Massachusetts
43. El Camino College-Compton Center, Compton, CA
44. Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA
45. Merced College, Merced, CA
46. San Diego Mesa College, San Diego, CA
47. West Valley College, Saratoga, CA
48. Merritt College, Oakland, CA
49. San Diego Miramar College, San Diego, CA
50. Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, CA

Most Popular Cheapest Community Colleges in the USA for International Students

Here’s a list of some of the Cheapest Community Colleges in the USA for International Students:

College Name	Annual Tuition	Notable Programs
Oxnard Community College	USD 8,146	Liberal Arts, General Studies, Social Sciences, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Central Wyoming College	USD 10,980	Health Professions, Business Management, Parks & Recreation
Greenfield Community College	USD 11,690	Liberal Arts, Health Professions, Business Management
Bristol Community College	USD 12,690	Liberal Arts, Business Management, Health Professions
Lehman College	USD 15,360	Business Administration, Psychology, Social Work

The City University of New York, NYC

Avg Tuition Fee: $17,800 [13,14 lakhs INR] annually 

The City University of New York is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. It is a public university present in New York City and is also one of the largest urban university systems in USA. This university was established in 1961 and offers its students a wide range of degrees and courses from various fields. 

Know all about Fall Intake in USA 2021!

California State University, Long Beach

Avg Tuition Fee: $8,300 [6,13 lakhs INR] annually 

California State University is a public university and is a key mention in our list of cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. It has also been ranked #196 in the US News Top Universities. This community college is located in Long Beach California. The total number of undergraduates who enrolled in the fall intake of 2019 was about 21,462 students. It offers a lot of degrees in more than sixty different fields present. 

South Texas University, South Texas

Avg Tuition Fee: $4,600 [3,39 lakhs INR] annually 

This university is one of the top public community colleges in the USA. It is currently located in the Rio Grande Valley region present in South Texas. The main highlight of South Texas University is that it offers associate’s degrees in about forty different areas for local and international students. 

Want to pursue Undergraduate Studies in USA? Click Here!

Brigham Young University, Utah

Avg Tuition Fee: $11,350 [8,38 lakhs INR] annually 

This university caters for one of the cheapest community colleges in the USA for international students to study as it offers courses from more than 100 different fields because the number of international students was about 1000 undergraduates for the fall intake of 2019. It has been ranked 80 among the National Universities. The number of students who receive education from the university is about 31,292 students. Brigham Young University is a private research university in Utah and runs under the authority of its Church Educational System. 

Alcorn State University, Mississippi

Avg Tuition Fee: $7,600 [5,61 lakhs INR] annually 

Alcorn State University is one of the historically black institutions which cater to Black Americans in the rural county of Claiborne. Many foreign students also study at this university as it is one of the cheapest community colleges in the USA for international students. The university was established in 1871 and now offers degrees and courses for its students in more than 40 different fields. 

University of Minnesota, Morris

Avg Tuition Fee: $12,600 [9,30 lakhs INR] annually 

The University of Minnesota in Morris has been ranked 140 on the list of US news. The average fee for this college for two years is $24,264 [roughly 18-20 Lakhs INR]. The total number of undergraduates who enrolled for the fall intake of 2019 was about 1,500 and the total number of international undergraduates was about 50%, making it one of the cheapest community colleges in the USA for international students. 

Lehman College, New York 

Avg Tuition Fee: $17,800 [13,14 lakhs INR] annually 

Lehman College in New York iy a senior college that is present at the City University of New York in New York City. It can be classified as one of the cheapest community colleges in the USA for international students and as an added advantage, this college also caters to senior-year students. It was established in 1931 and offers a wide array of degrees in more than 35 different fields in the USA. 

Arkansas State University, Arkansas 

Avg Tuition Fee: $13,000 [9.60 lakhs INR] annually 

Arkansas State University is one of the top community colleges that are present in the USA. This university is currently located in Jonesboro in Arkansas. The ranking of this university is about 298-389 according to the U.S News. This community college also caters to a lot of international students where about 380 students enrolled for the fall intake. 

Minot State University, North Dakota

Avg Tuition Fee: $6,800 [5,02 lakhs INR] annually 

Minot State University is one of the cheapest community colleges that offer undergraduate degrees in more than 50 different fields. This university also caters to international students from various parts of the world. It is currently located in Minot in North Dakota and is also the third-largest community college there. 

Admission Requirements for the Cheapest Community Colleges in USA for International Students

Following are the basic admission requirements for community colleges in USA for international students:

Community Colleges	Admission Stats
Monroe College	SAT score- 1098-1113
Lindenwood University	SAT score- 990-1180 ACT score- 19-25
University of Akron	SAT score- 960-1220 ACT score- 19-26
Western Michigan University	SAT score- 1010-1220 ACT score- 20-27
Minnesota State University	ACT score- 19-24
Indiana University- South Bend	SAT score- 930-1140 ACT score- 18-23
University of Nebraska- Kearney	SAT score- 960-1110 ACT score- 19-26
Truman State University	SAT score- 1080-1330 ACT score- 24-30
Southeast Missouri State University	SAT score- 1030-1200 ACT score- 19-25
Southern Illinois University- Carbondale	SAT score- 970-1345 ACT score- 20-26
Coppin State University	SAT score- 820-970 ACT score- 17-22
Murray State University	SAT score- 1020-1240 ACT score- 21-27
California State University- Fresno	SAT score- 890-1110 ACT score- 16-21
South Dakota State University	SAT score- 1000-1300 ACT score- 20-26
Minnesota State University- Moorhead	ACT score- 19-24

General Eligibility Requirements

Admission to the cheapest community colleges in the USA for international students generally involves meeting basic academic and language proficiency requirements. While the process is less competitive than at four-year universities, it’s important to submit all necessary documents and meet the specific college’s criteria. Below are the common eligibility requirements to keep in mind:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
• Minimum GPA requirements (varies by college)
• SAT/ACT scores (may be required for certain programs)
• Valid passport and student visa (F-1)
• Financial proof to show the ability to pay for tuition and living expenses
• Transcripts from previous academic institutions
• Updated CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOPs)

FAQs

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Looking to study in the USA without breaking the bank? Explore the cheapest community colleges and get started on your study abroad journey today! At Leverage Edu, we’re here to help you with everything from shortlisting the right courses to handling your applications and visas. Let’s make your dream of studying in the USA a reality – contact us now for expert guidance!