36 Cheapest Community Colleges in USA for International Students

The cheapest community colleges in USA for international students have been outlined and discussed in this post to facilitate your admission.

If you can’t devote yourself to a four-year study to earn a Bachelor’s degree, then a two-year associate degree in a community college may be right for you. Most developed countries have community colleges designed to serve the educational and academic needs of that locality. In the US, for example, there are community colleges in California, and in San Diego and there are also more in Florida and Alaska.

Students most times prefer community colleges and this is because of the cheaper tuition, less theoretical teaching, and more practical teaching as well as the opportunity to gain skills that they can apply in real-life situations and earn while at it. For instance, for students who love professions like carpentry, electrical repair, plumbing, cosmetology, cooking, automotive repair, etc., and want to venture into a career, a community college is the right place to learn for them. let us know in detail what a community college is before venturing into them.

What is a Community College in the USA?

A community college in the US is a two-year post-secondary institution that is mainly attended by the residents of the area where the college is located allowing them to attend school from their homes. Since both students and college are in the same place, no need to travel saving them both time and money.

The main benefit of community colleges is that it is more affordable compared to universities and colleges located elsewhere and it is easy for students to get accepted. This advantage also spreads to international students seeking to study at community colleges or already studying there but they have to pay flight fees, accommodation costs, and living expenses making it a tad bit expensive.

However, it cannot be as expensive as universities because tuition fees in universities are way higher compared to those of community colleges. Community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees but the most preferred programs are associate degrees, diplomas, and certification programs. It is relatively easy for international students to get accepted into community colleges compared to universities which makes many foreigners apply for community colleges.

Ideally, community colleges are built to meet the needs of high school graduates looking for higher education degrees without much hassle, and to meet the needs of such students across the globe, we have presented with you the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students.

Which college is ranked at 1 on the cheapest colleges in America?

The cheapest college in America is CUNY Leman College located in Bronx, New York, and has a tuition fee of $2,327 per year.

Can international students study in community colleges in the USA?

As an international student who meets the entry requirements of a community college in the US, you will be given admission to study at that community college. Without further ado, let’s go on to discuss the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students.

Cheapest Community Colleges in USA for International Students

Below are the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students listed in no particular order:

  • Oxnard Community College
  • East Mississippi Community College
  • Central Wyoming College
  • Houston Community College
  • Coffeyville Community College
  • Feather River College
  • Bristol Community College
  • Mount Wachusett Community College
  • Greenfield Community College
  • Trinity Valley Community College
  • Roxbury Community College
  • West Valley College
  • Antelope Valley College
  • Clovis Community College (CCC)
  • Dine College
  • Panola College
  • Merritt Community College
  • San Juan College
  • Luna Community College
  • Brigham Young University
  • Hutchinson Community College
  • California State University
  • Alcorn State University
  • Bridgewater State University
  • Lehman College
  • Pace University
  • Barstow Community College
  • Dakota State University
  • Fitchburg State University
  • Shasta College
  • University of Minnesota
  • Arkansas State University
  • Ashland University
  • Collin College
  • Dallas College
  • Eastern New Mexico University

1. Oxnard Community College

With a tuition fee of $10,992.00 for international students, Oxnard College qualifies as one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. It is located in Oxnard, California, United States, and was established in 1957 by the Ventura County Community College District.

There are four academic departments at Oxnard College that offer a wide range of academic programs including two-year degrees and vocational programs to the local community and international students.

2. East Mississippi Community College

The East Mississippi Community College was founded in 1927 as a public community college in Scooba, Mississippi. The post-secondary institution offers a full range of academic classes that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Career Technical programs are also available to offer students in-demand skills for the workforce.

EMCC considers international students and accepts them without placing tough requirements and also makes its tuition fee cheap making the institution sit with the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. The tuition fee for international students here is $265 per credit hour cost.

3. Central Wyoming College

This is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students with a tuition fee of $10,980 per year. They offer 2-year associate degree programs, various certifications, and online programs going over 30 programs in total to international and domestic students.

Central Wyoming College was established in 1966 and offers strong career-technical programs and numerous academic transfer programs for students who want to advance to a four-year degree.

4. Houston Community College

Houston Community College is an open-admission, public institution of higher education offering a high-quality, affordable education for academic advancement, workforce training, career development, and lifelong learning to prepare individuals in their diverse communities for life and work in a global and technological society.

With over 21 programs and more than 50,000 students enrolled, Houston Community College considers international students and makes both its entry requirements and tuition fees as cheap as possible. The available programs lead to an associate degree, diploma, or certificate.

The college was established in 1971 and has a low tuition fee for international students at $379.61 per credit hour. Non-Resident Tuition and Fees Total -$25,274.00

5. Coffeyville Community College

Coffeyville Community College is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. It was established in 1923 in Coffeyville, Kansas, United States, and has a current amount of 1,772 students enrolled in its wide array of programs that lead to an associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs that lead to four-year programs at a college or university.

The tuition fee is $222 per credit hour.

6. Feather River College

Feather River is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students in Quincy, California, USA, and has a current total student enrollment of 1,500. The two-year college is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college offers the Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Science degree, and certificates, as well as a bachelor of science degree in equine and ranch management.

International Tuition Fee: $282 per unit
Standard Enrollment Fee: $ 46 per unit

7. Bristol Community College

Bristol Community College is a public community college with four campuses in Southeastern Massachusetts, established in 1965. Associate degrees and certificates in more than 150 academic programs are offered at this institution.

It is also one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students with Tuition & Fees (15 credits per semester) $ 12,854.00

8. Mount Wachusett Community College

This is a public community college in Gardner, Massachusetts established in 1963 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The college offers multiple programs that offer students from different backgrounds the chance to enroll in college classes prior to their high school graduation.

There are over 70 academic programs that allow students to earn either an associate of science degree, an associate of arts degree, or a certificate. The tuition fee here for international students is $440 total per credit hour.

9. Greenfield Community College

Greenfield Community College is a public, two-year community college in Greenfield, Massachusetts founded in 1962. Here international and local students can pursue associate degrees and certificate programs in a wide array of disciplines that interest them.

The tuition fee is $39 per credit for international students.

10. Trinity Valley Community College

Trinity Valley Community College is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students, established in 1946 and located in Athens, Texas, USA. It has four campuses serving five counties across the southeast and eastern parts of the state.

The college has a wide range of academic programs that provides quality academic, workforce, and community service programs to meet the educational needs of students from all walks of life.

Tuition:  $150 per semester hour

11. Roxbury Community College

This is a 2-year community college based in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and established in 1973. Associate degrees in arts, sciences, and certificate programs are offered at this college which allow for credit transfer to four-year colleges and universities in the US.

The tuition fee per credit for international students at RCC is $462 making the institution one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. The college greatly considers students from other countries which is why the tuition is this low and the requirements are also easy to meet.

12. West Valley College

West Valley College is a public community college located in Saratoga, California, it is part of the California Community College system, and one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. Just as the tuition fee is low for international students, the entry requirements are also easy for international students to gain entry and pursue a program of their choice.

The tuition fee for international students at West Valley College is $358 per unit (in addition to enrollment fee)

13. Antelope Valley College

Established in 1929 as a public community college and based in Lancaster, California, Antelope Valley College is among the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students and part of the California Community College system. The college offers associate degrees in arts and science in 71 fields and other certificate programs in 59 vocational fields.

Antelope Valley College opens its doors wide open for international students to enjoin in her quality education. Entry requirements for international students are relatively easy for aspirants to meet and also low tuition fees.

The tuition fee for international students at Antelope Valley College is $342.00 per semester unit.

14. Clovis Community College (CCC)

This is a community college in New Mexico and works closely with the Eastern New Mexico University to provide area residents and non-residents with educational opportunities. CCC was established in 1961 and has made impressive efforts in modernizing its curriculum including providing online courses and computer-based learning.

Clovis Community College accepts students from other countries with a low tuition fee, making it one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. The tuition fee for international students is $290 plus the enrollment fee per unit – $46. 00

15. Dine College

Dine College was established in 1968 as a public tribal land-grant college in Tsaile, Arizona serving both residents and non-residents (international students) for educational purposes. You can pursue an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and certificate programs in a wide variety of programs at this institution.

The tuition here is made relatively cheap for international students to be able to afford it. The annual tuition to attend Dine College is $1,320. The cost is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

16. Panola College

Panola College is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students, it was established in 1947 and continues to offer educational opportunities needed in the workforce. A 2-year associate degree in science and arts as well as other certificate programs across various spectrum of training.

International students are accepted into the institution as long as they meet up with the requirements which are relatively easy to meet. The estimated cost for an academic year of nine months with a 12-hour academic load each semester is $18,000 USD (subject to change). This amount includes out-of-state tuition, fees, textbooks, residence hall fees, meals, personal expenses, and insurance for a single student.

17. Merritt Community College

Founded in 1954 as a public community college in Oakland, California, and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Merritt Community College is one of the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. The school has a current student enrollment of 6,000 from different countries.

The tuition fee here for international students is also relatively cheap at $8,703 for out-of-state students

18. San Juan College

San Juan is a public community college in Farmington, New Mexico established in 1956. Its relatively low tuition fee for international students makes it ranks among our list of cheapest community colleges in USA for international students. It has three campuses in Aztec, Kirtland, and Farmington which is the main campus.

Resident and non-resident students are admitted to pursue a degree program or certificate of their choice to gain technical skills and knowledge for the workforce. The tuition fees for international students stands at $8,703 for out-of-state students

19.       Luna Community College

Luna Community College (LCC) is the only community college in northeastern New Mexico. LCC enjoys an outstanding reputation for its caliber of facilities, teaching methods, curricula, and dedication to excellence. Luna offers more than 35 degrees and certificates in seven areas of study. Class sizes are small so students receive individualized attention from faculty. Their tuition fee depends on the total credit hours of the courses taken and students’ residency

Non-NM Resident (out of state) Tuition fee – $1,488.00

20.       Brigham Young University

BYU is a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who offer over 175+ majors to help students prepare for their future. The significant portions of university operating costs are paid with the tithes of Church members.

 In recognition of this support, Church members are assessed lower tuition fees than those who are not members. This practice is similar in principle to that of state universities charging higher tuition to nonresidents. Students are considered members of the Church if they have been baptized at any time during the semester or term.

Latter Day Saint Members tuition fee – $23,052

Non Latter Day Saint Members tuition fee – $29,548

21.       Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College is an institution that has a reputation for excellence that spans 90 years. Evolving from a traditional “junior college” to a full-service community college, HutchCC serves nearly 5,000 credit students every semester with a large number of individuals involved in community service and non-credit activities.

Hutchinson Community College, a fully accredited, public comprehensive college, offers five degrees in Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Fine Arts, and Associate of Applied Science. HutchCC has an open admissions policy and is governed locally by an elected Board of Trustees.

Estimated Yearly Cost for Out of State Students – $11550

22.       California State University

The California State University is the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university, providing opportunities for upward mobility to students across the state and empowering them to become leaders in the changing workforce. The CSU plays a critical role in providing future leaders with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to thrive in the workforce and help drive California’s economy.

With nearly 130,000 annual graduates, CSU is the state’s greatest producer of bachelor’s degrees and drives California’s economy in agriculture, information technology, business, hospitality, life sciences, healthcare, public administration, education, media, and entertainment.

All students enrolled at a CSU campus pay a systemwide tuition fee, in addition to campus mandatory fees. The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Non-resident tuition is in addition to applicable systemwide tuition.

Non-resident tuition per semester unit rate – $264

Non-resident tuition per quarter unit rate – $396

23.       Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University has a great tradition of excellence and a powerful place in history. From their founding as the nation’s first public historically black land-grant institution to creating great advantages and opportunities for their students.

Alcorn offers a number of majors related to each discipline. In addition, the Newtie J. Boyd Academic Support Center and the Office of Graduate Studies provide additional support and resources for undergraduate and graduate students respectively.

Undergraduate Out of State Tuition – $327.88 – $3934.56

Graduate Out of State Tuition – $454.11 – $4086.99

24.       Bridgewater State University

For more than 183 years, Bridgewater State University has been transforming lives, helping all of its students get an outstanding education, begin rewarding careers, and lift up their families.

As the 10th largest university, public or private, in Massachusetts, Bridgewater provides a wide range of academic programs and innovative learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. The University grants approximately 2,500 degrees and certificates each year.

Bridgewater has one of the top-ranked undergraduate research programs in the nation and has more than 250 study-abroad programs. Each year, more than 1,600 students participate in internships to discover the work they love as they earn academic credit.

Non-Resident Tuition Fee Total Estimate – $41,315

25.       Lehman College

Lehman College is the City University of New York’s only four-year college in the Bronx, serving the borough and surrounding region as an intellectual, economic, and cultural center. Lehman provides undergraduate and graduate studies in the liberal arts and sciences and professional education within a dynamic research environment. With a diverse student body of more than 14,000 students and more than 81,000 alumni, Lehman offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Ranked as having the fourth highest mobility rate in the nation by the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Equality of Opportunity Project, Lehman is a proud catalyst for economic and social mobility for its students, almost half of whom are first-generation college students.

Undergraduate Students’ full-time tuition fee – $620 per credit

Graduate Students Full-time tuition fee – $855 per credit

26.       Pace University

Ranked in the top 9% of private US colleges that provide the best return on tuition investment, Pace University transforms the lives of its diverse students academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. They are at the forefront of creating opportunity and that mission is expressed in their motto: ‘Opportunitas’

Pace is a nationally-ranked university with six schools and colleges—College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems—and offers a variety of courses in business, health care, computer science, sustainability and justice, education, science, law, fine and performing arts, and more.

More than 50 cutting-edge centers, institutes, labs, and clinics, including the NYC Design Factory, Entrepreneurship Lab, Environmental Policy Clinic, Cybersecurity Education and Research Lab, Immigration Justice Clinic, and Health Care Simulation Labs serve as a training ground for future leaders. With three campuses located in and around New York City, Pace offers students a diverse selection of living and learning experiences.

International Student Fee – $55.00 per semester

27.   Barstow Community College

Barstow Community College (BCC) is an open-access, comprehensive two-year institution serving a diverse student population in the Mojave region of San Bernardino County, California. The College’s campus is located in the City of Barstow, California, situated in California’s high desert, between Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

BCC provides the first two years of college or university study as part of the California State Community College System of Higher Education. The College’s educational programs include lower-division college coursework and general education offerings for transfer to baccalaureate degree institutions.

The College also provides a skilled workforce through credit-based classes and contract training that meets the needs of employers and provides students with relevant 21st-century career and technical education that leads to academic achievement and successful employment in a global economy.

 To further assist students, the College offers an extensive range of pre-collegiate basic skills courses in Mathematics, Reading, and English to those who need additional academic support before matriculating into a college degree, certificate, and/or transfer program.

Non-Resident Tuition Required of All Out-Of-State and International Students – $265 to $414

28.   Dakota State University

In 1881, Dakota State University was founded as a school for teacher education, in the Dakota Territory. Dakota State University offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs through four colleges. Dakota State remains one of the few universities in the nation, that provides students with the technology needed to excel in any career.

They are a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we’re also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that’s among the best values in the region.

Annual Cost of Attendance (2 semesters) for undergraduate – $25,324

Annual Cost of Attendance (2 semesters) for  Graduate – $26,526

Annual Cost of Attendance (2 semesters) for Graduate with Assistantship – $14,754

29.   Fitchburg State University

This is a public institution located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies.

Founded in 1894, they now have more than 30 undergraduate programs, 22 master’s degree programs, and 6,000 full and part-time students.

Tuition Fee for Out of State Students – $7,050.00 ( per year) $3,525.00 (per semester) $293.75 ( per credit).

30.   Shasta College

Shasta College is a leader in Northstate higher education and part of the largest community college system in the world. Shasta College offers a wide range of programs and services, including counseling, tutoring, financial aid, performing arts and athletic events, student activities, veterans’ services, cultural events, lecture series, workshops, and art exhibits.  With five campus locations, we offer over 100 degrees and certificates. 

Total Estimated Tuition Cost for international students – $21,804

31.   University of Minnesota

The flagship of the University of Minnesota System, the Twin Cities campus is Minnesota’s only land-grant university and one of the most prestigious public research universities in the nation.

Founded in 1851 near Saint Anthony Falls on the banks of the Mississippi River, we are one of five universities in the nation with an engineering school, medical school, law school, veterinary medicine school, and agricultural school all on one campus.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is among the nation’s top public research universities, with award-winning faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class academics.

With a major for every interest, from astrophysics to product design, child psychology, and American Indian studies, they offer endless opportunities for all students.

Non-Resident Tuition Fee – $52,088

32.   Arkansas State University

Founded in 1909, A-State meets the challenges of continuing as a destination university for more than 14,000 students through the combination of world-class research with a long tradition of student-friendly instruction.  The second largest university in Arkansas, Arkansas State is a doctoral-level national institution with more than 150 degrees areas of study, including a robust online program, and a diverse student body from across the nation and the world.

Estimated annual cost for international students – $25,000 including tuition, fees, room and meals

33.   Ashland University

Founded in 1878 as Ashland College, the name of the institution was changed to Ashland University in 1989 to reflect the many diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs offered.

Ashland continues to have a rich tradition as a private, comprehensive institution preparing students for exciting professions and careers. The university consists of four academic colleges – the College of Arts & Sciences, Dauch College of Business & Economics, Schar College of Education, and Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences – as well as Ashland Theological Seminary.

Yearly Estimated Expense for Undergraduate – $43,916

34.   Collin College

Since offering its first classes at area high schools in 1985, Collin College has expanded to serve more than 57,000 credit and continuing education students each year. The only public college based in the county, the college offers more than 100 degrees and certificates in a wide range of disciplines,  including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, and a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Construction Management.

Out-of-State/Country Residents – $185.00 (Per Credit Hour Tuition ), $2.00 (Per Credit Hour Student Activity Fee), $187.00 (Total per credit hour charge)

35.   Dallas College

Dallas College is one of the largest community colleges in Texas. Since 1965, we have helped almost 3 million people on their educational journey. Our students benefit from our partnerships with local business leaders, school districts, and four-year universities, and we have over 20 years of experience in online education. In addition, we provide economic benefits to businesses, taxpayers, and the community.

Cost and Tuition for international students –  $200 per credit hour (with a $200 minimum) for out-of-state/out-of-country residents

36.   Eastern New Mexico University

For close to 90 years, ENMU has prepared students for careers and advanced study. We are the institution of higher learning that believes every person matters and has the potential to become more than they were yesterday. Students who may not really believe they can leave home or get a college education and are facing obstacles at every turn can find success at ENMU.

Their mission combines an engaging learning environment with current technology to provide a rich educational experience. ENMU serves students of traditional age, adult learners, and organizations through undergraduate and graduate programs. Our University is where tradition meets affordable tuition and flexibility meets fulfillment.

Tuition and Fees by Credit Hour – $363.27 per credit hour

Conclusion

This brings an end to the cheapest community colleges in USA for international students, links to each of the schools have been provided to enable you to carry out further research, such as entry requirements of any of the schools that interest you. The requirements of each of these schools differ as well as specific programs offered by a particular school.

Earning a degree or certificate from a higher institution in the US is a big plus for you, your CV or resume will look professional to employees and it’s also easy to gain admission into a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree.

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One comment

  1. Buenas noches, me contacto desde Argentina, Río Negro San Carlos de Bariloche, tenemos planes de irnos a vivir a EEUU Houston,Texas junto a mi hijo de 19 años de edad quien está cursando la Universidad carrera Comercio Internacional , necesito conocer si tiene costo mensual la Universida Houston Community?? Y en caso de que si conocer cuanto?? Porque solo puedo contar con mi salario único y necesitamos organizarnos , y conocer si las materias que curso de su 1 er. Año de Universidad le sirven alla? Importante conocer si puede cursar en Lengua Español porque no sabemos hablar inglés todavía . Aguardo expectante el contacto de ustedes. María Laura Rossano Mamá de Julian Matteo. Muchas gracias.
    Saludos Cordiales.

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