50 Best Community Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024

BEST IN THE US COMMUNITY COLLEGES
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

The best community colleges provide an effective springboard into higher education, offering students high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The top rated community colleges offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Community colleges offer affordable programs that are career-focused.
  • Community colleges are a great choice for students interested in a focus on skill-based and trade vocations.
  • Credits earned through community college courses can often be transferred to a traditional four-year college degree program.

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What is a community college?

A community college is a public two-year college that awards associate degrees as well as some professional certifications. Community colleges typically attract students drawn from the surrounding region. Top community colleges tend to offer a wide selection of associate degrees spanning a variety of disciplines. Community colleges can be especially attractive to students interested in getting an affordable start on a four-year degree. So too, these schools appeal to students seeking professional two-year degrees designed to provide technical and practical skills for immediate entrance into the job market.

We’ve identified 839 community colleges in the US. In order to be included in this list of the best community colleges, a school needs must be fully accredited, and must primarily provide two-year, or associate, degree programs (along with certificate credentials in most cases).

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The Best Community Colleges in the U.S.

  1. #1

    Pasadena City College

    Pasadena , CA
    #1 Best Community Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pasadena City College

    Cost of Degree: $1,212
    Starting Salary: $29,763
    Salary after 4 years: $42,874
    What is Pasadena City College known for?

    Pasadena City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Los Angeles City College

    Los Angeles , CA
    #2 Best Community Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Los Angeles City College

    Cost of Degree: $1,238
    Starting Salary: $81,854
    What is Los Angeles City College known for?

    Los Angeles City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    De Anza College

    Cupertino , CA
    #4 Best Community Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at De Anza College

    Cost of Degree: $1,562
    Starting Salary: $19,192
    What is De Anza College known for?

    De Anza College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Lone Star College System

    The Woodlands , TX
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024 #3 Best Online Associate in Human Resources #4 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lone Star College System

    Cost of Degree: $4,848
    Starting Salary: $38,078
    Salary after 4 years: $43,988
    What is Lone Star College System known for?

    Lone Star College System’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Collin College

    McKinney , TX
    #2 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    22K

    Career Outlook for degree at Collin College

    Cost of Degree: $3,094
    Expenses: $16,984
    Starting Salary: $43,956
    Salary after 4 years: $50,232
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Collin College known for?

    Collin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    College of DuPage

    Glen Ellyn , IL
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Illinois 2024 #8 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of DuPage

    Cost of Degree: $9,750
    Starting Salary: $33,305
    Salary after 4 years: $45,583
    What is College of DuPage known for?

    College of DuPage’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Macomb Community College

    Warren , MI
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Michigan 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    12%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Macomb Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,090
    Starting Salary: $36,803
    Salary after 4 years: $42,304
    What is Macomb Community College known for?

    Macomb Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Fullerton College

    Fullerton , CA
    #7 Best Community Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Fullerton College

    Cost of Degree: $1,154
    Starting Salary: $38,500
    What is Fullerton College known for?

    Fullerton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Bronx Community College

    Bronx , NY
    #1 Best Community Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bronx Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,206
    Starting Salary: $31,777
    Salary after 4 years: $44,942
    What is Bronx Community College known for?

    Bronx Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Blinn College

    Brenham , TX
    #4 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in American Sign Language (ASL) Degree Programs #1 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design #2 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    11%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Blinn College

    Cost of Degree: $5,760
    Expenses: $15,563
    Starting Salary: $45,803
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Blinn College known for?

    Blinn College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Chabot College

    Hayward , CA
    #8 Best Community Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chabot College

    Cost of Degree: $1,150
    Starting Salary: $82,856
    What is Chabot College known for?

    Chabot College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    East Mississippi Community College

    Scooba , MS
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Mississippi 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at East Mississippi Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,740
    Expenses: $9,635
    Starting Salary: $29,310
    Salary after 4 years: $37,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is East Mississippi Community College known for?

    East Mississippi Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Malcolm X College

    Chicago , IL
    #2 Best Community Colleges in Illinois 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Malcolm X College

    Cost of Degree: $11,520
    Starting Salary: $40,070
    What is Malcolm X College known for?

    Malcolm X College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  23. #20

    Cuyahoga Community College

    Cleveland , OH
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Ohio 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cuyahoga Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,472
    Starting Salary: $39,487
    Salary after 4 years: $41,498
    What is Cuyahoga Community College known for?

    Cuyahoga Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    ASA College

    Brooklyn , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at ASA College

    Cost of Degree: $12,728
    Expenses: $20,843
    Starting Salary: $24,561
    Salary after 4 years: $38,451
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is ASA College known for?

    ASA College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Glendale Community College

    Glendale , AZ
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Arizona 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    14%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Glendale Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,070
    Starting Salary: $48,688
    What is Glendale Community College known for?

    Glendale Community College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    New Mexico Military Institute

    Roswell , NM
    #1 Best Community Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico Military Institute

    Cost of Degree: $6,965
    Expenses: $11,926
    Starting Salary: $11,745
    Salary after 4 years: $37,506
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New Mexico Military Institute known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  29. #25

    Portland Community College

    Portland , OR
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Oregon 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for degree at Portland Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,810
    Starting Salary: $44,701
    Salary after 4 years: $51,800
    What is Portland Community College known for?

    Portland Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    Mesa Community College

    Mesa , AZ
    #2 Best Community Colleges in Arizona 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arizona 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mesa Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,070
    Starting Salary: $46,159
    Salary after 4 years: $46,665
    What is Mesa Community College known for?

    Mesa Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  32. #27

    Palomar College

    San Marcos , CA
    #10 Best Community Colleges in California 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in Web Design #2 Best Online Associate in Game Development #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Palomar College

    Cost of Degree: $1,344
    Starting Salary: $40,300
    Salary after 4 years: $48,421
    What is Palomar College known for?

    Palomar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  33. #28

    San Jacinto College

    Pasadena , TX
    #5 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Jacinto College

    Cost of Degree: $3,240
    Starting Salary: $34,575
    Salary after 4 years: $48,406
    What is San Jacinto College known for?

    San Jacinto College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  34. #29

    Orange Coast College

    Costa Mesa , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at Orange Coast College

    Cost of Degree: $1,198
    Expenses: $18,346
    Starting Salary: $37,278
    Salary after 4 years: $44,474
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Orange Coast College known for?

    Orange Coast College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  35. #30

    San Antonio College

    San Antonio , TX
    #6 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at San Antonio College

    Cost of Degree: $6,592
    Starting Salary: $28,536
    Salary after 4 years: $42,080
    What is San Antonio College known for?

    San Antonio College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  37. #31

    Merritt College

    Oakland , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Merritt College

    Cost of Degree: $1,167
    Starting Salary: $41,500
    Salary after 4 years: $47,921
    What is Merritt College known for?

    Merritt College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  38. #32

    LaGuardia Community College

    Long Island City , NY
    #2 Best Community Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at LaGuardia Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,218
    Starting Salary: $32,376
    Salary after 4 years: $42,548
    What is LaGuardia Community College known for?

    LaGuardia Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  39. #33

    Kingsborough Community College

    Brooklyn , NY
    #3 Best Community Colleges in New York 2024 #7 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies #12 Best Online Associate in Philosophy #13 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kingsborough Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,252
    Starting Salary: $31,429
    Salary after 4 years: $38,410
    What is Kingsborough Community College known for?

    Kingsborough Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  40. #34

    Los Angeles Pierce College

    Woodland Hills , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Los Angeles Pierce College

    Cost of Degree: $1,238
    Starting Salary: $30,881
    Salary after 4 years: $45,305
    What is Los Angeles Pierce College known for?

    Los Angeles Pierce College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  43. #36

    Long Beach City College

    Long Beach , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Long Beach City College

    Cost of Degree: $1,556
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    What is Long Beach City College known for?

    Long Beach City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  44. #37

    Central Oregon Community College

    Bend , OR
    #2 Best Community Colleges in Oregon 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Oregon Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,111
    Expenses: $17,941
    Starting Salary: $41,971
    Salary after 4 years: $42,378
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Central Oregon Community College known for?

    Central Oregon Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  45. #38

    Salt Lake Community College

    Salt Lake City , UT
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Utah 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Salt Lake Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,086
    Starting Salary: $37,722
    Salary after 4 years: $47,160
    What is Salt Lake Community College known for?

    Salt Lake Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  46. #39

    Weatherford College

    Weatherford , TX
    #7 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Weatherford College

    Cost of Degree: $5,700
    Expenses: $11,995
    Starting Salary: $46,283
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Weatherford College known for?

    Weatherford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  47. #40

    Cabrillo College

    Aptos , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cabrillo College

    Cost of Degree: $1,262
    Starting Salary: $40,807
    Salary after 4 years: $52,966
    What is Cabrillo College known for?

    Cabrillo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  49. #41

    Manor College

    Jenkintown , PA
    #1 Best Community Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #14 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manor College

    Cost of Degree: $19,028
    Starting Salary: $34,762
    Salary after 4 years: $40,316
    What is Manor College known for?

    Manor College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  51. #43

    Santa Rosa Junior College

    Santa Rosa , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Santa Rosa Junior College

    Cost of Degree: $1,328
    Starting Salary: $75,116
    What is Santa Rosa Junior College known for?

    Santa Rosa Junior College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  52. #44

    Community College of Allegheny County

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #2 Best Community Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    17%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Community College of Allegheny County

    Cost of Degree: $8,323
    Starting Salary: $42,451
    What is Community College of Allegheny County known for?

    Community College of Allegheny County’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  53. #45

    Angelina College

    Lufkin , TX
    #9 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    14%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Angelina College

    Cost of Degree: $4,530
    Expenses: $14,425
    Starting Salary: $43,754
    Salary after 4 years: $50,590
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Angelina College known for?

    Angelina College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  55. #46

    Phoenix College

    Phoenix , AZ
    #3 Best Community Colleges in Arizona 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arizona 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    13%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Phoenix College

    Cost of Degree: $2,070
    Starting Salary: $47,002
    What is Phoenix College known for?

    Phoenix College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  56. #47

    East Los Angeles College

    Monterey Park , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at East Los Angeles College

    Cost of Degree: $1,238
    Starting Salary: $40,102
    Salary after 4 years: $47,442
    What is East Los Angeles College known for?

    East Los Angeles College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  57. #48

    Cecil College

    North East , MD
    #3 Best Community Colleges in Maryland 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cecil College

    Cost of Degree: $8,070
    Starting Salary: $36,700
    Salary after 4 years: $49,112
    What is Cecil College known for?

    Cecil College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  58. #49

    Joliet Junior College

    Joliet , IL
    #3 Best Community Colleges in Illinois 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Joliet Junior College

    Cost of Degree: $12,570
    Starting Salary: $36,748
    Salary after 4 years: $53,935
    What is Joliet Junior College known for?

    Joliet Junior College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  59. #50

    Lee College

    Baytown , TX
    #10 Best Community Colleges in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lee College

    Cost of Degree: $3,882
    Starting Salary: $51,112
    Salary after 4 years: $69,500
    What is Lee College known for?

    Lee College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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