Savanna Hoffman
International students can apply to community colleges in the US, which are an affordable and accessible option for those seeking an American education. With over 1,000 community colleges in the US that accept international students, the application process is relatively simple, with many colleges offering open admissions and rolling admissions. This means that students are accepted regardless of their GPA or test scores, and they can apply at any time of the year. However, English language proficiency requirements vary among colleges, and some may require official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. International students should also be aware of the additional steps and documents required for their applications, such as proof of financial support and visa arrangements. Community colleges provide a great opportunity for international students to save on tuition costs and transfer to four-year universities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of community colleges in the US that accept international students | Over 1,000 |
| Degree type | 2-year Associate's degree |
| Admission requirements | High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification |
| Admission requirements | Minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5 (varies according to college) |
| Admission requirements | No SAT, ACT, or other test scores required |
| Admission requirements | English language proficiency (varies by college) |
| Admission requirements | Proof of financial support |
| Application process | Rolling admissions (apply at any time) |
| Application fees | $0-$300 (varies by college) |
| Tuition fees | $3,660 (average for 2018-2019) |
| Housing | No on-campus residence halls (varies by college) |
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What You'll Learn
Application fees
Community colleges in the US are an affordable and accessible option for international students. They are known for their open admissions policy, which means they accept all students with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification, as long as they have not reached capacity. This makes the process of applying to community colleges much simpler for international students, as they do not require SAT, ACT, or other test scores.
Community colleges are also a cost-effective option for international students, as their tuition and fees cost 50%-70% less, on average, than public and private universities. Application fees for community colleges are often $30 or less, and many schools do not charge application fees at all. In contrast, the average application fee for a four-year school is $45, and many top universities charge $75-90 per application. When applying to multiple schools, these fees can add up.
While federal financial assistance from government organizations is not available to international students, individual community colleges can still offer institutional aid. It is important to check with the college for institutional aid before applying, as not all colleges will award it to international students. Additionally, there are scholarship and grant options available from individual colleges, states, and private organizations, which are available for both merit-based and need-based assistance.
International students should carefully research different community colleges and consider their long-term goals and priorities when deciding where to apply. Deadlines and enrollment terms vary by school, so it is crucial to check each college's admissions website for specific details. It is also recommended to contact the admissions office, as many community colleges have staff dedicated to supporting international students.
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English language proficiency
Community colleges in the US are an affordable and accessible option for international students, offering a two-year Associate's degree that can be transferred to a four-year university. They are also a good option for international students because most of them do not require demanding essays, SATs, or other test scores for admissions.
Community colleges tend to have less stringent language requirements for international students than four-year institutions. While the exact requirements vary among community colleges, here are some general guidelines for English language proficiency that you may need to meet:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Some community colleges require international students to submit official TOEFL test scores. For example, Lane Community College and Austin Community College specify that international students must submit TOEFL scores by the application deadline. Oakland Community College also accepts TOEFL scores, and a minimum score of 79 iBT with a 24 in writing is required for eligibility for an Associate's Level I-20.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): In addition to TOEFL, some colleges, such as Austin Community College, accept IELTS scores. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is typically required for admissions. Oakland Community College also accepts IELTS scores and students who do not meet the minimum requirement must complete the Duolingo English Placement Testing process.
- Duolingo English Placement Test: Oakland Community College accepts results from the Duolingo English Placement Test. They provide a coupon code for students to take the test for free, and the results are emailed directly to the student's OCC email address.
- English Language Evaluation: Some community colleges, such as Westchester Community College in New York, allow international students to take an English language evaluation at the college itself, rather than requiring external test scores.
- High School Curriculum: Lane Community College specifies that students who have successfully graduated from an AP, IB, or IGCSE high school with an English Language curriculum will be eligible for Writing 93. Students from certain countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, can qualify for Proof of English with their high school transcripts.
- College-Level Coursework: For students who have completed college or university-level coursework in the US but have not obtained a degree, some colleges, like Austin Community College, will review transcripts to determine if the English proficiency requirement can be waived.
- Country of Origin: If your home country is one where English is the native language, some colleges may exempt you from the English proficiency assessment. For example, Lane Community College specifies that students from countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom can qualify for Proof of English based on their country of origin.
It is important to note that the English proficiency requirements may vary across different community colleges in the US. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the specific requirements of each college you are considering for your application.
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Application process
The application process for international students to attend community college in the US is relatively straightforward. Firstly, it is important to research and carefully consider the different community colleges, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each, and prioritizing your needs. There are over 1,000 community colleges in the US that accept international students, and many offer rolling admissions, meaning you can apply at any time of year.
The specific application process will vary depending on the college, so it is important to check the admissions website for each college you are interested in. Some colleges will have an international application form, while others will require you to submit additional documents. For example, Ivy Tech Community College requires international applicants to submit an international application form, a scan of their passport, and proof of financial support. Some colleges may also require English language proficiency test scores, such as a TOEFL test score, although this is not always the case.
It is worth noting that community colleges tend to have less stringent language requirements than four-year institutions, and some may not require any test scores at all. Additionally, application fees for community colleges are often lower than those for four-year schools, and some colleges do not charge any application fees.
In terms of admissions requirements, community colleges typically have an open admissions policy, meaning they accept all students who have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification. Some colleges may also require a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5, but this can vary. Unlike four-year universities, community colleges usually do not require SAT, ACT, or other test scores for admission.
Overall, the application process for international students wishing to attend community college in the US is generally less complicated and more flexible than the process for four-year universities.
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Housing
When it comes to housing, unlike US universities, very few community colleges in the US have their own student housing on campus. This means that you will most likely have to find your own accommodation. However, the college you choose to attend can often advise you on private residences and landlords nearby. Some colleges may also have partnerships with companies that offer student housing close to the campus. You can fill out their student housing application forms to get help finding accommodation near the school.
If you are an international student already living in the US, you may prefer to attend a local community college. This way, you can live at home and save on housing and living costs.
Additionally, if you plan to transfer to a four-year school to complete your bachelor's degree, you may want to consider the location of that university and its housing options as well. Life outside the classroom is a big part of studying abroad, so it is important to choose a school with an attractive location. Of course, what is attractive to one person may not be attractive to another, so be sure to form your own opinion. Some people may prefer warm weather and beaches, while others may favour big cities or smaller towns surrounded by nature.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the cost of housing near university campuses can be expensive. This is something to keep in mind when considering your budget and the overall cost of studying in the US.
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Scholarships and grants
International students may struggle more with qualifying for community college scholarships than local students, but there are still options available. Scholarships can be awarded by the college itself or through other organisations, such as businesses, clubs or governments.
International students should first reach out to their college of interest and ask for help from the financial aid department. These departments may be able to suggest specific, personalised options for each student. Students can also ask their international student advisor or an admissions representative about any scholarship opportunities that they may be eligible for.
There are also third-party organisations that provide scholarships to international students. For example, MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students through their Global Citizen Scholarship Program, which is offered throughout the year. The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship also awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning graduate degrees in the USA. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries who have no other source of financial help for their graduate studies.
Students can also submit the FAFSA to ensure that they are considered for all need-based financial aid opportunities. This will ensure that they are considered for need-based grants like the Pell Grant, which does not need to be repaid. The FAFSA is also required for other grants and scholarships.
There are also scholarships available for students who are transferring from a community college to a four-year institution. For example, the Tau Sigma Honor Society Scholarship offers awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 for transfer students throughout the country. The University of Maryland also awards several full-tuition and multiple partial-tuition Frederick Douglass Scholarships for transfer students.
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Frequently asked questions
Community colleges are an affordable and accessible option for international students who want to study in the US. They offer a two-year associate's degree which can be transferred to a four-year college where students can complete their bachelor's degree. Community colleges are also a good option for students whose grades are not good enough to get into their university of choice.
Requirements vary depending on the college, but generally, international students need to prove English language proficiency and financial solvency. Some colleges require official TOEFL test scores, while others require applicants to take an English language evaluation at the college. Students applying under an F-1 visa must provide a scan of their passport and proof of financial support.
Yes, some community colleges charge international students application fees, which can range from $30 to $300. However, some colleges, like Ivy Tech Community College, do not have an application fee.
There are over 1,000 community colleges in the US that accept international students, so it's important to research and carefully consider your options. Take the time to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each college, consider your long-term goals, and prioritize your needs to make the best decision.
