Are you an international student looking for affordable higher education options in the United States? Look no further than community colleges!
These institutions offer a cost-effective way to earn an associate degree or complete lower-division coursework before transferring to a four-year university.
Recommended: 9 Best Marine Biology Colleges in Texas: Best Guide
In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 10 cheapest community colleges in USA for international students, giving you the information, you need to make an informed decision about your education and future career.
Top 10 Cheapest Community Colleges in USA for International Students
Whether you’re seeking to save money or explore different academic pathways, read on to discover the top 10 cheapest community colleges for international students on a budget. Let’s dive in!
West Hills College Coalinga
West Hills College Coalinga is a public community college located in Coalinga, California. It was established in 1932 as Coalinga College and later became West Hills College Coalinga in 2000.
The college offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs. It is recognized for its agriculture and vocational programs. For out-of-state students, the estimated annual cost of attendance is around $11,540.
Cerritos College
Cerritos College is a public community college located in Norwalk, California. It was established in 1955 and offers more than 180 degree and certificate programs.
The college is known for its science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Cerritos College is also recognized for its strong transfer program to California State University and University of California systems.
For out-of-state students, the estimated annual cost of attendance is around $9,010.
Recommended: 20 Top Audio Engineering Schools in Los Angeles
Riverside City College
Riverside City College is a public community college located in Riverside, California. It was established in 1916 and is the second-oldest community college in the state.
The college offers more than 100 programs in the areas of liberal arts, science, and technical education. Riverside City College is recognized for its strong nursing and allied health programs.
For out-of-state students, the estimated annual cost of attendance is around $10,460.
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles City College is a public community college located in Los Angeles, California. It was established in 1929 and is one of the oldest of the nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District.
The college offers associate degrees and vocational certificates in more than 100 areas of study.
Los Angeles City College is recognized for its media arts, visual arts, and performing arts programs.
For out-of-state students, the estimated annual cost of attendance is around $8,870.
Allan Hancock College
Allan Hancock College is a public community college located in Santa Maria, California. It was established in 1920 and is one of the oldest community colleges in California.
The college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs in various areas of study.
Allan Hancock College is recognized for its strong agricultural programs and has a partnership with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to offer bachelor’s degrees in some fields.
For out-of-state students, the estimated annual cost of attendance is around $12,090.
College of the Desert:
College of the Desert is a two-year public community college located in Palm Desert, California.
Founded in 1958, it offers associate degrees in various fields such as business, health sciences, social sciences, and more.
The college is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and has won numerous awards for its eco-friendly initiatives. For out-of-state students, the estimated tuition and fees are approximately $9,800 per year.
Santiago Canyon College:
Santiago Canyon College is a community college located in Orange, California.
Established in 1985, it offers a wide range of programs in areas such as fine arts, health sciences, technology, and more.
The college has been recognized for its academic excellence and has received numerous awards. For out-of-state students, the estimated tuition and fees are approximately $8,400 per year.
El Camino College:
El Camino College is a public community college located in Torrance, California. Established in 1947, it offers associate degrees in fields such as business, engineering, humanities, and more.
The college has a diverse student body and is known for its exceptional faculty. For out-of-state students, the estimated tuition and fees are approximately $9,800 per year.
Recommended: 23 Best Music Production Schools in Florida
Glendale Community College:
Glendale Community College is a public community college located in Glendale, California. Founded in 1927, it offers associate degrees in various fields such as accounting, graphic design, nursing, and more. The college is recognized for its commitment to student success and has received numerous awards. For out-of-state students, the estimated tuition and fees are approximately $8,400 per year.
Metropolitan Community College:
Metropolitan Community College is a public community college located in Omaha, Nebraska. Established in 1974, it offers associate degrees in areas such as business, health sciences, information technology, and more.
The college has a diverse student body and is committed to providing affordable education to its students. For out-of-state students, the estimated tuition and fees are approximately $7,200 per year.
Studying in the United States has long been a dream for many international students seeking a high-quality education and exposure to a diverse culture.
However, in order to fulfill this dream, there are certain requirements that aspiring students must meet, both in terms of admission to American colleges and universities, as well as obtaining the necessary visa to study in the USA.
Admission Requirements for American Colleges and Universities:
- Educational Qualifications: To study in the USA, students must have completed their secondary education, typically equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. This may vary depending on the institution and program of study. Students are usually required to submit transcripts or mark sheets of their academic performance.
- Standardized Tests: Many American colleges and universities require international students to take standardized tests such as the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT (American College Testing). These tests assess a student’s proficiency in English, as well as their knowledge in subjects such as math, reading, and writing. Some graduate programs may also require applicants to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) depending on the field of study.
- English Language Proficiency: International students must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). These tests assess a student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English, as English is the primary language of instruction in most American colleges and universities.
- Application Essays: Many American colleges and universities require students to submit application essays or personal statements. These essays provide students with an opportunity to showcase their writing skills, express their motivation for studying in the USA, and highlight their academic and extracurricular achievements.
- Letters of Recommendation: Students are often required to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or other individuals who can speak to their academic abilities and character. These letters provide insight into a student’s strengths, achievements, and potential for success in an American college or university.
- Financial Documents: International students are required to provide proof of their ability to cover the costs of tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs. This may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial aid documents.
Visa Requirements for Studying in the USA:
- Form I-20: Once accepted into an American college or university, international students will receive a Form I-20, which is a document issued by the institution and required for obtaining a student visa. The Form I-20 confirms a student’s acceptance and enrollment in the institution, as well as the estimated costs of attendance.
- SEVIS Fee: Students are required to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, which is a mandatory fee collected by the U.S. government to support the administration of the student visa program. The SEVIS fee must be paid before applying for a student visa and requires proof of payment when submitting the visa application.
- Visa Application: Students must apply for a U.S. student visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The application process may require completing the online Form DS-160, submitting a passport-sized photograph, providing proof of financial ability to cover expenses, and attending an in-person visa interview. It is important to follow the specific requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country of residence.
- Proof of Intent to Return: Students must demonstrate that they have a genuine intent to return to their home country after completing their studies in the USA. This may include providing evidence of ties to their home country, such as family, property, or employment.
- Health Insurance: International students are required to have health insurance
