10 Best Community Colleges In the US For 2017-2018

Why Community College?

Let’s face it. A college education is expensive and most of us cannot afford to pay the costs. This is unfair, but we have to accept the situation as it is.

It’s discouraging to see the youth of our great nation lose out on better opportunities due to a lack of formal college education. Even when you reach a point where you can afford to join college, it’s either too late, or there are other responsibilities holding you back.

But that doesn’t mean you cannot get a college education ever in your life, and it’s never too late to start something new. There are so many Community Colleges that could be perfect for you to continue from where you left off.

 

Tennessee has made community college free for all from spring 2018

 

Community colleges offer an extensive curriculum to teach you working skills in the areas of your choice. The course duration is generally 2 years and they award you with diplomas, degrees, and certificates. 

Community Colleges are also referred to as Junior Colleges, City Colleges, or Technical Colleges.

So let’s dive in.

Here are some of the best Community Colleges in the US for 2017-2018.

 

#1 Lake Area Technical Institute (LATI)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Watertown, South Dakota

Courses: LATI has 29 courses that include Agriculture, Automotive Mechanics, Dental Assisting, Financial Services, Cosmetology, Robotics, Nursing, and Aviation.

Fees: Ranges between $7,200 and $13,500 per annum depending on the course you select. The fee structure is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Aid: There are 6 different types of financial aid available for LATI students.   

Student-Faculty ratio: 16:1

Campus Life: LATI has a large campus (18,000 square mile area), with a resourceful library and the Watertown recreation center (free membership for students). You can also hang out and relax at the nearby Lake Area Rodeo club.

LATI has a 100% acceptance rate but there are limited seats available for each year. So it’s better to apply as early as possible considering the deadlines for specific courses.

The best part about enrolling with LATI is that 98% graduates get placements with good earning opportunities after completing the 2-year program.  

For students with full-time jobs who cannot study from the campus, LATI offers 12 E-Degree programs where students can attend online lectures that have flexible timings.

You can apply for your desired program here

 

#2 Walla Walla Community College (WWCC)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Walla Walla, Washington

Courses: WWCC offers 88 different courses, with the most popular ones being Liberal Arts and Humanities, Welding, Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Accounting Technician, Network & Database Administration, and Property Maintenance & Site Management.

Fees: $11,500 per annum for in-state students and $18,000 per annum for out-of-state students.

Aid: An average amount of $5,700 is available as Financial aid.

Student-Faculty ratio: 16:1

Campus Life: The WWCC campus spreads over 100 acres with facilities for Golf, Baseball, and Rodeo. They have the Arts & Culture society which organizes theatre activities to bring out the artist in you. When out of class, you can go chill at the Titus Creek Cafe.

WWCC does not allow tobacco products inside the campus (sigh!) and has a strict tobacco policy. That’s a relief for the non-smokers.

They have a 100% acceptance rate and make it comfortable for international students to find and settle in an appropriate location near the campus.

The WWCC has a TRiO program that helps students find their right career paths and select the right courses that fit their interests. Almost 82% WWCC graduates get placed at good jobs with good income prospects.

Fill up your online application here

 

#3 Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Santa Barbara, California

Courses: SBCC is mainly a preferred destination for students who want to pursue arts & humanities.

They have 70 different courses but the popular ones are Liberal arts & Humanities, Biological and Physical Sciences, Communications, Medical Records Technician, Business Administration, Merchandising & Buying Operations, Child Care Provider, and Psychology majors.  

Fees: The total cost of attending SMCC is $12,879 for in-state students and $20,790 for out-of-state students.

Aid: Students are awarded, on an average, $4,300 to support their education.

Student-Faculty ratio: 47:1

Campus Life: SBCC has a large campus and a strong community of over 7,500 full-time undergrad students. The college has 40 different student clubs, Drama and Music Group, and multicultural events for students to enjoy a healthy social life.

There’s also the Santa Barbara maritime museum, Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, and the Endless Summer Cafe for the students to enjoy off campus.

SBCC has part-time job opportunities for their students through their Federal Work-Study Program (FWS). You need to apply for the program to see if you’re eligible for it.

SBCC has a graduation rate of 47% and a high employment rate at 83%. The graduates earn from $24,000 to $33,900 per annum as per their experience post-graduation.

Click here to apply

 

#4 Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Shell Lake, Wisconsin

Courses: WITC has 70 different courses, and the most popular ones are Nursing, Business Support Services, EMT Paramedic, Childcare, Computer & Information Studies, and Child Care Management.

FeesThe total fees vary for different courses and certifications according to the type of course and its duration. The range is between $5,000 and $15,000 for the degree courses and $363 to $800 for certification.  

Aid: Eligible students can expect an aid of up to $4,600 per annum

Student-Faculty ratio: 9:1

Campus Life: WITC has 4 campuses: Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, and the Superior campus besides their online learning options. Rice Lake and New Richmond enjoy higher enrollment rates.

WITC has beautiful student lounges (especially Rice Lake) which students can witness firsthand during their open house. Apart from that, they can hang out at Culvers for their signature burgers and frozen custard.

A recent survey conducted by WITC showed that 92% of their 2016 graduates have found employment in the jobs that they desired and on an average, are earning $37,829 per annum.

Select your campus and apply here  

 

#5 East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program & Technical Center (ESGV)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: West Covina, California

A Regional Occupational Program (ROP) is a place where students get hands-on training, practical exposure, and proper career guidance. The ESGV is one of 72 ROP in California.

ESGV has tie-ups with 8 different community colleges. Students who complete their course at the ROP can skip through the early lessons and directly join the training programs at any of these colleges based on their selected course.

Student-Faculty ratio: 14:1

Courses: ESGV has 93 specialization courses that come under 7 different categories. The most popular ones are Business Management, Administration of Justice, Health Science, Visual Communications, and Early Childhood Education.

Fees: The total course fees vary according to the course selected and ranges between $6,000-$13,000. But the living expenses in the city will raise it to even $26,000 for out-of-state students.

Aid: On an average, eligible candidates are awarded $3,800 as financial aid

Campus life: There are limited activities that you could do at ESGV since it’s only a training center but you could experience an amazing campus once you join one of those 8 colleges.

However, there are many hangout spots nearby like the Broncos Mexican Grill, Lazy Dog, 20/20, and the Galaxy Sports Bar.

Visit here to select and apply for your course

 

#6 Sheridan Technical College (STC)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Hollywood, Florida

Courses: STC has 31 different courses but the most sought-after ones are Commercial Vehicle Operation, Nursing, Childcare, HVAC & Refrigeration Engineering Technician, Automotive Mechanics, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, and Facial Treatment.

Fees: The tuition costs for full-time courses range between $3,000-$8,500, excluding the boarding and lodging expenses. The certification courses cost between $400-$1,100.

Aid: About $2,600 on an average is awarded to eligible students pursuing full-time courses

Student-faculty ratio: 10:1

Campus life: STC has a beautiful campus with green surroundings and since you’re in Hollywood, there are some great places to chill after class. You must definitely check out the Chilli’s Grill & bar, Shenanigan Sports Pub, and TGI Fridays while you’re there.

The STC graduates enjoy a 55% employment rate which is higher than the national average of 48% and the students can earn up to $31,000 per annum after graduation.

Check out the admission procedure here

 

#7 New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Roswell, New Mexico

Acceptance rate: 40%

Student-Faculty ratio: 10:1

Courses: NMMI offers only the Associate of Arts degree, which focuses on  Humanities, Physical Education, Math, and Social Sciences. The cadets (students) have to complete 68 hours of coursework in any of the 4 areas during their curriculum.

FeesThe fees for in-state cadets varies between $12,373 and $13,688 and approximately $20,000 for out-of-state cadets.

Aid: Students can expect on an average $7,500 per annum

Campus life: NMMI has a huge 40-acre campus that houses various training facilities for the cadets. There’s also an 18 hole golf course within the campus. The Institute’s code of honor imparts personal integrity and instigates the cadets to maintain and enforce the words of honor “No cadet will lie, steal, or cheat or tolerate those who do”

Cadets who aspire to be commissioned army personals will benefit from joining NMMI as the institute through its Early Commissioning Program, commissions around 30 to 35 cadets every year as US Army Lieutenants.  

Check out the admission process here

 

#8 Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

Student-Faculty ratio: 12:1

Courses: There are 16 different courses and other certifications, like Advanced Biotechnology Certificate, etc. that you can enroll for at MATC. Students mostly go for courses like Electrical Engineering Technician, Nursing Assistant, Business Support Services, and Welding.

Fees: The course fees (excluding boarding) ranges anywhere between $9,350 and $19,280 per annum for the regular courses and around $4,000 to $9,000 for the certifications.

Aid: Students can apply for financial aid of up to $4,600

Campus Life: The MATC is one of those Commuter colleges that don’t have a large campus. If you’re looking at joining a facility with a fancy campus, then try elsewhere. But MATC is known for providing advanced education and technical preparation for students of Kansas and other states.

Although MATC doesn’t boast a huge campus, there are some nearby places to chill out after classes. You must try visiting Tubby’s sports bar and the Throwback tavern while you’re there.

90% of students graduating from MATC get employed in good jobs that pay around $25,000 per annum and can even go up to $37,000.  

Learn about the application process here

 

#9 North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKT)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Beloit, Kansas

Student-Faculty ratio: 10:1

Courses: NCKT has 24 majors and the most popular ones are Nursing Assistant, Health Aids, Construction and heavy equipment operation, Carpentry, LPN, and Agricultural Mechanics. You can view their whole course catalog here.

Fees: The total cost of attending NCKT ranges between $13,722 and $20,232 due to the machines that are being used for training the students.

Aid: Financial aid is available up to $4,300 per annum

Campus Life: NCKT has a lovely campus and students enjoy a variety of on-campus activities like indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, and a wellness center. There’s also a game room with a television and fun games like ping pong, foosball, and pool.  

There are a couple of off-campus hangout spots for students, like the Down Under, and Nick & Nino’s Pub, which you must visit.

NCKT has a high placement rate of 90% and the students enrolled in some specific programs get hands-on training through campus internships. The graduates can earn up to $36,800 per annum from the job markets.

Check out their admission process here.   

 

#10 Ohio State University Agricultural Institute (OUAI)

10 Best Community Colleges In The US For 2017-2018

Location: Wooster, Ohio

Student-Faculty ratio: 18:1

Courses: Students seeking a future in the many areas of agriculture should apply at OUAI. You get to choose from 20 different courses and the most sought after ones are Animal Sciences & Husbandry, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Mechanics, and Crop Production.

Fees: The courses are little expensive for out of state students and the fee ranges between $7,500 and $16,000 for in-state students and $10,000 to $26,000 for out-of-state students.

Aid: Financial aid is available up to $4,100 per annum

Campus Life: The college is a residential campus and is located in a beautiful suburban setting of Wooster. The campus houses a student’s recreational center that has a gymnasium, swimming pool, and a game room.

There are many student clubs like a dairy club, agronomy club, greenhouse club, etc., which the freshers can join for socializing and improving their technical skills. The campus has an in-house cafe, Cafe Carmen, that’s known for its wraps and pizzas.

OUAI students have a low graduation rate of only 27% but 93% of the graduates have guaranteed employment opportunities that pay as high as $47,000 per annum a few years after graduation.

The school has an open enrollment policy for the graduates from Ohio high schools.

Check out the available courses and apply here

Finally, before choosing a college, inquire about their scholarship programs and loan facilities to see if you are eligible.

So, which of these colleges would you want to join? Please let us know in the comments how we can help you more

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