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Admission to Community College

Community colleges operate an “open door” admissions policy. This means anyone who wishes to enroll and meets the minimum entry requirements can do so.

Each institution will have its own set of admission requirements, but the minimum usually includes the following:

·         completed application form

·         proof of secondary school completion (usually 12 years of schooling)

·         certification of English language proficiency (usually a score from the Test of Englis as a Foreign Language [TOEFL]

·         evidence of financial support (required for the I-20 form)

The TOEFL requirement is often lower for a community college than it is for a four-year institution. In addition, if your TOEFL score is a little below the entry requirement, the community college may still admit you into English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Successful completion of all the prescribed ESL courses will open the door to wider academic world of the community college.

As with four-year colleges, students should contact the admissions office of a two-year college to request international admissions information. Many community colleges now have Web sites with downloadable or on-line applications.

Costs

For many international students, a major attraction of community colleges is their low cost.

Tuition and fees at colleges do vary based on the program of study and whether the college is public or private. Nevertheless, the cost of attending a two-year institution is usually lower than that of a four-year college in the same geographic area. This is the case even for international students attending public community colleges where all out-of-state students must pay a higher rate than state residents. The economic advantage of two year colleges is difficult to ignore.

Financial Aid

In general, it will be a challenge for international students to secure financial aid at state-supported community colleges. Though you should check with the colleges about any scholarships they offer that are open to international students, almost all of the funds available to students will come from the federal government or local government, and are set aside specifically for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. There is a slightly better chance of acquiring financial assistance at private colleges. Other private institutions such as foundations, corporations, or associations may also have funds for grants and scholarships.

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