| Entry Requirements | Most community colleges are open-enrollment, meaning any student with a high school diploma or equivalent can gain entry. Some specific programs within a campus, however (such as medical programs), may have additional requirements for entry. |
| Cost Comparison | Community colleges average at $3,347 per year for tuition and fees (compare with $9,139 for 4-year, public state colleges) |
| Enrollment | In the fall of 2012, 12.8 million students were enrolled in community colleges. |
| Demographics | The average age of community college student is 28, with approximately half of all students falling between age 22 and 39. More females than males attend community college, and the majority of community college attendees are first-generation college students. |
Associate's Degrees
Associate's degrees take two years to complete, and several types of associate's degrees are offered. Some associate's degree programs are designed to prepare students for careers requiring a 2-year degree, like those in law enforcement or healthcare positions like diagnostic medical imaging or nursing. Other programs prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce, such as those awarding degrees in the fields of accounting, hospitality or the electrical trades. These programs often (but not always) confer an Associate of Applied Science degree upon completion.
Associate's degrees are also appropriate for students who wish to transfer to a 4-year college after graduation. These students are usually able to complete many of their general education requirements at a Community College before spending two or three years earning a bachelor's degree. Some fields that might be offered include computer science, English, mathematics or psychology. These degree programs usually confer an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree.
Diplomas and Certificates
Community colleges also offer non-degree programs that award diplomas and certificates. These can last from a few weeks to several months. They are intended for students who want to learn a particular skill without pursuing educational requirements for a degree. Many community colleges let students use credits earned through these programs to earn an associate's degree.
