Top 10 Community Colleges in USA for International Students 2026

While community colleges focus primarily on serving local residents, many two-year schools also aim to attract international students to their degree programs. If you're new to the U.S., it can be helpful to learn how to find a reputable college to begin your academic career. We created a list of accredited community colleges in the USA for international students who want to earn their first college degree.

Can International Students Go to Community Colleges in the U.S.?

Yes, several American community colleges accept international students. There may be additional admissions requirements, such as the Test of English as a Second Language (TESOL), but many schools are happy to enroll promising students from overseas. All international students must obtain at least an F-1 visa for college admissions.

What To Look for in a Community College as an International Student

International students should first seek the schools that will admit them and accept any college credits they've earned in their home countries. It's equally important to identify community colleges with strong support networks for international students. You should see if the school has an international student union or other professional/fraternal groups for recent immigrants.

Best American Community Colleges for International Students

Here's a list of community colleges certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This section covers degree programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, transfer credit options, tuition costs, and more.

1. Northeast Iowa Community College

Northeast Iowa Community College offers admission to international students if they possess an F-1 visa. You can still apply before receiving an I-20 certificate for an F-1 visa, but the community college assesses a $150 processing fee. This school also uses a third-party service, Education Credit Evaluators (ECE), to evaluate transfer credits for international students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $191.18 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Although international students do not qualify for federal aid, they are welcome to pursue external and institutional grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Alamance Community College

Alamance Community College (ACC) accepts international students with F-1 visas for its spring and fall enrollment if they apply by the school's July 1 or Oct. 1 deadlines. The admissions process includes scoring at least an 88 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

ACC also admits international students into its online courses and degree programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $268 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: International students can qualify for scholarships even without a Social Security number.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Big Bend Community College

Big Bend Community College has several application steps for international students, which you must complete 60 days before classes begin. This includes submitting proof of high school graduation, TOEFL scores, and transfer credits (if applicable). International students must complete at least 12 credit hours per semester with no more than one online course.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,098 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: This community college offers a limited amount of needs-based aid for international students.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

4. Central Community College

Central Community College has extensive information regarding international students on its website. It covers everything from admissions and employment options to returning-home visits and health insurance. This school also works with international students who wish to transfer community college credits into a four-year degree program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,800 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: International students are welcome to pursue part-time employment while attending classes.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State Community College helps students understand the specific steps for applying with an F-1 and M-1 visa. It also has a website section devoted to ''multicultural and international student services.'' This helps international students succeed academically and discover socialization outlets through the school's Student Life and Student Government organizations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,750 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: International students must prove they can meet tuition costs before receiving consideration for financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Delaware County Community College

Delaware County Community College (DCCC) offers a convenient option for international students because it does not require them to take the TOEFL or submit standardized test scores for admission. DCCC also holds transfer credit agreements with 40 other universities, offers small class sizes with about 20 students, and has a full-time Office of International Student Engagement & Belonging.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,940 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: On its website, DCCC mentions ''transfer scholarships'' and guaranteed admissions with select institutions in nearby Philadelphia and New York.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

7. Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College permits international students to enroll, provided they pay a $1,500 down payment once they receive their I-20 visa. They must also maintain a course schedule of at least 12 credit hours, with nine credit hours of in-person courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,600 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: International students can pursue outside scholarships for college funding.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College has a specific six-step process for international student enrollment. This involves completing its application, submitting TOEFL scores, proving academic proficiency in various subjects, and submitting mandatory documentation. The community college also devotes a specific section of campus housing to international students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,598 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: International students should ask the school about internal scholarship opportunities.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) welcomes students from other countries and even hosts an ''International Student Week'' to promote a smooth academic transition. You can also gain in-state residency and lower tuition rates after six months of residency in Kansas.

• Estimated tuition cost: $234.50 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: KCKCC strongly encourages international students to gain state residency to qualify for grants, scholarships, and other financial resources.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Minneapolis Community & Technical College

Minneapolis Community & Technical College is a two-year institution with an international student services section on its website detailing several steps to enroll and pay for tuition. It also provides instructions for maintaining a student visa and obtaining part-time employment while attending classes.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,500 per year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: This community college cannot offer federal financial aid, but international students can inquire about scholarships and student-employment opportunities.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

This is how we ranked the community colleges on this list. The primary criteria are academic accreditation, international student support services, tuition affordability, and student life opportunities for international students.

• Accreditation: Each university must possess academic accreditation to ensure reputable degree programs.
• Support services: This focuses on whether international students have access to scholarships and other support for transitioning into American culture while in college.
• Affordability: We selected affordable community colleges with ways to reduce costs with student employment.
• Student life: Community colleges should have professional development and socialization opportunities for international students.

FAQs About Community Colleges in the U.S. for International Students

These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) for international students seeking community college enrollment. It discusses program costs, student visa concerns, and student-employment options for international students.

How Much Does Community College Cost in the U.S. for International Students?

We selected some of the more affordable options, but the typical cost of community college enrollment ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 per year. The cost of attendance may be higher than average if you choose a community college in an expensive area of the U.S.

Is Studying at a Community College in the U.S. Worth It for International Students?

Yes, this is well worth it. Many future scholars enter this country to earn bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and even doctorates before becoming leading scholars in their disciplines � there are over one million international students in the U.S.

Is It Harder To Get a Visa if You Are Going to a Community College?

There is no stipulation in the F-1 student visa process that scrutinizes the type of college you attend as an international student. As long as you show you have a sincere interest in studying, the prestige of your selected university is irrelevant for visa concerns.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for International Students for Community Colleges?

International students must complete college applications accurately, possess a high school diploma, and provide proof of English language proficiency. You may also need to prove you have enough money to attend college for at least one year.

Can International Students Work While Attending Community College?

Yes, many community colleges and four-year universities permit international students to seek student-employment opportunities to support themselves in college. However, some institutions place a limit of 20 hours of work per week on international students.

Explore Community College Options

Explore other articles on Learn.org to find out more about community college programs in every academic discipline. American community colleges provide numerous opportunities for international students to earn a college degree with financial aid and other student support.