The community college is the best-kept secret of studying in the United States. It lets you complete your first two years of higher education for a fraction of the price of a university, then transfer to finish a bachelor's. For many Algerian students, it is the most realistic way into the US.
What is a community college?
It is a public higher education institution that offers:
- 2-year associate degrees (equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's);
- short vocational programs;
- often, English courses (ESL) for international students.
Classes are smaller than at a university, and teachers focus on teaching rather than research.
How much does it cost?
Tuition starts at around $8,000 a year for an international student. A university often costs two to four times more: see the cost of studying in the USA.
Add housing (often a homestay or shared flat, since many community colleges have no dorms), health insurance and living costs.
The 2+2 route: community college, then university
- 2 years at a community college: you earn an associate degree.
- Transfer into the third year at a partner university.
- 2 years at the university: you earn the same bachelor's as students who entered directly.
Many states have transfer agreements between their community colleges and public universities. From the first year, check that your credits will be accepted by your target university.
Admission requirements
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- A secondary school level: depending on the program, the bac is not always required to start, especially in intensive English.
- A bank statement covering the yearly budget on the I-20.
- An English score, or a start in the college's English program.
The F-1 visa for a community college
The process is the same as for a university: I-20, $350 SEVIS fee, DS-160, $185 fee and an interview at the embassy in Algiers. Be ready to explain why a community college: cost, the planned transfer and your target university are excellent answers.
Everything is detailed in our F-1 visa guide and the interview questions.
Who is it ideal for?
- School leavers on a limited budget.
- Students whose English is still average.
- Those who want to try the US before investing in a university.
We guide students to community colleges, from $8,000 a year in tuition. See Study in the USA and our packages from 98,000 DZD.
