FAQ: How Do Community Colleges Work?

Quick answer: A community college is a public institution that offers two-year associate degrees, short-term certificates, workforce training, and transfer pathways to universities.

Community colleges “work” in the same way as any college or university. After an admissions process, students complete rigorous accredited courses and earn credits that lead to a recognized certificate or degree credential.

Community colleges:

• Operate in chunks of time called semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Serve local communities
• Make college more affordable and closer to home
• Focus on hands-on career training
• Offer automatic admission to partnership four-year schools

Quick answer: The main differences are that community colleges are more affordable, often flexible, and focused on two-year degrees, while universities grant bachelor’s and graduate degrees.

Key differences include:

• Cost: Community college courses typically cost far less per credit hour than university courses.
• Admission: Most community colleges have open enrollment—each school is different, but you don’t need a specific GPA, SAT, or ACT scores to apply.
• Programs: Community colleges emphasize certificates, trade programs, and associate degrees, while universities focus on bachelor’s and beyond.
• Student body: Universities often attract full-time, residential students, while community colleges include a broader mix of full-time, part-time, and adult learners.
• Campus life: Universities may have more athletic programs and dormitories. Community colleges may have fewer of these, but they still offer student clubs, events, and leadership opportunities.

Associate degrees usually take two years; certificates can take months to a year. Part-time students pursuing an associate degree may take longer to finish their program.

At a community college, you can earn an associate degree, complete short-term certificates, or take individual courses to develop skills or explore your interests. Many students begin their education at community college and then transfer to a four-year university to save on tuition costs. Others choose to train for in-demand trade professions in various fields, including technology, transportation, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, engineering, and more.

Applying to a community college is simple. Submit an application, along with a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete steps with advisors to place you in courses. Read our comprehensive guide to applying to community colleges.

Yes, unlike many universities, community colleges have open admissions policies. This means that if you have completed the equivalent of a high school diploma or GED, you are welcome to apply. Typically, no SAT or ACT scores are required; however, some placement tests may be part of the admissions process.

Community colleges serve learners of all backgrounds—recent high school graduates, working adults, career changers, and trade program participants. Community college students can be:

• Pursuing their first bachelor’s degree through the affordable community college transfer pathway
• Adults returning to school after time in the workforce
• Parents balancing school with family responsibilities
• Professionals exploring new certifications and careers

Community colleges cost only a fraction of what four-year universities do, saving around a few thousand dollars per year in tuition. Tuition and fees are lower than at universities, and with financial aid or state tuition programs, many community college students pay much less or nothing at all. Costs vary depending on whether you’re in-district, in-state, or out-of-state.

Yes, federal aid, state aid, and scholarships are all available. Students at community colleges can qualify for:

• Pell Grants
• State aid programs
• Federal loans
• Work-study jobs
• Private and foundation scholarships

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing any aid. Read our guide to applying for financial aid at community college.

Quick answer: It depends. Many states now offer free or reduced tuition for community colleges.

In New Mexico, for example, the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship covers tuition for many students at community colleges like San Juan College.

Community colleges offer certificates and associate degrees and, in some states, even select bachelor’s degrees.

Programs often include:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Associate of General Studies (AGS)
• Career-focused certificates in trades, health, business, and technology

Read more about associate degree programs in our comprehensive blog.

Anyone can start on the path to a bachelor’s degree at a community college, but state governments have traditionally only allowed community colleges to confer (offer) degrees at the associate degree level.

While most community colleges continue to focus on associate degrees, certificates, vocational training, and transfer programs, a growing number of states now permit them to provide complete four-year bachelor’s degree programs. 

For students at community colleges that do not offer bachelor’s degree programs, participating in a "2+2 transfer pathway"  allows them to transfer to a four-year institution to finish earning their bachelor's degree.

• Years One and Two: Complete requirements for an associate degree.
• Years Three and Four: Transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree program.

Quick Answer: Associate degrees usually take two years, and certificates can take months to a year.

If you study full-time, you can earn an associate degree in about two years. Many students study part-time while working, which can take longer depending on how many classes they take each semester. However, this still helps them progress toward their goals. You can also complete certificates and short-term training programs in a year or less, allowing you to enter the workforce or change your career quickly.

It’s likely! Exact course schedules and offerings vary by school. Many community colleges provide courses in the evenings or on weekends to fit around work hours.

Yes, it’s possible to go to community college part-time. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that in 2022, 67% of community college students, more than two-thirds, were enrolled less than full-time.

It depends on the institution. Many community colleges offer online coursework, and some also provide fully or partially online certificate or degree programs.

• Online assignments are becoming more common today, improving the flexibility and convenience of taking classes.
• Fully or partially online programs are just as rigorous and accepted professionally as in-person programs.
• Contacting an advisor is a good option for any questions you may have.

Follow-up: What about taking online classes from another state?

Distance education has become increasingly popular; however, many community colleges require that students be residents of the state. It’s important to review the college’s website and reach out to an admissions advisor or counselor. They can help you understand the options available to you, regardless of whether you are a resident of the state where the school is located.

Quick answer: Yes, you can take individual classes at community college without committing to a degree or certificate program.

If you're seeking to enhance your skills or complete a course while exploring your options, enrolling as a "non-degree" student at community colleges and other institutions is a great choice. This type of enrollment allows you to earn credits by taking one class at a time, regardless of whether you pursue a full certificate or degree. The benefits of non-degree enrollment include:

• Easing back into school by taking prerequisite courses for a program you're interested in
• Learning a new subject or skill for professional advancement or personal growth
• Exploring different fields, whether for your first degree or when returning to school

Many community colleges have agreements with certain universities so your credits easily transfer and count toward a bachelor’s degree. This means you’ll complete two years at community college, complete requirements for an associate degree, then transfer into a four-year program to complete the last two years of a bachelor’s degree.

Learn more about transfer agreements in our blog, Advantages of Starting at Community College.

Quick answer: Yes, if you follow transfer pathways and work carefully with your advisor.

Courses taken at community colleges almost always transfer to equivalent credits at other institutions. General education courses, like math, English, and history, are more likely to transfer than specialized courses.

At SJC and other community colleges, automatic transfer agreements are in place to guarantee a smooth transfer credit process and position you for automatic admission to a four-year university after completing an associate degree.

Read our tips on how to plan and execute a seamless and cost-effective transfer from community college.

If you have completed general education courses or taken classes in the area you want to change to, your credits can likely transfer smoothly. Changing your degree or major doesn't disqualify you from transferring credits. However, a new school may decide that some of your courses don’t have equivalents in your new program, especially if they are not similar subjects, even with an automatic transfer admission.

Quick answer: Yes. Community colleges offer many services, including advising, tutoring, career counseling, and more.

Many believe community colleges provide little student support compared to four-year universities, but this is a misconception. They may be more affordable, but you are not left on your own.

For example, at San Juan College, you’ll find:

• Academic and career advising
• Campus events
• Disability services
• Fitness and recreation
• Intramural sports
• Mental health and wellness resources
• On-campus dining and housing
• Student clubs and organizations
• Tutoring and study help
• Volunteer opportunities

Explore student life at SJC.

Quick answer: Most community colleges do not offer on-campus housing, but some, like San Juan College, do.

Community college students often live close to their jobs, with their families, or at home, which is why many community colleges are built without dormitories or housing. However, some do provide on-campus living options. For example, San Juan College offers a complete on-campus experience, including free parking and laundry, meal plans, and various student amenities.

Quick Answer: Pros include affordability, career-focused programs, support for adult and working students, and transfer pathways. Cons may be things like more limited degree options and fewer campus-life activities.

When flexibility and cost matter to you, the benefits of community college can outweigh the drawbacks—especially with the right planning. And although there are some misconceptions that community college is less rigorous than a four-year university, that’s not the case.

Advantages of community college include:

• Affordable tuition and fees
• Potential automatic transfer to four-year universities
• Access to technical and career-focused programs and short-term certifications

Challenges include:

• Some programs are only available at four-year schools
• Extra planning needed for smooth transfer

Yes, community colleges often cater to students who start or return to school while juggling responsibilities such as jobs and families. Part-time enrollment is common; your classmates may also be parents or working students, and resources are often provided specifically for these populations.