Choosing where to pursue higher education is a pivotal decision, one that shapes not only your academic journey but also your future career and personal growth. Among the myriad options, Texas stands out as a compelling destination for students seeking a community college degree with a vibrant and enriching educational experience.
Here, we shall explore the Best Community Colleges in Texas; location, cost of enrollment as well as other additional information relatable to the main subject of the day.
An associate degree can open up more job opportunities and lead the way to higher pay. For many students, enrolling in a community college is a wise financial decision. It offers a reasonably priced, adaptable, and easily accessible route for postsecondary education, professional training, or perpetual learning.
Community college can be a great place to explore different academic interests before committing to a major at a four-year university. The wide range of courses allows you to discover your strengths and passions.
For a place like Texas, there are over 50 public community colleges and these colleges offer a variety of associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs. They are a great option for students who want an affordable and flexible education.
Best Community Colleges in Texas
1. Laredo College
Laredo College is notable for its curriculum selections and affordability, and it is situated close to the Rio Grande and the Mexican border. The price for students enrolled in the district is only $50 per credit. There are more than 80 programs available to select from, including those in tech, business, allied health, and vocational disciplines.
Attend lectures in a hybrid, online, or live setting. To earn a four-year degree, many courses transfer. Other options for paying for college are government grants and scholarships.
2. Lee College
- In-state-$3,012
- Out-of-state-$3,552
It is among Texas’s most reasonably priced community institutions. The cost of in-district tuition at Lee College is about $59 per credit.
Lee College, which is situated in Baytown on the coastal plains of Texas, has more than 100 programs. The college, which also provides online courses, has about 8,000 students enrolled. You have access to a math lab, writing center, and tutoring center, among other facilities.
Almost 6,000 degrees were awarded to students in 2021, with an associate of applied science being the most common degree.
3. El Paso Community College
- In-state- $2,784
- Out-of-state- $4,824
El Paso Community College (EPCC) offers more than 130 programs at a reasonably priced tuition cost. Five campuses of the public institution are located in El Paso County. Tutoring, a counseling center, and career and transfer help are all beneficial to learners.
Do you wish to move on to a four-year university? There are several options to earn an AS or AA degree at EPCC. To strengthen your résumé, you may also select from more than 350 continuing education courses.
- Number of Students Enrolled- 26,034
4. Galveston College
- In-state-$2,010
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Out-of-state-$4,260
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Students Enrolled-2,060
Among the top community schools in Texas, Galveston College is situated on Galveston Island in the Gulf of Mexico. The public university provides learner-focused programs, and it has a modest student body of about 2,000.
Select from more than 50 programs available in several career paths. You can major in computer science, math, drama, or psychology. Alternatively be ready for a future in allied health by earning a degree in nursing, radiation therapy, or diagnostic medical sonography.
5. San Jacinto Community College
San Jacinto College (SJC) provides 34 online workforce certifications and 26 online associate degrees from its main campus in Pasadena. Alternatively, you might go to class on one of the five campuses of the college.
With about 31,000 students, SJC is one of the biggest community colleges in Texas. In addition, it has reasonable tuition costs, and Greater Houston residents can take advantage of a sizable in-district discount. As an in-district student, you will only pay $83 for each credit.
- In-state-$3,240
- Out-of-state-$5,040
- Students Enrolled-31,110
6. Alvin Community College
Alvin Community College (ACC) serves a district spanning more than 400 square miles in the Gulf Coast area and enrolls more than 5,000 students annually. The institution assists in the preparation of allied health professionals, nurses, and tech workers who operate in the region.
There are several job options available to you, such as those in business, education, public health, education, and the liberal arts. Additionally, ACC provides programs with an emphasis on hospitality, logistics, and manufacturing. Online, in-person, or hybrid learning formats are available for you to choose from.
- In-state-$2,256
- Out-of-state-$3,432
- Students Enrolled-5,737
7. College of the Mainland
College of the Mainland (COM) is one of the most affordable community colleges in Texas. It also reports high graduate starting salaries: Grads with technical degrees report starting salaries of over $73,500. That makes COM one of the best options if you’re seeking a technical degree.
The community college’s workforce programs prepare grads for the workforce. The school also offers university preparation programs which lead to transfer degrees. Or you can earn a degree in business, management, or criminal justice online.
- In-state-$2,550
- Out-of-state-$3,450
- Students Enrolled-4,335
8. Texas State Technical College
Texas’s technical institutions produce skills fit for the workforce. There are more than 40 programs available at Texas State Technical College, a public two-year school with ten sites spread out around the state. You receive practical instruction from knowledgeable teachers.
TSTC creates industry-relevant training programs in collaboration with businesses. New technical programs that aren’t available at most other community colleges are emphasized on the campuses. At TSTC, for instance, you can study mechatronics, aviation airframe technology, or precision machining technology.
- In-state-$6,169
- Out-of-state-$10,486
- Students Enrolled-10,654
9. Southwest Texas Junior College
Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC), one of the top community institutions in Texas, serves eleven counties in the southwest region of the state. Accessibility and affordability are top priorities for SWTJC. Its courses get graduates ready for the workforce or for transferring to four-year colleges.
What courses is the junior college offering? Programs in the humanities, business, health sciences, human services, and STEM are available for selection. Studying industrial services or public safety are more options.
- In-state-$3,024
- Out-of-state- $4,848
- Students Enrolled-6,480
10. Brazosport College
Brazosport College (BC) provides a variety of transfer-focused and vocational degrees from its location near Lake Jackson. A student pavilion, a welding facility, and an academic center are all located on the 156-acre campus of Texas Community College. Additional benefits include academic counseling, career coaching, and other student services.
BC works with prominent local industry players to assist recent graduates in becoming ready for the workforce. Additionally, you can use online resources from colleges or sign up for online classes.
Cost of Enrolling in a Community College in Texas
Community colleges in Texas provide an inexpensive path to a degree. The average annual tuition and fee cost for Texas citizens attending two-year universities is less than $3,000. In addition, a lot of Texas community institutions provide significantly cheaper in-district tuition than in-state rates.
Consider community college if you might save thousands of dollars on a bachelor’s degree. To begin your bachelor’s degree journey, complete an associate degree at a community college before transferring to a four-year university.
The in-state and out-of-state tuition costs for Texas community colleges are shown in the chart below.
| Institution Type | Avg. Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 2-Year (In-State) | $2,828 |
| Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) | $7,764 |
Why Study in Texas
Here’s why studying in the Lone Star State can open doors to boundless opportunities:
1. Academic Excellence
Texas boasts a rich academic landscape, with a wide array of prestigious universities, renowned research institutions, and top-tier community colleges. The state offers diverse options to suit every academic interest and career aspiration. The rigorous academic programs, esteemed faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that students receive a world-class education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields.
2. Affordability
Affordability is a major consideration for many students, and Texas excels in this regard. Compared to many other states, Texas offers relatively lower tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. Additionally, the cost of living in Texas is generally lower than in many other parts of the country, making it more budget-friendly for students. With numerous scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs, and work-study options available, studying in Texas can be a financially feasible choice for many.
3. Thriving Economy
Texas boasts one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the United States, driven by diverse industries such as energy, technology, healthcare, and finance. Studying in Texas means being near major hubs of innovation and opportunity. Cities like Austin, often referred to as “Silicon Hills,” are home to thriving tech scenes and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The state’s strong job market and business-friendly environment provide students with ample internship, research, and networking opportunities, paving the way for future career success.
Additional Information About Community Colleges in Texas
1. How many community colleges are in Texas?
More than sixty community colleges, comprising junior and technical schools, are located throughout Texas. Accessible, reasonably priced college degrees are provided by these schools.
Make careful to look at curriculum possibilities, investigate student services, and confirm the community college’s accreditation before enrolling.
2. Are community colleges in Texas of high quality?
Certainly, there are a lot of excellent community institutions in Texas. The state’s community colleges provide degrees that transfer to four-year universities, as well as certifications and career preparation courses.
According to the most recent NCES statistics, Texas community colleges have average tuition rates that are lower than the national average.
3. What is the cheapest community college in Texas?
South Texas College, Lamar State College Orange, and Dallas College are the least expensive community colleges in Texas. Students at South Texas College pay an average net price of about $1,700 annually.
4. Which Texas community college is the best?
Laredo College, El Paso Community College, and San Jacinto College are just a few of the reputable community schools in Texas. Approximately 700,000 students attend community colleges throughout the state.
To choose the finest Texas community college for your needs, take into account aspects including program cost, student services, and college pricing.
Summary
Finally, a variety of educational possibilities, including job training programs and transfer-oriented degrees, are provided by the top community colleges in Texas. With their reasonably priced tuition, helpful services, and routes to both jobs and more study, these schools are dedicated to the academic achievement of their students.
Texas community colleges are a great option for accomplishing your educational and professional objectives, whether you’re looking to obtain skills for the job or transfer to a four-year institution.