Average Cost of Community College

Report Highlights. The average cost of community college attendance is $8,220 total or $2,055 per semester.

  • Tuition alone for in-district community college attendance averages $4,110
  • For out-of-state students, the average community college tuition is $9,690.
  • The average annual cost to attend any 2-year institution is $13,080
  • Private 2-year institutions charge an average of $18,110; in-state tuition at a public 4-year institution averages $11,000.
  • The annual tuition at a private 2-year institution can be as high as $30,500.

Related reports include the Average Cost of College | Student Loan Debt Statistics | How Do People Pay for College? | Student Loan Refinancing

U.S. Map: Average In-State Community College Tuition

Jump to a state: AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY

Line Graph: Historical Average Cost of Community College from $1.2K ($0.3K tuition) in 1971 to $12K ($3.9K tuition) in 2021

Average Cost of Community College

The cost of attending the average community college has remained relatively stable over the past 20 years when compared with four-year institutions. The total cost of attendance may vary according to the type of institution and student status. 

  • $4,110 is the total annual cost of tuition and fees for the average full-time, in-district student to attend a community college.
  • On-campus living typically increases annual expenses by $8,800 per academic year at public institutions.
  • At private institutions, on-campus living may cost an additional $11,780. 
  • Students who pay rent off-campus typically spend an extra $11,100 per year.
  • $2,055 is the average cost of tuition for one semester at a community college.
  • In 20 years, the cost of tuition at the average community college has risen 36%, compared with a 62% rise among public universities.
  • 12.8% of all community college revenue comes from tuition.
  • $12,820 is the median annual cost of attendance at a public 2-year institution.
  • 17 states offer a tuition-free community college education, including Delaware, California, Maryland, New York, and Montana.
Community College Tuition by State, from Highest to Lowest In-State Tuition
State In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition

South Dakota

$8,600

$8,480

New Hampshire

$8,360

$18,010

Vermont

$8,120

$16,010

New York

$6,540

$10,420

Minnesota

$6,510

$7,060

Massachusetts

$6,490

$12,540

Pennsylvania

$6,390

$15,030

Iowa

$6,350

$8,030

North Dakota

$6,140

$7,260

Virginia

$6,140

$14,150

Oregon

$6,030

$10,220

Alabama

$5,920

$11,830

South Carolina

$5,830

$12,100

New Jersey

$5,770

$9,550

Rhode Island

$5,640

$15,120

Indiana

$5,440

$10,480

Alaska

$5,370

$5,370

Washington

$5,360

$8,430

Wisconsin

$5,320

$7,690

Connecticut

$5,310

$15,820

Kentucky

$5,300

$17,910

West Virginia

$5,250

$11,480

Ohio

$5,180

$9,260

Maryland

$5,130

$12,470

Tennessee

$5,120

$19,970

Louisiana

$4,950

$7,950

Oklahoma

$4,920

$10,940

Illinois

$4,910

$13,110

Utah

$4,680

$14,920

Wyoming

$4,680

$11,530

Montana

$4,670

$10,610

Delaware

$4,580

$11,440

Maine

$4,530

$7,920

Michigan

$4,410

$9,050

Missouri

$4,310

$7,960

Kansas

$4,280

$5,670

Mississippi

$4,100

$6,830

Arkansas

$4,090

$5,690

Colorado

$4,070

$10,430

Idaho

$3,910

$9,670

Nevada

$3,810

$12,200

Hawaii

$3,790

$9,830

Nebraska

$3,730

$4,640

Georgia

$3,720

$10,020

Texas

$3,320

$9,110

Florida

$2,940

$10,690

North Carolina

$2,900

$9,990

Arizona

$2,540

$8,130

New Mexico

$2,070

$7,320

California

$1,510

$9,970

Line Graph: Historical Cost of Cost of College Tuition & Fees in 2022 Dollars (pubic 4-year, private 4-year, public 2-year, and private 2-year from 1971-72 to 2021-22)

Average Cost Community College by State

Education costs vary from state to state. In the state with the highest cost of attendance, tuition is significantly more expensive than it is in the state with the lowest attendance costs. Further, in some states, the cost of attending an average community college is about the same as that of attending a 4-year institution. In other states, there may be a $10,000+ difference in annual costs.

  • There is a 470% difference in cost between the states with the most- and the least-expensive community college system.
  • South Dakota community college students pay the most for their education.
  • California is the least expensive place to get a community college education.
  • Tennessee charges the highest tuition to out-of-state community college students.
  • Nebraska charges the least to out-of-state community college students.
  • The total cost of attendance will include the price of tuition and will depend on multiple variables, including students’ living arrangements.

Alabama Community College Costs

Community colleges in Alabama have higher-than-average tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. 

  • $5,920 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Alabama. 
  • $17,180 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $11,830 is the out-of-state tuition cost.
  • For 4-year public institutions, the annual cost of in-state attendance is $12,460.

Alaska Community College Costs

Alaska’s in-state community college tuition is a little more expensive than average, but for out-of-state students, it’s less expensive. 

  • $5,370 is the in-state cost of tuition for Alaskan community colleges.
  • $23,630 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $5,370 is the out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,390.

Arizona Community College Costs

Arizona has the third-most affordable community college system, charging over a thousand dollars less than the national average. 

  • $2,540 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Arizona.
  • $18,960 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $8,310 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $13,390.

Arkansas Community College Costs

Arkansas’ in-state tuition is slightly below the national average, but its out-of-state tuition is almost half of the national average. 

  • $4,090 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Arkansas.
  • $16,920 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $5,690 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,940. 
  • The Arkansas Future Grant is a state-sponsored program to provide free in-state tuition.

California Community College Costs

California has the least expensive community college system in the nation. Tuition at a Californian community college is less than half of the national average. 

  • $1,510 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in California.
  • $16,670 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $9,970 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,860. 
  • In-state tuition in California is 36.7% of the average cost of community college attendance.
  • California Promise is California’s tuition-free education program.

Colorado Community College Costs

Colorado is slightly less expensive for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the average cost far exceeds the national average. 

  • $4,070 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Colorado.
  • $21,450 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $10,430 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,880. 
  • Otero Junior College in Colorado is a private, non-profit 2-year institution with an in-state tuition of $5,450.

Connecticut Community College Costs

Connecticut is slightly more expensive than average for in-state students. Out-of-state students, however, pay over 50% more per year than the national average.

  • $5,310 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Connecticut.
  • $15,820 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $17,000.

Delaware Community College Costs

Community colleges in Delaware have higher-than-average tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. 

  • $4,580 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Delaware.
  • $11,440 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $13,310. 
  • Delaware’s SEED program offers tuition-free community college.

Florida Community College Costs

Florida is less expensive for in-state students but more expensive for out-of-state students. It’s one of the few states where the cost of community college is more than half of the cost of a 4-year institution. 

  • $2,940 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Florida.
  • $22,770 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $10,690 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $5,330.

Georgia Community College Costs

Georgia has one of the less expensive community college systems for in-state students. It is slightly more expensive than average for out-of-state students. 

  • $3,720 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Georgia.
  • $16,870 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $10,020 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,830.

Hawaii Community College Costs

Hawaii’s average community college tuition is slightly below the national average for in-state and just about the national average for out-of-state tuition. 

  • $3,790 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Hawaii.
  • $9,830 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $11,970. 
  • The Hawaii Promise Scholarship provides free in-state community college tuition.

Idaho Community College Costs

Idaho’s community college system is slightly less expensive for in-state students and just about the national average for out-of-state tuition. 

  • $3,910 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Idaho.
  • $17,650 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $9,670 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,780.

Illinois Community College Costs

It is a little more expensive than average to attend a community college in Illinois. It is much more expensive for out-of-state students to attend. 

  • $4,910 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Illinois.
  • $13,110 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $17,110.

Indiana Community College Costs

Indiana’s community colleges are more expensive than the national average for in-state students, though out-of-state students pay tuition just above the national average. 

  • $5,440 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Indiana.
  • $10,480 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $11,330.
  • Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program offers tuition-free community college.

Iowa Community College Costs

Though Iowa has one of the less expensive public university systems, the state’s community colleges are among the most expensive in the nation for in-state students. For out-of-state students, however, tuition is lower than the national average. 

  • $6,350 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Iowa.
  • $20,070 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $8,030 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $11,000.

Kansas Community College Costs

Kansas’ in-state tuition for community college students is just above the national average, while tuition for out-of-state students is nearly half of the national average. 

  • $4,280 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Kansas.
  • $16,640 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $5,670 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,660.

Kentucky Community College Costs

Kentucky is the third-most expensive community college system for out-of-state students. It is also more expensive than average for in-state students. 

  • $5,300 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Kentucky.
  • $17,910 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,880. 
  • Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program is the state sponsored tuition-free community college program.

Louisiana Community College Costs

While in-state students pay a higher-than-average tuition to attend Louisiana community colleges, out-of-state students pay less than the national average in tuition. 

  • $4,950 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Louisiana.
  • $23,320 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $7,950 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $11,320.

Maine Community College Costs

The cost of community college in Maine is a little above the national average. Out-of-state students, however, pay less than average. 

  • $4,530 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Maine.
  • $20,340 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $7,920 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,180.

Maryland Community College Costs

Maryland’s community colleges are more expensive for all students, though tuition for its 4-year institutions is nearly the national mean. 

  • $5,130 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Maryland.
  • $21,900 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $12,470 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $11,030. 
  • Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

Massachusetts Community College Costs

Massachusetts is one of the more expensive states to attain an education, whether it is at a community college or a 4-year public institution. 

  • $6,490 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Massachusetts.
  • $12,540 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $16,360.

Michigan Community College Costs

Out-of-state students enjoy lower-than-average tuition in Michigan, whereas in-state tuition is on par with the national average. 

  • $4,410 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Michigan.
  • $18,380 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $9,050 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $16,100.

Minnesota Community College Costs

Minnesota’s institutions are more expensive for in-state students. It is less expensive, however, for out-of-state students. 

  • $6,510 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Minnesota.
  • $20,230 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $7,060 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $13,890. 
  • MnSCU Two-Year Occupational Grant Pilot Program is Minnesota’s tuition-free community college program.

Mississippi Community College Costs

Out-of-state tuition in Mississippi is the fifth-lowest in the nation. In-state tuition in Mississippi is on par with the national average. 

  • $4,100 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Mississippi.
  • $12,950 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $6,830 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,140.

Missouri Community College Costs

The cost of education in Missouri is generally average or lower-than-average, with in-state tuition costing just $100 more per year than at the average community college nationwide. 

  • $4,310 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Missouri.
  • $16,750 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $7,960 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,930. 
  • The Missouri A+ Scholarship offers tuition-free community college.

Montana Community College Costs

Community colleges in Montana cost about the same as the average U.S. community college despite the significantly lower costs among its 4-year institutions. 

  • $4,670 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Montana.
  • $17,170 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $10,610 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,210. 
  • The Montana Promise Act is for students who attend two-year community or tribal colleges.

Nebraska Community College Costs

Nebraska has the most affordable community college system in the nation for out-of-state students, with in-state tuition just below the national average. 

  • $3,730 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Nebraska.
  • $16,840 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $4,640 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,280.

Nevada Community College Costs

In-state students pay slightly lower-than-average tuition, but out-of-state students pay much higher costs to attend Nevada schools. 

  • $3,810 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Nevada.
  • $12,200 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,550. 
  • Nevada Promise Scholarship offers free community college to awardees.

New Hampshire Community College Costs

New Hampshire has the second most expensive community college system in the United States. It is one of three states where the average community college tuition exceeds $8,000. New Hampshire also has the second-most expensive out-of-state community college tuition. 

  • $8,360 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New Hampshire.
  • $26,970 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $18,010 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $19,660.

New Jersey Community College Costs

New Jersey’s tuition costs are significantly higher for in-state students but on par with the national average for out-of-state students. 

  • $5,770 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New Jersey.
  • $9,550 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $16,650.

New Mexico Community College Costs

New Mexico is the second-least expensive place for an in-state student to attend community college. Out-of-state students also have lower than average tuition costs. 

  • $2,070 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New Mexico.
  • $16,080 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $7,320 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,680.

New York Community College Costs

New York community colleges are more expensive than the national average despite the state’s relatively low-cost public universities. 

  • $6,540 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in New York.
  • $23,210 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $10,420 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,880. 
  • New York’s Excelsior Scholarship is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

North Carolina Community College Costs

North Carolina has one of the least expensive community college students for in-state attendees. Out-of-state tuition costs slightly more than the national average. 

  • $2,900 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in North Carolina.
  • $9,990 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,520.

North Dakota Community College Costs

North Dakota’s community colleges cost more for in-state students to attend than the national average despite its lower-cost public universities. 

  • $6,140 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in North Dakota.
  • $20,100 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $7,260 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,640.

Ohio Community College Costs

Ohio community colleges’ in-state students pay more on average, but out-of-state students enjoy lower-than-average tuition. 

  • $5,180 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Ohio.
  • $20,580 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $9,260 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $11,790.

Oklahoma Community College Costs

Oklahoma’s community colleges are a little more expensive for in-state and out-of-state attendees. 

  • $4,920 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Oklahoma.
  • $18,280 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $10,940 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,460. 
  • Oklahoma’s Promise is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

Oregon Community College Costs

Oregon’s community college system is one of the more expensive, though its out-of-state tuition is closer to the national average than in-state costs. 

  • $6,030 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Oregon.
  • $20,150 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $10,220 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $13,540. 
  • The Oregon Promise Grant provides awardees with tuition-free community college.

Pennsylvania Community College Costs

Pennsylvania has one of the most expensive community college systems along with some of the most expensive public universities. 

  • $6,390 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Pennsylvania.
  • $21,680 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $15,030 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $17,060.

Rhode Island Community College Costs

Rhode Island is one of the more expensive places to seek postsecondary education. Community colleges charge in-state students more and out-of-state students 56% more than the average out-of-state community college tuition.

  • $5,640 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Rhode Island.
  • $15,120 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $16,080. 
  • Rhode Island Promise is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

South Carolina Community College Costs

South Carolina’s community college system is more expensive than average for all students but not as comparatively expensive as the state’s public universities. 

  • $5,830 is the average in-state tuition to attend community college in South Carolina.
  • $18,000 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $12,100 is the average out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $14,720.
  • $7,560 is the in-state cost to attend one of the University of South Carolina’s Two-Year Regional Campuses.
  • The out-of-state cost is $18,240. 
  • $4,840 is the in-state cost to attend a South Carolina technical college.
  • The out-of-state cost is $8,940.

South Dakota Community College Costs

South Dakota has the most expensive community college system in the country. It is one of only three (3) states with community college tuition averaging more than $8,000. 

  • $8,600 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in South Dakota.
  • $24,400 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $8,480 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,580.

Tennessee Community College Costs

Tennessee community colleges charge the highest average out-of-state tuition. It’s one of only two states in which out-of-state tuition exceeds $18,000. 

  • $5,120 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Tennessee.
  • $19,970 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,060. 
  • Tennessee Promise is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

Texas Community College Costs

Texas has one of the more affordable community college systems. It is the sixth-least expensive for in-state students, and out-of-state students pay just under the national average. 

  • $3,320 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Texas.
  • $17,640 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $9,110 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,410.

Utah Community College Costs

Utah’s in-state tuition is higher than the national average, but out-of-state students pay significantly more than the national average. Meanwhile, Utah’s public universities are some of the nation’s most affordable. 

  • $4,680 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Utah.
  • $14,920 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $7,940.

Vermont Community College Costs

Vermont has the third-most expensive community college system. It’s one of only three (3) states where in-state community college tuition exceeds $8,000. 

  • $8,120 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Vermont.
  • $16,010 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $20,650.

Virginia Community College Costs

Virginia has some of the most expensive community colleges in the nation for both in-state and out-of-state students, charging an average of nearly 50% more for tuition. 

  • $6,140 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Virginia.
  • $22,880 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $14,150 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $16,350.

Washington Community College Costs

Washington community colleges charge higher-than-average tuition for in-state attendance, but out-of-state students pay less than the national average. 

  • $5,360 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Washington.
  • $20,140 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $8,430 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $8,790. 
  • Washington College Bound is the state’s tuition-free community college program.

West Virginia Community College Costs

West Virginia’s average community college tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is higher than the national average. 

  • $5,250 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in West Virginia.
  • $19,750 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $11,480 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $9,690.

Wisconsin Community College Costs

In-state tuition for Wisconsin’s community colleges is significantly higher than the national average. Out-of-state tuition is much less expensive, however. 

  • $5,320 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Wisconsin.
  • $20,400 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $7,690 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $10,310.

Wyoming Community College Costs

Wyoming has a community college system that charges a little more on average. The state’s public universities, meanwhile, are the second most affordable in the nation. 

  • $4,680 is the cost of in-state tuition for the average community college in Wyoming.
  • $16,300 is the total cost to live on-campus.
  • $11,530 is out-of-state tuition.
  • For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $5,620.

US Map: States with Tuition-Free Community College Programs: Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Washington

Student Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to students via government programs, institutional programs, and private organizations.

  • 56% of community college students receive some form of financial aid.
  • 25% receive student aid from their state government.
  • 6% receive aid directly from their community college.
  • 17% of federal work-study aid goes to community college students.

Scholarships

Scholarships and grants are essentially free money. Some scholarships cover the entire cost of the awardee’s education.

  • 44% of community college students receive federal grants.
  • 30% of Pell Grants go to community college students.
  • 17 states offer scholarships or programs for tuition-free community college.

Student Loans

For the most part, only federal student loan data are available. Unlike students at 4-year institutions, a majority of community college students do not use student loans to pay for school.

  • 15% of community college students receive federal loans.
  • 10% of subsidized federal loans go to community college students.
  • 4% of unsubsidized federal loans go to community colleges.
  • $5,530 is the average amount borrowed per student at public institutions.
  • 63% of community college graduates leave school with no debt.
  • Among those who attended public institutions, 72% graduated without debt.
  • 80% of community college students attend public institutions.

Sources

  1. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Digest of Higher Education Statistics
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Inflation Calculator
  3. Forbes, These States Offer Tuition-Free Community College
  4. Iḷisaġvik College, Cost of Attendance
  5. Delaware Tech and Community College, Tuition and Fees
  6. South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, Tuition and Fees Report, Fall 2022
  7. Otero Junior College, Tuition and Fees 
  8. American Association of Community Colleges, Fast Facts