12 of the Best and Worst Community Colleges in the U.S., According to a New Report

Student debt is no joke! Some people spend decades paying it off. Starting your degree at a community college and then transferring to a university is a very smart way to save money. 

Higher education in the U.S. can cost a small fortune. However, some community colleges offer quality undergraduate classes, flexible schedules, small class sizes, and challenging coursework. Some even offer four-year degrees now.

Which of the 653 community colleges do you think comes out on top? Maybe it’s got the lowest tuition, the highest graduation rates, or the best student-faculty ratio.

The guesswork ends here—check out the latest rankings (using data from WalletHub) to see which community colleges made the grade!

Best: Manhattan Area Technical College, Kansas

With over 650 community colleges nationwide, Manhattan Area Technical College stands out for launching students into high-earning careers! It boasts the lowest student loan default rate, the fifth-highest graduation rate, and an impressive third-best retention rate. With a 100% acceptance rate, students can dive into hands-on programs like nursing assistant, welding, and carpentry.

The college doesn’t just prepare students academically—it actively supports them in landing jobs. Over 77% of its grads earn more than peers with only a high school diploma, with a median salary topping $50,000, ranking fifth among similar schools.

Best: State Technical College of Missouri 

State Tech Eagles are known for their bold, can-do spirit, helping them soar to success in their fields! Ranked the second-best community college in the country, State Technical College of Missouri has an impressive 79% graduation rate—the highest nationwide. Students also benefit from an average of $9,223 in grants and scholarships, which might be why 88% stay on from year one to year two.

If you’re worried about job prospects, State Tech has you covered with credit for life experiences and job placement services so students can graduate faster and find jobs quickly.

Best: Pratt Community College, Kansas

At Pratt Community College, the small class sizes make a big difference! With over 97% of professors working full-time, the second-highest rate in the country, you get easy access to instructors who know you by name and are always available to help. The hands-on learning experience here is top-notch, with 24/7 access to equipment like the Digital Arts and Animation studio.

Scholarships and grants here average over $6,700, making college more affordable. Pratt grads have a bright future, too, with one of the lowest loan default rates and a median income of $47,720.

Best: Santa Fe Community College, New Mexico

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) is no stranger to recognition, consistently ranked among the best. The college stays focused on student success, both on campus and in the future. The school even helped bring higher education to the Santa Fe area since most residents had to travel to Albuquerque or Las Vegas for college prior to SFCC’s opening.

Since 1983, it has offered affordable, top-quality programs that serve a diverse community. Serving over 13,000 students annually in credit, noncredit, and adult programs, it’s a great place to grow. I even heard the campus food is worth checking out!

Best: Southeast New Mexico College

Southeast New Mexico College started in 1950 as Carlsbad Instructional Center, New Mexico’s first two-year college. It became part of New Mexico State University in 1960 and finally became independent in 2021—making it the oldest and newest community college in the state!

SENMC offers certificate programs in areas like liberal arts, business, and phlebotomy, providing students with the skills needed for jobs right after graduation. With the highest per-pupil spending and a 100% acceptance rate, the college helps students start strong.

Best: Irvine Valley College, California

Irvine Valley College is ranked number one in university transfers among California community colleges. It’s one of the best options for students who want to start their education at a community college and later transfer to a university. The campus offers excellent facilities and professors who are dedicated to student success.

IVC offers an affordable education with reasonable tuition fees, allowing students to complete general education and lower-division courses at half the cost of a four-year university. Students also enjoy access to a library, computer center, tutoring, housing assistance, and a health center.

Worst: Little Big Horn College, Montana 

Ranked 653 out of 653, Little Big Horn College may not be at the top, but it serves a unique and important role. As a public two-year college chartered by the Crow Tribe of Indians, it focuses on courses that directly connect to job opportunities and economic growth in the Crow Indian Reservation and nearby communities.

Most students at Little Big Horn College are members of the Crow Tribe. This gives the college a strong, community-based focus, even though it may not be as popular as other schools.

Worst: Tohono O’odham Community College, Arizona

Tohono O’odham Community College offers the lowest in-state tuition, but its retention rate is below average, with only 47% of freshmen returning for their second year. In 2022, just 3% of students graduated on time, while 14% completed within 150% of the normal time.

Located in Arizona, the college has a small student body, with 96.3% of students identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native. Though the college faces challenges, it remains an important resource for its community.

Worst: Chief Dull Knife College, Montana

Renamed in 2001 to honor the legacy of Dull Knife, a respected Northern Cheyenne leader, Chief Dull Knife College has high per-pupil spending, similar to Southeast New Mexico College. However, only 11% of students graduate on time.

Originally focused on training students for mining jobs near the reservation, the college has since expanded its offerings. It now provides various associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer agreements with Montana University, which supports students’ transition to four-year institutions.

Worst: Mississippi Delta Community College

Mississippi Delta Community College serves around 2,000 students with an 18-to-1 student-faculty ratio. However, its graduation rate is about 34%, and the retention rate is only 57%, placing it behind many other colleges.

Some students feel the campus lacks extracurricular activities like clubs and events. On the bright side, the college offers students financial aid, career support, counseling, and on-campus housing.

Worst: Coahoma Community College, Mississippi 

As a historically Black college, Coahoma remains committed to educating Black Americans. The college offers Associate Degrees and Certificates and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Students can get involved in campus organizations, athletics, and work-study programs to enhance their college experience.

But why is it ranked among the lowest? Coahoma Community College faces challenges in career outcomes, with a 39% graduation rate and alumni starting salaries around $16,400, both below the national average.

Worst: Essex County College, New Jersey

Essex County College is located in Newark, New Jersey, right in the heart of University Heights. The urban campus covers three city blocks and offers high-tech classrooms and state-of-the-art labs.

However, if you’re thinking about attending, be aware that both in-district and out-of-district tuition and fees are higher than the national average. The student-faculty ratio is 21-to-1, with a 51% retention rate and just 11% of students graduating on time.

Source: WalletHub

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