70+ Best Community College Scholarships: Removing Barriers to Advanced Education
The first place you should look for financial assistance for community college scholarships.
It only takes a little effort to locate the many organizations that offer scholarships to international students! Scholarships may be given out by the school of your choice or using another group such as a government, club, or corporation.
Ask your international student advisor or an admissions representative about any scholarship opportunities they may know of that you may be eligible for when you apply for admissions at the school of your choice.
They will be able to point you in the direction of any outside scholarships that they are aware of as well as any that your institution may provide. Once you have located awards via your school, search on a bigger scale.
Look for websites that offer scholarships only to students from abroad. This will reduce the time you have to spend sorting through scholarships for which you qualify.
Our database of international student scholarships is a fantastic place to start.
Once you’ve identified a few scholarships for which you qualify, assemble all the paperwork needed to apply. These could consist of reference letters, transcripts, and essays.
Verify the scholarship deadline and submit your application on time!
Once you have exhausted all scholarship opportunities, you should consider applying for foreign student loans. Since not all lenders deal with schools, you’ll want to locate a tool to help you search and compare lenders quickly, like this loan finder.
Reasons to go to a community college
Students may prefer to attend a community college over a typical four-year institution for a variety of financial, intellectual, and practical reasons.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, two-year institutions have lower average costs than four-year colleges.
Some community colleges may also provide more diverse financial aid options, such as daycare, housing vouchers, and emergency grants. They may also hold classes across numerous campus locations.
Many community college programs cater to adult students and working professionals. The Community College Research Center found that almost two-thirds of community college students work while enrolled, with 46% working full-time.
Community College Scholarships: Removing Barriers to Advanced Education
1. Niche Scholarship with No Essay
2. Be Bold: No-Essay Scholarship
3. The DEWALT Trades Scholarship
4. The Jack Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
5. The Community College Transition Award
6. The Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship
7. The Frederick and Bernice Beretta Memorial Scholarship
8. Redefining the Victory Scholarship
9. The William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship
10. The Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship
11. The Federal Pell Grant Program
12. The Federal Work-Study Program
13. The TEACH Grant Program
14. Iran-Afghan Service Grant Program
15. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
16. City University of New York, NYC.
17. California State University at Long Beach
18. South Texas University in South Texas
19. Brigham Young University in Utah
20. Alcorn State University in Mississippi
21. Morris University in Minnesota
22. Lehman College (New York)
23. Arkansas State University in Arkansas
24. Minot State University in North Dakota.
1. Niche Scholarship with No Essay
Who Can Apply?: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or 13 with parental approval. Rising high school graduates who want to attend college within the next 12 months, as well as current college students, are eligible.
Deadline: October 31, 2024.
Scholarship amount: $2,000.
2. Be Bold: No-Essay Scholarship
Who Can Apply?: This scholarship is for merit-based grants and is offered to high school seniors regardless of GPA, state, education level, or main field of study.
Deadline: January 2, 2024.
Scholarship amount: $25,000
3. The DEWALT Trades Scholarship
Who Can Apply?: Candidates must be rising high school graduates or current college students attending full-time in a two-year college or vocational institution.
Eligible fields of study include industrial, construction, motor/power, mechanical, and technology.
Deadline: January 17, 2024.
Scholarship amount: $5,000.
4. The Jack Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
Who Can Apply?: Applicants must be community college sophomores seeking to transfer to a four-year university the following year, with a minimum 3.5 GPA and unmet financial need, as proven by submitting their adjusted gross income from the previous three years’ tax returns.
Deadline: January 11, 2024
Scholarship Amount: Varies
5. The Community College Transition Award
Who Can Apply?: The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) grants this scholarship to community college students who are transferring to a four-year institution. Candidates must also have a 3.0 GPA and an NSCS membership.
Deadline: May 25, 2024.
Scholarship amount: $1,000.
6. The Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship
Who Can Apply?: Candidates must be high school seniors or recent high school graduates enrolled in a community college or vocational program in an approved field of study, such as engineering, mechanics, advanced manufacturing, or computer and information science.
Deadline: Varies.
Scholarship amount: up to $5,000.
7. The Frederick and Bernice Beretta Memorial Scholarship
Who Can Apply?: Candidates must demonstrate financial need while attending high school or community college. An essay may be required. Eligibility is limited to California residents only.
Deadline: June 17, 2024.
Scholarship amount: $2,500.
8. Redefining the Victory Scholarship
Who Can Apply?: Candidates are considered for eligibility based on their academic performance and community activity.
Applicants may attend a community college or a four-year university and major in their preferred field.
Deadline: April 27, 2024.
Scholarship amount: $2,500.
9. The William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship
Who Can Apply?: Eligible students include high school or community college students engaged in engineering, mechanical, or computer software programs. An application essay is required.
Deadline: March 30, 2024.
Scholarship amount: $2,000.
10. The Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship
Who Can Apply?: Applicants must be high school seniors or current trade school students pursuing a vocational degree such as farming, construction, or electrical. An application essay is required.
Deadline: April 15, 2024.
Scholarship amount: $1,300.
11. The Federal Pell Grant Program
Who Can Apply?: Pell Grants provide the majority of federal financial help to college students who demonstrate a financial need on their FAFSA.
Deadline: June 30, 2024 (FAFSA).
Grant Amount: Varies
12. The Federal Work-Study Program
Who Can Apply?: Students who demonstrate financial need on their FAFSA may be eligible for federal work-study funding, which allows them to earn income at a work-study-approved employment, usually linked to their major.
Deadline: June 30, 2024 (FAFSA).
Grant Amount: Varies
13. The TEACH Grant Program
Who Can Apply?: TEACH scholarships are awarded to students who agree to fulfill a teaching service requirement after graduation.
Candidates must be eligible for federal help and enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-qualifying program. Teachers who do not comply with the terms of the grant must repay it as a loan with interest.
Deadline: June 30, 2024 (FAFSA).
Grant Amount: Up to $4,000 annually
14. Iran-Afghan Service Grant Program
Who Can Apply?: This grant is for kids whose parent or guardian was a member of the United States military who died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11.
Candidates must be ineligible for a Pell Grant based on family income while meeting all other Pell Grant requirements.
They must also be under the age of 24 and enrolled in college when their parent or caregiver dies.
Deadline: June 30, 2024 (FAFSA).
Grant Amount: Varies
15. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
Who Can Apply?: FSEOGs are provided on a first-come, first-served basis by individual universities to students with unmet financial needs after receiving federal financial aid.
Eligible candidates must fill out the FAFSA and attend a school that participates in the FSEOG.
Deadline: June 30, 2024 (FAFSA).
Grant Amount: $100 to $4,000 per year
16. City University of New York, NYC
The City University of New York is one of the cheapest community institutions in the United States for overseas students.
It is a public university located in New York City and one of the largest urban university systems in the United States.
This institution, founded in 1961, provides its students with a diverse selection of degrees and courses from numerous fields.
Average tuition fee: $17,800 [13,14 lakhs INR] per year.
17. California State University at Long Beach
California State University is a public university that features prominently on our ranking of the cheapest community colleges in the United States for overseas students.
It is also ranked #196 in the US News Top Universities. This community college is located in Long Beach, California.
The overall number of undergraduates enrolling in the fall intake of 2019 was around 21,462. It provides many degrees in over sixty different subjects.
Average tuition fee: $8,300 [6,13 lakhs INR] yearly.
18. South Texas University in South Texas
This university is ranked among the top public community colleges in the United States. It is currently found in the Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas.
South Texas University’s main draw is that it offers associate’s degrees in over forty different fields to both domestic and international students.
Average tuition fee: $4,600 [3.39 lakhs INR] per year.
19. Brigham Young University in Utah
This university is one of the cheapest community colleges in the United States for overseas students to attend since it provides courses in over 100 different subjects.
The number of international students was approximately 1000 undergraduates for the fall intake of 2019.
It has been ranked 80th among all national universities. The university serves approximately 31,292 students.
Brigham Young Institution is a private research institution in Utah that operates under the jurisdiction of the Church Educational System.
Average tuition fee: $11,350 [8,38 lakhs INR] yearly.
20. Alcorn State University in Mississippi
Alcorn State University is one of the historically black colleges that serves Black Americans in the rural county of Claiborne.
Many foreign students attend this university since it is one of the cheapest community schools in the United States for overseas students.
The institution was founded in 1871 and presently provides degrees and courses to students in over 40 different subjects.
Average tuition fee: $7,600 [5,61 lakhs INR] yearly.
21. Morris University in Minnesota
The University of Minnesota in Morris is ranked 140th on the US News ranking. This college’s average two-year cost is $24,264 [approximately 18-20 lakh INR].
The overall number of undergraduates enrolled for the fall 2019 semester was approximately 1,500, with approximately 50% of them being international undergraduates, making it one of the most affordable community schools in the United States for international students.
Avg Tuition Fee: $12,600 [9.30 lakhs INR] yearly
22. Lehman College (New York)
Lehman College in New York is a senior college located within the City University of New York in New York City. It is one of the most affordable community colleges in the United States for overseas students, and as a bonus, it also serves senior-year students.
It was founded in 1931 and now offers degrees in over 35 different subjects across the United States.
23. Arkansas State University in Arkansas
Arkansas State University is among the top community institutions in the United States. The university is currently located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. According to US News, this university is ranked somewhere between 298 and 389.
This community college also serves a large number of international students, with approximately 380 students enrolling for the fall semester.
Average tuition fee: $13,000 [9.60 lakhs INR] yearly.
24. Minot State University in North Dakota
Minot State University is one of the most affordable community institutions, offering undergraduate degrees in over 50 different subjects.
This university also accepts overseas students from many corners of the world. It is currently located in Minot, North Dakota, and is the third-largest community college there.
Average tuition fee: $6,800 [5,02 lakhs INR] yearly.
Additional
1. San Bernardino Valley College, San Berndardino, CA
2. American River College, Sacramento, California.
3. Chabot College, Hayward, Calif.
4. Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, California.
5. Feather River Community College District, Quincy, California.
6. Folsom Lake College, Folsom, California.
7. Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
8. City College of San Francisco, California
9. Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, NM
10. Sacramento City College, Sacramento, California.
11. Blue Ridge Community & Technical College in Martinsburg, West Virginia
12. Bristol Community College, Fall River, Massachusetts
13. Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, Massachusetts.
14. Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable, Massachusetts.
15. Massasoit Community College in Brockton, state
16. Middlesex Community College, Bedford, Massachusetts
17. Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, Massachusetts.
18. Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts.
19. North Shore Community College, Danvers, Massachusetts.
20. Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, Massachusetts.
21. Panola College, Carthage, Texas
22. Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, Massachusetts
23. Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, State
24. Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
25. Roxbury Community College is located in Roxbury Crossing, state, while Dine College is located in Tsaile, Arizona.
26. Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, California.
27. Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, Massachusetts.
28. Wharton County Junior College, Wharton, Texas.
29. Trinity Valley Community College, Athens, Texas.
30. Salem State University, Salem, Massachusetts.
31. Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
32. Coffeyville Community College.
33. Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
34. Framingham State University, Framingham, Massachusetts.
35. Worcester State University, Worcester, Massachusetts.
36. Westfield State University, Westfield, Massachusetts.
37. San Juan College, Farmington, New Mexico
38. Amarillo College, Amarillo, Texas.
39. Clarendon College, Clarendon, Texas
40. Clovis Community College, Clovis, New Mexico
41. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Massachusetts.
42. El Camino College-Compton Center, Compton, California.
43. Long Beach City College, Long Beach, California
44. Merced College, Merced, California
45. San Diego Mesa College, San Diego, California.
46. West Valley College, Saratoga, California.
47. Merritt College, Oakland, California
48. Miramar College, San Diego, California.
49. Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, California
More Financial Resources
1. State Educational Agencies
2. US Department of Education
3. Free Federal Student Aid Application
1. State Educational Agencies
Your state education agency may provide extra resources for upcoming high school graduates and college students, such as regional and state-funded scholarships, tuition aid programs, and statewide professional development tools.
2. US Department of Education
Explore the many financial aid opportunities available through the U.S. Department of Education for FAFSA applicants, including the federal work-study program, TEACH grants, and university-funded FSEOGs
3. Free Federal Student Aid Application
The FAFSA examines your family’s income and tax status to evaluate your eligibility for financial aid from the United States Department of Education.
Submitting the FAFSA as soon as possible is critical to maximizing your federal aid.
It’s also necessary for many other awards and scholarships.
FAQs
What are the downsides of going to a community college?
A community college may not suit the demands of a student seeking a traditional university education.
While community colleges can provide scholarship benefits such as affordable education and flexible class schedules, they may lack aspects of traditional universities such as Greek life, varsity athletics, and on-campus housing.
Certain specialized programs may need you to look beyond community college.
For example, your local community college may offer programs in career trades like cosmetology and medical technology, but you must transfer to a four-year university to acquire a degree in something like law or financial technology (fintech).
What are the benefits of going to a community college?
Community colleges allow students to explore several career paths at a lower cost than four-year universities.
You can take basic foundation courses before deciding on a major or acquire an associate degree and then transfer to a bachelor’s program.
Many community colleges offer scholarships for vocational programs for students who want to acquire a certificate in a trade or technical field, such as carpentry, information technology, HVAC technicians, cosmetology, and the culinary arts.
Can you receive a full ride to community college?
While some institutions and other sources may advertise “full ride” opportunities, obtaining a free college education through a single scholarship is uncommon, even for the most qualified candidates.
However, several states provide free community college scholarships.
You can also combine various scholarships and other forms of financial aid to reduce college costs as much as feasible.
You may be eligible for both need-based and merit-based scholarships to pay the majority of your tuition fees, as well as financial aid through grants and resources such as the federal work-study program to assist with educational supplies and living expenses.
Why should an international student pick a community college in the United States?
A foreign student may prefer a community college over a private American university for a variety of reasons.
Community colleges are generally less expensive than private universities.
They have an accommodating admissions process, and the majority of applicants are admitted.
In contrast to private colleges’ four-year curriculum, the program lasts only two years.
Small class sizes in the north ease credit transfer, and community colleges have transfer agreements with private universities.
How many international students are admitted to community colleges in the US?
According to data, community college students account for around one-fifth of all international students studying in the United States.
Over 100,000 international students are currently enrolled in community colleges in the United States.
A substantial section of the foreign population attends the nation’s community institutions for a variety of reasons, including affordability and a high acceptance rate.
