Of the thousands of quality colleges and universities to choose from, it can be daunting to narrow the field and to select the school that's right for you. One option for you as a prospective undergraduate international student is to consider a U.S. community college. According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), 1,173 community colleges exist in the United States. You can find out more by visiting AACC's Web site.

Is a community college in the U.S. right for you?
A community college focuses on the first two years of undergraduate education. At first glance, that difference in focus appears to be the biggest distinction between a community college and a four-year college or university. Other significant variations, however, do exist. Although, it is true that many of the beneficial aspects of a community college education also exist at four-year universities. Use your best judgment, and choose the type of institution that will best meet your education needs.

A primary part of the community college mission is to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Community colleges are able to focus all their resources on providing a strong educational foundation for students. Class sizes are often small, and professors, rather than graduate students, provide instruction. Professors are available to help students outside class as well as during weekly office hours. Extra attention translates to student success, particularly for international students who may need special help to understand American teaching methods and terminology.

Community colleges in the U.S. are also unique in that they do not have research wings. Two major benefits result for international students: professors can focus on teaching and student success, and because they aren't paying for research facilities, community colleges can charge lower tuition than four-year colleges or universities.

The community college offers a strong educational foundation for any student. The benefits of choosing a community college are numerous. Everyone deserves the opportunity for a good job and a better future. For many, community colleges are the best and most affordable path to higher education.