The Most Affordable Community Colleges In Every State In 2024
One of the biggest personal finance decisions in the United States for young people or those seeking to further their education comes down to which college or university to attend.
Though many students think higher learning in the education system only includes a four-year state school, community colleges continue to be a pivotal option for those seeking quality education at an affordable price. These institutions offer educational programs, from associate degrees to vocational training, often at a fraction of the cost of larger universities.
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The community college system offers numerous advantages, making it an appealing option for many state students. Here are some key benefits:
Community college costs and affordability: Community college students generally have lower tuition rates compared to what they’d pay at a four-year college or institution, making higher education accessible to a broader population. This affordability helps reduce the student debt burden many are hit with straight out of high school.
Flexible Scheduling: Like junior colleges, many of these public institutions offer flexible scheduling options, including night, weekend, and online classes, accommodating students who have work or family commitments.
Smaller Class Sizes: Community colleges often have smaller classes, more personalized attention and instructor support.
Transfer Opportunities: Many programs have articulation agreements with four-year universities, making it easier for students to transfer credits and continue their education towards a bachelor’s degree once they complete a few cheaper years at community colleges.
Career-Oriented Training: These institutions often focus on practical, career-oriented training, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce in fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Technical college programs offer a fast track toward higher-paying jobs.
These community colleges offer students in each state the opportunity to pursue higher education without the burden of excessive debt or having to pay back exorbitant student loan interest.
By providing quality education at an affordable price, they play a crucial role in making higher education accessible to all. Whether you want to earn an associate degree, gain vocational skills, or transfer to a four-year university, these institutions provide a solid foundation for your educational and career aspirations.
GOBankingRates conducted a study to determine the most affordable community college in each state. Here are some interesting findings:
Of the most affordable schools, Alaska has the most expensive community college with Ilisagvik College having a total cost of $21,790.
California has the cheapest option in Antelope Valley Community College District at $2,024
Here’s a look at the best financial option in every state this year, providing students with budget-friendly opportunities for higher education.
Deatsville, Alabama
Most affordable community college: J.F. Ingram State Technical College
Total cost: $5,370
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Barrow, Alaska
Most affordable community college: Ilisagvik College
Total cost: $21,790
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Kingman, Arizona
Most affordable community college: Mohave Community College
Total cost: $2,856
Newport, Arkansas
Most affordable community college: Arkansas State University-Newport
Total cost: $3,500
Lancaster, California
Most affordable community college: Antelope Valley Community College District
Total cost: $2,024
Greeley, Colorado
Most affordable community college: Aims Community College
Total cost: $4,442
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Norwalk, Connecticut
Most affordable community college: Norwalk Community College
Total cost: $5,972
Dover, Delaware
Most affordable community college: Delaware Technical Community College-Terry
Total cost: $6,545
Tallahassee, Florida
Most affordable community college: Tallahassee Community College
Total cost: $2,826
Waycross, Georgia
Most affordable community college: Coastal Pines Technical College
Total cost: $3,309
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Honolulu, Hawaii
Most affordable community college: Honolulu Community College
Total cost: $4,524
Nampa, Idaho
Most affordable community college: College of Western Idaho
Total cost: $5,911
Ina, Illinois
Most affordable community college: Rend Lake College
Total cost: $6,850
Indianapolis, Indiana
Most affordable community college: Ivy Tech Community College
Total cost: $5,571
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Most affordable community college: Kirkwood Community College
Total cost: $6,700
Overland Park, Kansas
Most affordable community college: Johnson County Community College
Total cost: $4,344
Ashland, Kentucky
Most affordable community college: Ashland Community and Technical College
Total cost: $5,712
Alexandria, Louisiana
Most affordable community college: Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Total cost: $5,319
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Fairfield, Maine
Most affordable community college: Kennebec Valley Community College
Total cost: $5,087
Baltimore, Maryland
Most affordable community college: Baltimore City Community College
Total cost: $5,814
Danvers, Massachusetts
Most affordable community college: North Shore Community College
Total cost: $6,552
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Most affordable community college: Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College
Total cost: $3,410
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Cass Lake, Minnesota
Most affordable community college: Leech Lake Tribal College
Total cost: $5,618
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Most affordable community college: Coahoma Community College
Total cost: $10,673
Cottleville, Missouri
Most affordable community college: St. Charles Community College
Total cost: $5,444
Poplar, Montana
Most affordable community college: Fort Peck Community College
Total cost: $2,950
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Macy, Nebraska
Most affordable community college: Nebraska Indian Community College
Total cost: $4,080
Reno, Nevada
Most affordable community college: Truckee Meadows Community College
Total cost: $3,762
Claremont, New Hampshire
Most affordable community college: River Valley Community College
Total cost: $8,340
Blackwood, New Jersey
Most affordable community college: Camden County College
Total cost: $5,544
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Clovis, New Mexico
Most affordable community college: Clovis Community College
Total cost: $2,336
New York City, New York
Most affordable community college: CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
Total cost: $6,534
Williamston, North Carolina
Most affordable community college: Martin Community College
Total cost: $3,015
Fort Totten, North Dakota
Most affordable community college: Cankdeska Cikana Community College
Total cost: $5,350
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Kirtland, Ohio
Most affordable community college: Lakeland Community College
Total cost: $5,277
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Most affordable community college: Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Total cost: $5,219
Tillamook, Oregon
Most affordable community college: Tillamook Bay Community College
Total cost: $5,682
Warren, Pennsylvania
Most affordable community college: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
Total cost: $5,550
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Warwick, Rhode Island
Most affordable community college: Community College of Rhode Island
Total cost: $6,550
Kingstree, South Carolina
Most affordable community college: Williamsburg Technical College
Total cost: $5,800
Mitchell, South Dakota
Most affordable community college: Mitchell Technical College
Total cost: $8,224
Nashville, Tennessee
Most affordable community college: Nashville State Community College
Total cost: $5,672
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Port Arthur, Texas
Most affordable community college: Lamar State College-Port Arthur
Total cost: $3,270
Salt Lake City, Utah
Most affordable community college: Salt Lake Community College
Total cost: $4,957
Montpelier, Vermont
Most affordable community college: Community College of Vermont
Total cost: $7,920
Melfa, Virginia
Most affordable community college: Eastern Shore Community College
Total cost: $5,900
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Bellingham, Washington
Most affordable community college: Bellingham Technical College
Total cost: $4,797
Wheeling, West Virginia
Most affordable community college: West Virginia Northern Community College
Total cost: $5,529
Wausau, Wisconsin
Most affordable community college: Northcentral Technical College
Total cost: $5,778
Casper, Wyoming
Most affordable community college: Casper College
Total cost: $15,868
For the methodology of this study, GOBankingRates analyzed colleges from around the country to find community colleges and their associated costs. Using the college data from the Institute of Education Science National Center for Education Statistics’ Summary Tables and filtering to only show colleges that are public schools, award bachelor and associate degrees, and award associate degrees or lower certificates at least 50% of the time, resulting in 980 community colleges. Using the colleges and their costs, the cheapest total cost for community colleges in each state was recorded. For each college, a number of costs were recorded including; room & board, tuition & fees, books & supplies, other expenses, and the total cost. All data was collected on and is up to date as of May 23rd, 2024. |
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Most Affordable Community Colleges In Every State In 2024