If you’re looking to further your education, community college can be a great option as it provides high-quality college education and affordable tuition. However, finding the right community college can be difficult. It’s worth taking the time to compare different schools to find the right fit for you.
This article compares the best community colleges in Houston and also looks at the best online community colleges in Houston. We provide information about the admissions policies, tuition fees, financial aid options, and transfer programs available at each institution. Lastly, we’ll look at job opportunities for graduates of community colleges in Houston.
How Many Community Colleges Are in Houston?
There are eight community colleges within a 50 miles radius of Houston. However, not all of these public community colleges offer the same programs or services. It’s important to research each college carefully before making a decision.
What Is the Biggest Community College in Houston?
The biggest community college in Houston is Lone Star College System. This institution has an enrollment of over 70,109 students and 909 full-time faculty members. It offers students a wide range of academic programs and services.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in Houston?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lee College | 44% | 15:1 |
| 2 | Brazosport College | 41% | 12:1 |
| 3 | San Jacinto College | 32% | 23:1 |
| 4 | College of the Mainland | 28% | 16:1 |
| 5 | Alvin Community College | 24% | 12:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in Houston: Explained
Since there are a variety of community colleges in Houston, it can hard to try to figure out how they compare to each other. There are many factors to take into consideration, including acceptance rates, tuition costs, academic programs, and overall quality of student life. In the next section, we list the best community colleges in Houston looking specifically at graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, and student-to-faculty ratio.
Best Online Community Colleges in Houston
- San Jacinto College. San Jacinto College’s online program is very flexible. Students can take classes at their own pace or according to the schedule set by the college. There is also a hybrid option that combines online and on-campus learning.
- Lone Star College. Lone Star College’s online program is one of the best in Texas. The college offers online certificates and associate degrees in many subjects. The online class sizes are small, allowing you to get individual attention.
- Brazosport College. Brazosport College has a virtual campus where you can access online courses, resources, and live support. There is also a learning management system where you can see the syllabus and submit assignments and quizzes. Students can choose from many subjects that are offered online.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other Houston Community College Rankings
Many community colleges have programs that allow community college students to transfer to four-year universities. These programs are a strong option if you want to save money on an undergraduate degree. In the next section, we’ll outline some Houston community colleges that are known for their academic transfer programs.
Best Community Colleges in Houston for Transfer
- Brazosport College. The Brazosport College has agreements with almost all Texas public four-year colleges and universities, including University of Houston, Texas State University, and Lamar University. This makes it easier for students to transfer credits and complete their degrees.
- San Jacinto College. The San Jacinto College provides a variety of possibilities for students seeking to transfer to four-year institutions. They have agreements with many universities including Texas A&M University, University of Houston, and Franklin University that guarantee admission to the students who meet certain criteria.
- Lee College. Lee College students have the option to transfer to almost any four-year university in Texas after completing their associate degree. This can be done through the school’s transfer program, which helps students transition to a four-year school.
Best Community Colleges for Business Management in Houston
- College of the Mainland. College of the Mainland’s business management program has a good reputation. The curriculum was created to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the business world. The faculty is experienced and dedicated to helping students succeed.
- Lee College. Business management is one of the most popular programs at Lee College. The aim of this business management program is to develop students’ ability to think strategically, manage change, and lead others in a dynamic business environment.
- Alvin Community College. There are many reasons to consider Alvin Community College for a business management degree. The school offers a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management. Transfer to a four-year university is also available through the business management program.
Best Houston Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
- Brazosport College. Brazosport College offers two bachelor’s degrees. One is in health service management and the other in industrial management. The industrial management degree is offered in five specialties. The Bachelor of Applied Technology programs at Brazosport College are for people who want to advance their careers and improve their chances of promotion.
- San Jacinto College. San Jacinto College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN nurses are more likely to get promoted and have greater career prospects, professional credibility, and higher income.
- Lone Star College. Lone Star College offers Bachelor’s Degrees in Cyber Security, Nursing, and Energy, Manufacturing and Trades Management. All these three bachelor’s degrees are career-focused and designed to help students meet the demands of today’s workforce.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in Houston
There are many community colleges in Houston, all of which have many different degree programs. Because there are so many college majors, it can be hard to know where to begin when selecting the right academic program for you. The best community college programs in Houston include but are not limited to business management, nursing, communications, process technology, computer information technology, instrumentation, cyber security, sociology, and social sciences.
Business Management
There are many ways to study business management at one of the best community colleges in Houston. Business programs exist at both certificate and associate degree levels. Many colleges offer business management programs with concentrations in areas like accounting or marketing.
Nursing
If you’re interested in studying nursing at one of the many community colleges in Houston, there are a few different types of programs available. You can pursue a certificate or associate degree program to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or registered nurse (RN). Almost all Houston community colleges offer programs in nursing.
Process Technology
Process technology is the technology that is used to manufacture materials. In a process technology program, you’ll learn how to manage and control industrial processes. Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in process technology.
Computer Information Technology
Computer information technology (CIT) programs can be found at many community colleges in Houston. These programs offer certificates, associate degrees, and sometimes even bachelor’s degrees in CIT. Many of these courses are intended to help students prepare for industry certification tests, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam. Attending a community college or a Houston coding bootcamp are two of the fastest ways to land an IT job.
Communications
There are many communications programs at different Houston community colleges at both the certificate and associate degree levels. Many colleges offer these programs online or in hybrid formats, giving students the flexibility to complete their studies at their own pace. Popular degrees in fields related to communications include strategic communication, journalism, and public relations.
Houston Community Colleges Admission Requirements
Houston community colleges’ admission requirements depend on the institution. However, there are similarities across the board. Common admission requirements include a completed application form, an official high school transcript, GED scores, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of vaccination against certain diseases.
Houston Community College GPA Requirements
There are no GPA requirements for enrolling in Houston community colleges since they are designed to provide an easy route to higher education.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in Houston
The vast majority of Houston community colleges use the same definition of residency. In order to be considered a resident, a student must have resided in Texas for at least 12 to 36 months before enrolling in classes. Out-of-district and international students pay a higher fee than in-district students.
Houston Community College Age Requirements
To attend most community colleges in Houston, you have to be at least 18 years old. However, at some colleges, students who are less than 18 can also be admitted. Students who are under 18 must provide extra documentation like a recommendation letter from a counselor or designee that certifies their maturity, a parental consent form, and a student acknowledgment form.
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Houston Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- Application form
- High school transcripts or GED scores
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of residence
- Proof of vaccination
Why Study in Houston?
You should study in Houston because it is a great city with a lot to offer. This Texas city is known for affordable schools, colleges, and universities. It’s also a great place to live and work. The city has a low cost of living and is a great place to find a job.
Affordable Education
Houston has some of the most affordable community colleges in the US. Other educational institutions also have very affordable tuition. You can save money by attending a community college for your first two years and then transferring to a university.
Cost of Living
Houston is a relatively affordable city to live in. The cost of living is lower than the national average. You can find apartments and houses for rent at reasonable prices, making it a great place to raise a family.
Healthcare Facilities
Houston has some of the best healthcare facilities in the US. The world-renowned Texas Medical Center is located in Houston. In total, Houston is home to 180 hospitals, 680 nursing and residential care facilities, 13,000 ambulatory health care providers, and 6,000 social assistance establishments.
Houston Employment Outlook for Community College Students
Houston is a great place to find employment. The average hourly wage for workers in the city is $26.90, and there are plenty of opportunities in management, business and financial operation, and healthcare. If you’re looking for great employment opportunities, be sure to check out Houston.
5 In-Demand Houston Jobs
We’re going to take a closer look at just a few of the career choices that might be open to you with a degree from one of the best community colleges in Houston. With a strong job market, there are plenty of in-demand jobs to choose from. These jobs include operations manager, computer systems analyst, chemical engineer, social scientist, registered nurse, and occupational health and safety specialist.
What Community Colleges in Houston Have Dorms?
Galveston College is a community college in Houston that has dorms. Some of the pros of living on campus at a community college include having easy access to classes and campus resources, meeting new people, and having the full college experience. Some of the cons of living on campus at a community college include the cost of living on campus and the lack of privacy and independence that comes with living in a dorm.
Houston Community Colleges With Dorms
- Galveston College
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in Houston?
Brazosport College, Houston Community College, and Lone Star College are community colleges in Houston that offer winter intersession courses. A winter intersession is a break between the fall and spring semesters. This break usually allows students to take a break from their studies. Attending a school with a winter intersession can be beneficial for students who want to get ahead in their studies or catch up on credits.
Houston Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- Brazosport College
- Houston Community College
- Lone Star College
What Community Colleges in Houston Have Summer Classes?
Lee College, Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, San Jacinto College, Lone Star Colege, and Houston Community College are the community colleges in Houston that have summer classes. Some students may want to attend a school with summer classes to get ahead in their studies or to lighten their workload during the regular school year. These schools all offer a wide variety of classes during the summer to help you meet your educational goals.
Houston Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- Lee College
- Alvin Community College
- Brazosport College
- San Jacinto College
- Lone Star College
How to Apply to a Community College in Houston
You apply to a community college in Houston by filling out an online application. The next steps of the application process include submitting high school transcripts and GED scores, applying for financial aid, and completing placement testing. As previously mentioned, to apply to some schools, you may also have to provide documentation of certain vaccinations.
Houston Community College Application Steps
- Fill out online application form
- Submit high school transcripts and GED scores
- Apply for financial aid
- Complete placement testing
- Provide any necessary vaccination documentation
Cost of Community Colleges in Houston
Generally, the cost of community colleges in Houston is quite low, especially compared to the overall cost of higher education in the United States. Costs range from $78 per credit hour to $300 per credit hour for in-district and out-of-district students. For out-of-state or international students, the tuition and fee costs range from $200 per credit hour to $350 per credit hour.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in Houston?
Community colleges are not free in Houston. However, most colleges offer free tuition and scholarship programs for eligible students. College of the Mainland offers the Opening Doors Promise Scholarship which covers the full cost of tuition. Similarly, Houston Community College offers the Eagle Promise Program which covers full tuition and also provides an allowance of up to $500 per semester to cover the cost of textbooks.
Scholarships for Community Colleges in Houston
If you’re looking for scholarships for community colleges in Houston, we’ve got some good news for you. There are plenty of scholarships available to students who attend community colleges in Houston. Below, we are going to discuss some of the best scholarships and how to apply to them.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in Houston
- First, contact financial aid offices to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about available scholarship opportunities.
- You can also search look at the community college website or state government website for information on scholarships, grants, and loans.
- After selecting suitable scholarships, check the eligibility criteria.
- Apply for scholarships you’re eligible for. Most scholarship applications require you to apply through FAFSA.
- Double check that you’ve submitted all documents and forms as required.
Houston Community Colleges Scholarships List
- Lee College Foundation Scholarship | Amount: Varies. The Lee College Foundation Scholarship is available to students at Lee College enrolled in any program. The scholarship is applied to the cost of tuition and the cost of textbooks.
- Opening Doors Promise Scholarship | Amount: Full cost of tuition and fees. The Opening Doors Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that provides free tuition for students at College of the Mainland. To be eligible you must be graduating from high school or, if you’re between 17 and 19, getting your GED. You must also apply to college for the first time and enroll for full-time study. To maintain your scholarship after your first year, you must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Eagle Promise Scholarship | Amount: Full cost of tuition and fees. The Eagle Promise Scholarship is offered by Houston Community College. It covers full tuition and fees and a $500 grant for books and supplies every semester. Students who receive this scholarship also have access to financial coaches and perks like priority registration beginning in their second semester of attendance.
Other Houston Community College Financial Aid Options
If you’re not eligible for as many scholarships as you would like or if you’re looking for other ways to pay for a community college in Houston, there are a variety of other options. Houston community college financial aid options include state and private scholarships, federal grants, and loans. There are also many scholarships offered by private organizations.
Federal Grants
A federal grant is money from the federal government applied to education. Grants are need-based and don’t need to be repaid. Some federal grants include the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
Texas Grants
A state grant is a type of financial aid that is awarded by the state government to eligible college students. Grants can be need-based or merit-based. Some of the Texas state grants include Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG), Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG), Texas Reskilling Grant Program, and Texas Grant Renewal.
Student Loans
A student loan is a type of loan that is offered to students by the government or private lenders to help pay for their education. Students have to repay the loan with interest in installments after they complete their education. Some common student loans are the Federal Perkins Loan, the Federal Direct Stafford Loan, and the Federal Direct PLUS Loan.
Texas College Work-Study Program (TCWSP)
The Texas College Work-Study Program (TCWSP) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2015. It provides employment opportunities for Texas college students who are struggling to pay for their education. The program offers eligible students the chance to earn money while attending school and provides employers with skilled and motivated workers.
Texas Tuition and/or Fee Exemption
The Texas tuition and/or fee exemption financial aid option allows some Texans to attend a public institution in Texas without paying tuition and/or fees. There are many different ways to qualify for a tuition and/or fee exemption in Texas. A few ways include being the highest-ranking graduate at your high school, being the child of professional nursing program faculty or staff member, or being a firefighter enrolled in a fire science course.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program (TEACH)
The TEACH Grant awards up to $4,000 per year per to eligible college and university students who intend to pursue careers in teaching. To receive the grant, students must agree to serve as full-time teachers in an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students, for at least four years after graduation. If they do not fulfill this requirement, the grant will be converted to a loan, which they must repay.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in Houston?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in Houston are the same as for any other type of college. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form in order to be eligible for federal aid. You must also meet the eligibility requirements for the specific type of aid you are applying for.
Houston Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Show family income statement and assets for need-based scholarships
- Provide proof of Residency in Texas
- Submit any other documents required for specific scholarships
Should You Attend Community College in Houston?
Yes, you should attend community college in Houston. Perhaps you’re looking for more affordable education, or maybe you want to be closer to home. Whatever your reasons, there are plenty of great community colleges in Houston that offer quality education, affordable tuition, and lots of opportunities for professional development.
Houston Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of Houston community colleges is based mainly on the graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best Houston Community Colleges FAQ
Houston community colleges are funded primarily by student tuition and fees. They are also funded by the state and federal governments. Many community colleges in Houston get donations to help fund their operations.
Community colleges in Houston are best known for their affordability, flexibility, and convenience. Many community colleges offer classes online, which makes them a great option for working students or busy adults. Numerous financial aid opportunities are available for the residents of Houston.
The cheapest community college in Houston for in-district and non-resident students is San Jacinto College with tuition at $78 per credit hour and $210 per hour credit respectively. For out-of-district students from Texas, Brazosport College is the cheapest option with tuition at $124.50 per credit hour.
The main difference between an AA, AS, and AAS is in the curriculum. An associate of arts degree typically has a more liberal arts-focused curriculum, while an associate of science degree is focused on math and science. An associate of applied science degree is designed to provide students with relevant, career-focused education.
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