America's community colleges serve approximately 8.6 million students per year — representing 40% of all undergraduates — according to a new policy fact sheet released by Columbia University's Community College Research Center.
"Community colleges are an entry point to higher education for many first-generation, low-income, Black, and Hispanic students, and they provide another chance for older students and workers who need to retrain," the report states.
The more than 900 community colleges across the nation are found in rural, suburban, and urban areas and remain significantly more affordable than four-year institutions. Average published tuition and fees for full-time students at public two-year colleges totaled $4,050 in 2024-25, compared with $11,610 at public four-year colleges.
The report reveals that community colleges serve disproportionately large numbers of students from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. In fall 2023, enrollment at community colleges was 12% Black, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 6% Asian, 1% Native American, and 41% White.
By comparison, 42% of students enrolled in public two-year colleges were Black or Hispanic, compared to just 30% at public four-year institutions.
Nearly one-third of community college students are 25 or older, and 23% have dependent children. About two-thirds attend part-time, and approximately 57% have household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level.
