2-Year Colleges With the Most International Students
Four-year schools aren't the only option.
International students might decide to attend a two-year college in the U.S., sometimes called a community college, for a variety of reasons such as more affordable tuition and available support for English-language learners. Though international student growth in the U.S. has slowed -- increasing by just under 0.05% in the 2018-2019 school year -- some community colleges still boast robust attendance numbers. These 10 colleges and college systems, classified as associate's colleges, reported the largest numbers of international students in the 2018-2019 academic year, according to data from the Institute of International Education. Community colleges are known for associate degree and certificate programs, though some offer bachelor's degrees.
Orange Coast College
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 1,391
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Fact: As its name suggests, Orange Coast College is close to the sunny beaches of Southern California. The college capitalizes on that proximity by offering nautical programs such as sailing and seamanship. The college website also touts its status as a transfer institution, sending many students on to the University of California and California State University systems, among other schools.
More about Orange Coast College.
Green River College
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 1,476
Location: Auburn, Washington
Fact: Green River College notes on its website that the 1,400-plus international students on campus represent more than 60 countries. Programs for international students include intensive English, and the college has student housing as well as transfer pathway agreements with more than 40 universities.
More about Green River College.
Northern Virginia Community College
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 1,614
Location: Annandale, Virginia
Fact: NOVA, as it's commonly called, has six campuses, with its Annandale location just 14 miles southwest of the nation's capital. According to the college website, international students comprise 20% of NOVA's student population, representing more than 180 countries.
More about Northern Virginia Community College.
Miami Dade College
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 1,749
Location: Miami
Fact: According to its website, Miami Dade College offers more than 300 academic programs. As part of the Florida Statewide Articulation Agreement, students who earn an associate degree there are guaranteed upper division admission as a transfer student to a state college or university in Florida.
More about Miami Dade College.
Valencia College
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 1,799
Location: Orlando, Florida
Fact: Students who graduate from Valencia College with an associate degree are guaranteed admission as transfer students to the University of Central Florida, according to the Valencia College website. Students applying to more selective UCF programs, such as engineering or computer science, may have to meet additional admissions requirements.
More about Valencia College.
Montgomery College
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 1,804
Location: Rockville, Maryland
Fact: Montgomery College's website notes that 54,000 students are enrolled across its three campuses and various online offerings. Among that group of scholars are students hailing from 165 countries.
More about Montgomery College.
De Anza College
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 2,515
Location: Cupertino, California
Fact: According to the De Anza College website, the school is one of the top institutions in the state that sends transfer students to four-year institutions. Top transfer choices include the University of California--Berkeley, University of California--Davis, University of California--San Diego and the University of California--Los Angeles.
More about De Anza College.
Santa Monica College
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 3,062
Location: Santa Monica, California
Fact: The college offers a support program for students interested in majors and careers in STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics, according to its website. The Science and Research Initiative is an academic support program that includes counseling, workshops and peer mentoring for STEM students.
More about Santa Monica College.
Lone Star College System
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 3,165
Location: The Woodlands, Texas
Fact: The Lone Star College System has seven full campuses and 12 satellite campuses and university centers located in the North Houston metro area. The top five countries represented among international students are Mexico, Vietnam, Venezuela, El Salvador and Honduras.
More about the Lone Star College System.
Houston Community College System
Number of international students in 2018-2019: 5,645
Location: Houston
Fact: According to the school's website, the Houston Community College System offers more than 250 transfer plans at 50-plus partner universities. Common transfer destinations include the University of Houston, Texas A&M University--College Station and the University of Texas--Austin.
More about Houston Community College.
Learn more about community colleges.
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Community colleges that enroll the most international students
-- Houston Community College System: 5,645
-- Lone Star College System: 3,165
-- Santa Monica College: 3,062
-- De Anza College: 2,515
-- Montgomery College: 1,804
-- Valencia College: 1,799
-- Miami-Dade College: 1,749
-- Northern Virginia Community College: 1,614
-- Green River College: 1,476
-- Orange Coast College: 1,391
