In 2015-16, more than 95,000 or nine percent of all international students in the US, were enrolled at community colleges, many of whom aspire to transfer to a four-year school to complete their undergraduate degrees (Institute of International Education, Open Doors Report). The resources below provide information on who these students are and information around advising and supporting them on their path to a postsecondary degree.
Community Colleges: An Unexpected On-Ramp for International Students, provides an introductory overview of opportunities and challenges around international student enrollment in US community colleges.
The Institute of International Education captures data on international students enrolled in US community colleges in their annual Open Doors Report.
- In 2015/16, China, Vietnam, and South Korea were the top places of origin of international students at associate’s institutions in the US.
- 90 percent of international students at associate’s institutions in the US are enrolled full-time.