Best Community Colleges in Texas

Based in Brownsville, Texas Southmost College was founded in 1926 as an extension of a local independent school district. TSC now provides training and education to more than 7,000 students across four academic divisions. This school stands out from other community colleges in Texas by offering programs in conjunction with the Texas A&M-Chevron Engineering Academy.

At the associate level, students can select from degree options including commercial and residential electricity, Spanish translation, and architecture. On top of flexible, campus-based associate degrees and certificates, students can pursue distance education powered by Canvas. Students take asynchronous classes and can pursue accelerated program options.

TSC provides career training in areas like vocational nursing, auto body repair technology, and legal assisting. Students can also prepare for careers as office administrators by enrolling in office management and Microsoft-certified specialist programs.

Students can apply to TSC through the ApplyTexas website or in person at the student services center.

Located in Snyder, Western Texas College offers academic programs that promote lifelong learning and prepare students for gainful employment in high-demand industries. Approximately 2,200 students attend WTC each term, taking advantage of flexible programming, affordable tuition, and generous financial aid. The school facilitates state-sponsored TRiO grants and funds several institutional scholarships.

Individuals who wish to transfer to a four-year institution can earn associate degrees in general arts or sciences. They can also enroll in a two-year, 61-credit teaching program. This option enables students to personalize their degree plan according to their professional objectives, from teaching grades 8-12 to focusing on areas like physical and special education.

Like many other community colleges in Texas, WTC focuses on career and technical programs, including subject areas like criminal justice, electrical lineman technology, and welding. Students can also cultivate skills in turfgrass and landscape management -- programs that prepare them to work in parks and recreation, horticulture sales, and irrigation maintenance.

Tarrant County College enrolls approximately 51,000 students at five campuses located in and around Fort Worth. The school also operates Connect Campus -- a system that facilitates over 100 online courses and weekend college programs. Weekend options enable students to balance other responsibilities and higher education through once-per-week classes and accelerated one-year associate tracks.

TCC offers flexible associate programs that enable students to complete general education requirements and introductory major classes before transferring to a four-year institution. Program options include electronics technology, human resources management, and kinesiology.

Students may also pursue information technology degrees, picking from concentrations like cloud technology; cybersecurity; web applications programming; and game, simulation, and animation design. Consistent with other community colleges in Texas, TCC also delivers noncredit courses and programs that lead to industry certification.

TCC helps students save money by providing low tuition and generous scholarships. Learners may also reduce the cost of earning their credentials by receiving credit for prior learning, work experience, and military service.

Since its inception in 1948, Alvin Community College has provided affordable, high-quality academic programming and career training to a diverse student body. ACC delivers certificates and associate degrees in eight career pathways, including education; tourism and hospitality; and manufacturing, construction, and logistics. Learners may also prepare for health professions by earning a credential in respiratory care or sports and human performance.

As one of the top community colleges in Texas, ACC offers university transfer pathways to 27 state universities. An agreement with University of Houston-Clear Lake provides an automatic transfer scholarship for ACC students.

Learners can access individual courses through hybrid and fully remote formats using the Blackboard system. They may also earn online certificates and degrees in management, psychology, and sociology.

The school boasts low tuition rates for residents, discounts for military personnel and distance learners, and ample scholarship and grant opportunities.

Odessa College offers accessible certificate and degree programs that empower students, preparing them for careers and lifelong roles as community builders. Similar to other community colleges in Texas, OC offers dual-credit classes for high school students and continuing education opportunities for working professionals.

OC's catalog includes programs covering small business management, energy technology, and mass communication. Alternatively, students can prepare to work as vocational and registered nurses by completing nursing certificate and associate programs. The school also provides training in precision manufacturing technology, which enables candidates to occupy roles as computer-controlled machine tool operators.

The school uses a rolling admissions process that allows learners to start classes at their convenience. Prospective students should apply through the ApplyTexas website and submit academic transcripts and standardized test results. OC provides comprehensive financial aid, including the First Class Free Scholarship for new learners and the Academic Progress Scholarship for enrolled students who maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Established in 1898, Clarendon College is the oldest postsecondary institution in the Texas Panhandle. The school serves approximately 1,800 students and delivers accessible technical programs and occupational training.

Undecided students may complete a core curriculum at CC, earning an associate of general studies before transferring to a four-year institution. Alternatively, they can obtain associate credentials in fields like behavioral science, agricultural economics, and criminal justice. CC also operates a two-year drama program with coursework in stagecraft and public speaking.

As one of the best community colleges in Texas, CC prepares students for entry-level careers in growing industries like welding and industrial maintenance. Learners can gain their commercial driver's license through truck driver training. The college also provides vocational and registered nursing training.

Dual-credit students can enroll in the Honors College and enjoy benefits like tuition waivers and specialized transfer advising from advisors at West Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University.

Houston Community College provides more than 280 certificate and associate programs through its main campus and 15 Centers of Excellence. HCC offers more than 70 hybrid and fully online programs. Working professionals can also earn their credentials through Weekend College options.

HCC delivers transfer-focused associate degrees in computer programming, world languages, and kinesiology and exercise science. Students may also enroll in applied associate programs, choosing from career-oriented options like maritime logistics, finance and banking, and corrosion technology. Learners can also earn two-year credentials for draft and design engineering technology, with concentrations in architecture, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering.

To enroll, applicants must submit an online application and official academic transcripts. They also need to furnish ACT/SAT scores or sit for assessment testing. Like other community colleges in Texas, HCC keeps tuition costs low for in-state students and provides a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities, such as the Impact and Chancellor Scholarships.

Located in San Antonio, St. Phillip's College has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students in its academic and career-readiness programs. The school offers dual-credit and early college opportunities for high school juniors and seniors who want to jumpstart their higher education. High school students can also enroll in the Middle College program, which focuses on career and technology courses. For experienced professionals who want to advance their careers, SPC offers noncredit courses through its Workforce Training Network.

Students can enroll in associate programs in automotive technology, web and mobile development, and electrical trades. SPC stands out from other community colleges in Texas by delivering a two-year intensive cardiovascular technology program. Here, candidates learn to perform complex cardiac procedures, developing the competencies needed to earn professional credentials from Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Learners who want to complete their education at four-year institutions can enroll in pre-major programs related to broad fields, like psychology, biology, and mechanical engineering.

SPC provides six online programs, including network administrator and cybersecurity specialist tracks for IT students.

Panola College operates as a comprehensive two-year school, offering certificate programs and associate-level training across a four-county service area.

Like many of the best community colleges in Texas, Panola provides distance education through fully online, hybrid, and interactive television courses. Its academic catalog contains associate of applied science programs in computer information technology, cosmetology, and general business. Students may also enroll in an industrial technology program, with tracks for welding and petroleum science.

Panola operates a variety of allied health programs. Candidates can earn certificates that prepare them to work as occupational therapy assistants and medical laboratory technicians. They can also enroll in a nursing program, with a one-year option for working vocational nurses and a two-year degree plan for students without relevant career experience.

The institution supports a diverse student population by providing affordable tuition, endowed scholarships, tutoring services, and childcare assistance. Learners can build personal and professional relationships by engaging with campus organizations, including Phi Beta Gamma (the business honor society) and Delta Psi Omega (the drama student society).

Wharton County Junior College supports over 7,000 students by providing nine vocational and academic pathways. Similar to other community colleges in Texas, WCJC offers transfer-oriented associate degrees in fields such as business administration, engineering, anthropology, and human services. Undecided students can earn an associate degree in general studies.

The school also offers technical training, including certificates in vocational nursing, HVAC, welding technology, and health information technology. Additionally, students may train for entry-level positions in the nuclear power technology industry. Here, WCJC offers three certificate options and an associate program with specialty tracks for mechanical technicians and instrumentation/control technicians.

The school welcomes learners of all backgrounds through an open-admission policy that only requires applicants to complete an online form, submit transcripts, and fulfill testing requirements. Financial support includes the Rachel Haden Abshier Memorial Scholarship for local high school graduates who want to pursue nursing careers.

As the only two-year school in Collin County, Collin College serves roughly 55,000 students by delivering more than 100 certificate and degree programs in a wide array of disciplines.

Transfer-oriented students can complete the Texas Core or earn credentials in areas like business, communication, engineering, and music. Each associate program comes with emphasis options that provide degree personalization opportunities. For example, learners can pair their engineering degree with a robotics concentration to prepare for careers in mechanical engineering or machine learning.

Students who want to pursue workforce training can select from programs like insurance management, surgical technology, and web and mobile development. They can also enroll in the school's interpreter education program, developing the language skills needed to support the deaf community.

Collin also offers scholarships in partnership with four-year institutions, allowing students to seamlessly transition from a two-year program to a bachelor's completion path. As one of the top community colleges in Texas for military personnel, Collin provides one-on-one counseling and targeted financial aid for veterans.

Founded in 1927, Texarkana College currently provides comprehensive education to approximately 4,200 students each semester. TC delivers certificate and degree programs at its main campus and the TexAmericas Center -- a satellite location that supports the Red River Army Depot community.

TC is one of the best community colleges in Texas, offering programs in high-demand fields like diesel technology, welding, and culinary arts. Students who want to pursue IT careers can earn certificates in CompTIA A+, Cisco networking, and computer operations and programming.

For students interested in transfer options, TC delivers associate degrees in general studies, fine and studio arts, and criminal justice administration. Learners may also enroll in the school's business administration program, which covers core topics like managerial accounting, micro- and macroeconomics, and business law.

Students can take advantage of flexible distance education opportunities powered by Moodle. The school also operates dual-credit courses, which students can take at local high schools or online.

For over 50 years, Lamar State College Orange has provided affordable and career-relevant training to a diverse student body.

LSCO offers fully transferable associate programs in fields like liberal arts, natural science, and communication. Students can enroll in a pre-medical professional track, which prepares them for advanced training in dentistry and general medicine. Learners who want to pursue technical studies can choose from programs for industrial/process technology, dental assisting, and advanced nurse aide. The college also delivers programming for prospective vocational and registered nurses.

LSCO is one of the few community colleges in Texas that offers a 25% discount to newly enrolled learners. The school maintains an open-door admissions process that only requires applicants to submit an online form and proof of a high school diploma or GED certificate. Texas and Louisiana residents enjoy the lowest tuition rates. Scholarship opportunities include the Edmund P. Kuempel Scholarship for returning students who maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.

McLennan Community College is based in Waco and serves approximately 9,000 students each semester. The school delivers affordable academic programs that empower students and boost local communities.

Students can select from certificates and associate degrees in creative arts, liberal arts, STEM, and public service. They can also enroll in business and industry programs, choosing from options like food service management, computer systems analysis, and business sales (with separate tracks for financial services and wholesale manufacturing). Additionally, the college provides training in the health professions, preparing candidates for lucrative careers as informatics nurse specialists, radiologic technologists, and medical secretaries.

MCC sets itself apart from many other community colleges in Texas by facilitating travel classes, allowing students to earn college credits while engaging in hands-on learning all over the world.

To apply, candidates must submit an online application, school transcripts, and Texas Success Initiative exam results. MCC offers more than 400 institutional scholarships, including awards for honors students and first-generation learners. Candidates can also access state grants and work-study opportunities.

Located in Levelland, South Plains College boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 students in 100 associate and certificate programs centering on the arts and science, technical fields, and health occupations.

Students who want to pursue healthcare occupations can earn credentials for respiratory care, surgical technology, and nursing. Learners can also gain child development competencies, which enable them to work as teaching assistants and family service personnel; this 60-credit program combines classroom instruction with practical training, preparing candidates to obtain certification from the National Council for Professional Recognition. Like other community colleges in Texas, SPC also operates career-focused programs in kinesiology, paralegal studies, welding technology, and business administration.

SPC offers generous financial aid opportunities, such as college-wide scholarships that require candidates to possess a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate adequate SAT/ACT scores. The school also offers specific awards based on academic pursuit (like nursing and automotive technology) and extracurricular talents (like cheerleading and musical performance).