Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Considering Texas community colleges? Learn more about the best community colleges in Texas, the cost of a degree, and why so many students choose Texas.
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Updated on October 12, 2023
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Texas has over 60 community colleges — and they enroll nearly 700,000 students.

Why do so many students choose Texas community colleges? Because they're affordable, high-quality institutions that offer hundreds of degree options.

Thinking about attending a community college in the Lone Star State? Then learn more about the best community colleges in Texas, how much you can expect to spend on your education, and why Texas is a great place for college.

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Best Community Colleges in Texas of 2023

Methodology

How did we rank the best community colleges in Texas? With over 60 schools to choose from, Texas has many high-quality options. We prioritized factors like affordability, accessibility, and variety. Our list considers the number of programs available, in-district and in-state tuition rates, and a variety of delivery methods.

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Laredo College

  • Laredo, TX
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Located near the Rio Grande and the border with Mexico, Laredo College stands out for its program options and affordability. In-district students pay only $50 per credit in tuition. And you can choose from over 80 programs, with options in allied health, business, vocational fields, and tech. 

Take classes in-person, online, or in a hybrid format. Many courses transfer toward a four-year degree. You can also use federal grants or scholarships to cover educational costs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,400
Out-of-state
$3,648
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
9,292
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Lee College

  • Baytown, TX
  • 2 years
  • Campus

It's one of the most affordable community colleges in Texas. At Lee College, you pay just $59 per credit for in-district tuition.

Located in Baytown on Texas's coastal plains, Lee College offers over 100 programs. Close to 8,000 students attend the college, which also offers online courses. You can access resources like a writing center, tutoring center, and math lab.

In 2021, students earned nearly 6,000 degrees, with an associate of applied science as the most popular option.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,012
Out-of-state
$3,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,487
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

El Paso Community College

  • El Paso, TX
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

At El Paso Community College (EPCC), you can choose from over 130 programs at an affordable tuition rate. The public college operates five campuses in El Paso County. Learners benefit from career and transfer support, a counseling center, and tutoring services. 

Want to transfer to a four-year college? EPCC provides multiple pathways to an AA or AS degree. You can also choose from over 350 continuing education courses to add skills to your resume.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,784
Out-of-state
$4,824
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
42%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
26,034
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Galveston College

  • Galveston, TX
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Located on Galveston Island in the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston College ranks among the best Texas community colleges. With a small student body of around 2,000 students, the public institution offers learner-focused programs. 

Choose from over 50 programs offered in multiple career pathways. You can study theater, psychology, computer science, or math. Or prepare for an allied health career with a degree in radiation therapy, diagnostic medical sonography, or nursing.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,010
Out-of-state
$4,260
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,060
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
84% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

San Jacinto Community College

  • Pasadena, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its main campus in Pasadena, San Jacinto College (SJC) offers 26 online associate degrees and 34 online workforce certificates. Or you can attend classes on one of the college's five campuses. 

SJC is one of the largest community colleges in Texas, with nearly 31,000 students. It also offers an affordable tuition rate, with a significant in-district discount for those in the Greater Houston area. You'll pay just $83 per credit as an in-district student.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,240
Out-of-state
$5,040
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
31,110
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Alvin Community College

  • Alvin, TX
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Over 5,000 students enroll at Alvin Community College (ACC), which covers a district of over 400 square miles of territory in the Gulf Coast region. The college helps prepare nurses, tech professionals, and allied health professionals who work in the area. 

You can choose from several career pathways, including business, education, public service, health, and the liberal arts. ACC also offers programs focused on manufacturing, logistics, and hospitality. You can take classes online, in person, or in a hybrid format.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,256
Out-of-state
$3,432
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
55%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,737
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

College of the Mainland

  • Texas City, TX
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

College of the Mainland (COM) is one of the most affordable community colleges in Texas. It also reports high graduate starting salaries: Grads with technical degrees report starting salaries of over $73,500. That makes COM one of the best options if you're seeking a technical degree.

The community college's workforce programs prepare grads for the workforce. The school also offers university preparation programs which lead to transfer degrees. Or you can earn a degree in business, management, or criminal justice online.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,550
Out-of-state
$3,450
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,335
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Texas State Technical College

  • Waco, TX
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Texas's technical colleges build career-ready skills. At Texas State Technical College, a public two-year institution, you can choose from over 40 programs offered on 10 campuses across the state. You learn from experienced instructors while gaining hands-on experience.

TSTC partners with businesses to design industry-relevant training programs. And the campuses emphasize emerging technical programs not offered at most other community colleges. For example, you can study precision machining technology, aircraft airframe technology, or mechatronics at TSTC.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,169
Out-of-state
$10,486
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,654
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Southwest Texas Junior College

  • Uvalde, TX
  • 2 years
  • Campus

Serving 11 counties in the southwestern part of the state, Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) ranks among the best community colleges in Texas. SWTJC prioritizes affordability and accessibility. Its programs prepare graduates for the job market or to transfer into four-year institutions.

What can you study at the junior college? Choose from programs in the humanities, business, health sciences, human services, or STEM. You can also study public safety or industrial services.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,024
Out-of-state
$4,848
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,480
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Brazosport College

  • Lake Jackson, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in Lake Jackson, Brazosport College (BC) offers multiple vocational and transfer-focused degrees. The Texas community college has a 156-acre campus that features a student pavilion, welding lab, and academic center. You also benefit from career coaching, academic counseling, and other student services.

BC partners with local industry leaders to help graduates prepare for the workforce. You can also enroll in online courses or access college resources online.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,629
Out-of-state
$4,063
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,852
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

List of All Community Colleges in Texas

We've created a complete list of all nonprofit community colleges in Texas, including four-year colleges that primarily award two-year degrees. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.

The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Schools with fewer than 100 undergraduates were not included in this list.

All Community Colleges in Texas
School Total Student Enrollment Avg. Annual Net Price
Altierus Career College-Bissonnet 260 $22,550
Alvin Community College 5,411 $7,354
Amarillo College 8,988 $4,903
Angelina College 4,002 $8,035
Austin Community College District 34,527 $4,470
Blinn College District 17,909 $14,290
Brazosport College 4,044 $4,718
Central Texas College 8,326 $4,693
Cisco College 2,877 $8,544
Clarendon College 1,371 $8,467
Coastal Bend College 3,899 $4,818
College of the Mainland 4,482 $3,201
Collin County Community College District 35,077 $7,280
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service 275 $33,371
Covenant School of Nursing and Allied Health 336 N/A
Dallas College 64,156 $2,743
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service 776 $16,269
Del Mar College 9,725 $6,028
El Paso Community College 24,398 $4,862
Frank Phillips College 1,634 $8,028
Galveston College 2,026 $8,001
Grayson College 3,938 $5,472
Hill College 3,689 $8,866
Houston Community College 48,159 $6,287
Howard College 4,264 $8,063
Jacksonville College 471 $11,416
Kilgore College 5,189 $7,655
Lamar Institute of Technology 4,808 $9,346
Lamar State College-Orange 2,682 $2,321
Lamar State College-Port Arthur 2,600 $3,659
Laredo College 9,317 $6,225
Lee College 7,807 $8,284
Lone Star College System 68,415 $10,188
McLennan Community College 6,942 $6,362
Midland College 5,404 $6,906
Navarro College 6,277 $10,124
North Central Texas College 7,360 $5,045
Northeast Lakeview College 7,399 $5,979
Northeast Texas Community College 3,029 $12,684
Northwest Vista College 17,222 $5,841
Odessa College 7,995 $9,899
Palo Alto College 10,641 $5,218
Panola College 2,386 $6,846
Paris Junior College 4,427 $6,669
Ranger College 2,297 $4,919
RCCGNA Seminary 182 N/A
Remington College-Dallas Campus 302 $24,572
Remington College-Fort Worth Campus 181 $25,702
Remington College-North Houston Campus 185 $23,527
San Antonio College 18,233 $6,869
San Jacinto Community College 30,593 $11,077
South Plains College 8,580 $6,470
South Texas College 27,894 $1,692
Southwest Texas Junior College 6,278 $8,003
St. Philip's College 12,653 $7,219
Tarrant County College District 40,131 $6,256
Temple College 4,602 $6,975
Texarkana College 3,800 $6,493
Texas Southmost College 7,648 $5,057
Texas State Technical College 10,601 $17,306
Trinity Valley Community College 5,362 $6,595
Tyler Junior College 11,901 $10,375
Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies 229 $11,077
Vernon College 2,249 $7,133
Victoria College 3,064 $5,929
Weatherford College 5,445 $9,872
Western Texas College 1,392 $5,816
Wharton County Junior College 5,495 $3,985
Source: NCES

What Is the Cost of Community College in Texas?

Texas community colleges offer an affordable route to a degree. On average, Texas residents studying at two-year colleges spend under $3,000 per year in tuition and fees. Many community colleges in Texas also offer in-district tuition rates that cost even less than the in-state rates.

If you're considering a bachelor's degree, community college can potentially save you thousands of dollars. Start by earning an associate degree through a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution to finish your bachelor's degree.

The table below lists the in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for Texas community colleges.

Cost of Community College in Texas 2021
Institution Type Avg. Tuition & Required Fees
Public 2-Year (In-State) $2,828
Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) $7,764
Source: NCES

Why Study in Texas?

Texas is a great place to attend college. If you live in the Lone Star State, you'll benefit from cheap tuition rates at Texas community colleges. And that's only one reason students choose Texas for college.

  • Job Opportunities: Texas boasts one of the largest economies in the world, with booming manufacturing, tech, and business sectors. College graduates have many career opportunities in the state.
  • Cost of Living: Looking for an affordable cost of living? Texas reports a cost of living 7% below the national average. That can make the cost of a degree even more affordable.
  • Transfer Options: Thanks to the Texas Common Course Numbering System, it's easy to transfer from a Texas community college to a four-year institution. And it's also the most affordable route to a bachelor's degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in Texas

How many community colleges are in Texas?

Texas has over 60 community colleges, which includes junior colleges and technical colleges. These institutions offer affordable, accessible college degrees.

When choosing a community college, make sure to check for accreditation, look at the program options, and research student services.

Does Texas have good community colleges?

Yes, Texas has many good community colleges. The state's community colleges offer certificates, workforce preparation programs, and academic degrees that transfer to four-year institutions.

The average tuition rate for Texas community colleges is also below the national average, according to the latest NCES data.

How much does it cost to go to community college in Texas?

Texas community colleges charge around $2,830 per year in tuition and fees, on average, according to 2021 NCES data. That's less than the national average of $3,500.

Many community colleges in Texas also offer tuition discounts for in-district students. That can mean even more affordable tuition rates.

What is the cheapest community college in Texas?

The cheapest community colleges in Texas include South Texas College, Lamar State College Orange, and Dallas College. At South Texas College, students pay an average net price of around just $1,700 per year.

Many Texas community colleges offer discounts for in-district students. Laredo College, for example, offers an affordable tuition rate of $50 per credit for in-district students. When researching community colleges, start with your local options for the most affordable tuition rates.

What is the best community college in Texas?

Texas has many respected community colleges, including Laredo College, El Paso Community College, and San Jacinto College. Across the state, nearly 700,000 students enroll in community colleges.

If you're looking at Texas community colleges, consider factors like college cost, programs, and student services to find the best fit for your needs.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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