Community colleges are often two year programs that allow students to earn an associates degree at a decreased yearly cost. A 2021 review found that on average, students can stand to save nearly 90 percent of what they would have paid at a private, four-year university.

We used our in-depth methodology to take the guesswork out of choosing the best school for you, so you can focus on earning your degree and less on researching schools.

Here’s our list of the top community colleges in the U.S., why they met the mark and how they can help you reach your educational goals.

Methodology

To find the best community colleges of 2022, Bankrate sifted through the top 52 community colleges based on criteria like student success metrics, affordability and financial aid distribution.

Graduation rate

The graduation rate of a school is a primary indicator of student success and can give insight as to the quality of the education at each institution. That’s why we used College Board’s database to gather the schools with at least a 40 percent graduation rate as a base indicator to determine what constitutes as a best community college.

Average annual cost

College Scorecard defines the average annual net cost as the average net price that a student is responsible for paying after receiving federal financial aid minus any grants or scholarships received.

With the cost of college tuition rising, most students have cost at the top of their mind when it comes to choosing which school to attend. Using College Scorecard’s data, we made sure that the schools we chose have an annual cost of under $15,000. For public schools, the price listed reflects the cost for in-state students.

Average median earnings

The median earnings of students who graduated from an institution is a clear marker of student success, and thus played a large role in how we determined the top 10 community colleges in America.

Using College Scoreboard’s data, we gathered the 20 schools that have the highest average median earnings for those who attended the school 10 years ago and received financial aid.

Percentage of student who receive financial aid

Each school has a specific financial aid budget, that’s why it’s important to factor in how many students receive financial aid at each institution when considering the overall affordability of your college degree.

Using the IPEDS database, we looked up the percentage of students who received financial aid, including grants, scholarships, need-based federal aid and loans. The 10 schools with the highest percentage of aid distribution made the final cut.

The top 10 U.S. community colleges

1.Itasca Community College

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Itasca ranked as the top community college of 2022 for a number of reasons. For one, the annual cost falls well below the national average $15,000 for community colleges. Plus, the school offers a wide range of degree programs, offers a Denmark student exchange program and a yearly short-term study abroad trip.

  • Graduation rate: 42%
  • Average annual cost: $12,000
  • Average median earnings: $40,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 98%

2. North Iowa Area Community College

Also referred to as NIACC, North Iowa has been operating for over 100 years and has over 3,000 students enrolled. As well as offering top-notch facilities and faculty, the school has an established reputation in North Iowa for its educational opportunities.

  • Graduation rate: 53%
  • Average annual cost: $8,000
  • Average median earnings: $38,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 96%

3. Northern Wyoming Community College District

The Northern Wyoming Community College District is a multi-campus community college that comprises three schools: Sheridan, Gillete and the Johnson County location. Between the three campuses, there are over 50 academic programs offered that cater to a wide range of interests.

Each campus has a lively student population and offers hundreds of free activities each year. Plus, as a unique perk for a community college, students can choose to live on both the Gillete and Sherdian campuses.

  • Graduation rate: 41%
  • Average annual cost: $11,000
  • Average median earnings: $38,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 96%

4. Northland Community and Technical College

Northland Community and Technical College has 4 campuses that span across Minnesota. Located in East Grand Forks, Thief River Falls and Roseau, each campus has its own unique student culture. There’s an online “campus” which allows students to earn a degree remotely and a dedicated Aerospace school dedicated to aviation maintenance technology.

  • Graduation rate: 45%
  • Average annual cost: $12,000
  • Average median earnings: $41,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 94%

5. Pratt Community College

Located in Pratt Kansas, Pratt community college offers the option to earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies or an Associate of Science degree in a variety of programs, including 10 areas of concentration for the General Studies program. Students also have the option to live on-campus and be an active member of housing and residence life, which contributes to its thriving student success community.

  • Graduation rate: 41%
  • Average annual cost: $9,158
  • Average median earnings: $42,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 94%

6. Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Offering over 60 academic disciplines, students at Minnesota West Community and Technical College can earn a degree, a diploma or a certification in their chosen field of study at one of any five campuses.

Between the Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone and Worthington locations, students can participate in on-campus activities like athletics, intramural sports, and interest-based clubs and organizations. Plus, those who attend the Granite Falls campus can take advantage of child care while attending classes.

  • Graduation rate: 49%
  • Average annual cost: $11,000
  • Average median earnings: $39,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 93%

7. Miles Community College

On top of its expansive degree and program catalog, Miles Community College offers a plethora of student services and resources, including counseling and disability services, an athletic center and an agricultural advancement center.

Miles also offers direct academic services, like free one-on-one peer tutoring and career counseling through its on-campus Learning Center. The school provides adult basic education assistance, as well as English courses for those who aren’t native speakers.

  • Graduation rate: 47%
  • Average annual cost: $8,000
  • Average median earnings: $38,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 92%

8. Northeast Community College

Located in Norfolk, Nebraska, Northeast offers a wide array of student activities outside of its extensive academic catalog, like the Hawkfest honor band and choir, FFA district competitions and over 45 student clubs and organizations. Plus, the college boasts eight nationally-recognized athletic programs that compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I and II levels.

  • Graduation rate: 46%
  • Average annual cost: $9,000
  • Average median earnings: $38,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 91%

9. Alexandria Technical and Community College

Alexandria Technical and Community College ranks among the highest of all 2-year colleges in Minnesota for its retention and graduation rates, as well as its career placement records.

Available both online and in-person, there are seven areas of studies offered, from degree transfer pathways in subjects like Liberal Arts and Sciences and Accounting to certifications in technical fields, like cybersecurity.

  • Graduation rate: 64%
  • Average annual cost: $14,000
  • Average median earnings: $45,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 91%

10. Northwest Iowa Community College

Northwest Iowa offers six fields of study in: business/IT, electrical/ construction, general studies, health, manufacturing and transportation studies. NCC has been the recipient of multiple national awards and was named #1 in the nation for the best online community college.

  • Graduation rate: 59%
  • Average annual cost: $11,000
  • Average median earnings: $51,000
  • Percentage of students who receive financial aid: 89%