Below is a summary of some of the top-rated community colleges, highlighting their general focus, location, and what they are highly rated for.
Overview of Top-Rated Community Colleges
The highest-rated community colleges often distinguish themselves through exceptional student support, high graduate success rates (transfer or employment), and strong value (affordability).
1. State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech)
- Location: Linn, Missouri
- Highly Rated For: Exceptional career outcomes and retention/graduation rates. It frequently tops lists for having the best retention and graduation rates nationally, alongside high graduate employment and earning potential.
- General Feedback/History: State Tech, founded in 1961, focuses heavily on providing hands-on, technical training for in-demand careers in fields like automotive, aviation, and engineering technologies. Its mission is strongly tied to workforce development in Missouri.
2. Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC)
- Location: Manhattan, Kansas
- Highly Rated For: Strong career outcomes and low student-loan default rates. Graduates often report higher-than-average earnings.
- General Feedback/History: MATC is a public technical college dedicated to technical and career education. It often ranks highly for its ability to place students in well-paying jobs quickly after graduation.
3. De Anza College
- Location: Cupertino, California (in Silicon Valley)
- Highly Rated For: Transfer rates to four-year institutions, particularly the highly selective University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.
- General Feedback/History: Founded in 1967, De Anza is known for its rigorous liberal arts and science programs and its robust transfer preparation. Its location in a major technology hub also provides opportunities in tech and innovation.
4. College of San Mateo (CSM)
- Location: San Mateo, California
- Highly Rated For: High transfer rates to top universities and strong student support services.
- General Feedback/History: Part of the San Mateo County Community College District, CSM opened in 1922 and serves a diverse student body. It is often praised for its scenic campus and commitment to providing a solid foundation for university transfer.
5. Pasadena City College (PCC)
- Location: Pasadena, California
- Highly Rated For: Being a major feeder school for the University of California system and its comprehensive academic offerings.
- General Feedback/History: Founded in 1924, PCC is one of the largest single-campus community colleges in the country. It is highly respected for its strong academic reputation and variety of programs.
6. Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
- Location: Arnold, Maryland
- Highly Rated For: Program variety and student engagement.
- General Feedback/History: Established in 1961, AACC is known for its wide array of academic and continuing education programs, as well as its high level of community involvement and military student support.
7. Gateway Technical College
- Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin
- Highly Rated For: High retention rate and an excellent student-to-faculty ratio, suggesting strong student support and personalized attention.
- General Feedback/History: As part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Gateway has a long history (dating back to 1911) of focusing on workforce development and providing technical diplomas and associate degrees for direct employment.
8. Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC)
- Location: Appleton, Wisconsin
- Highly Rated For: Job placement rates and career-focused technical programs.
- General Feedback/History: FVTC is another leading member of the Wisconsin Technical College System. Its programs are highly aligned with local and regional industry needs, resulting in high employment for graduates.
9. Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC)
- Location: Sheldon, Iowa
- Highly Rated For: Consistently high graduation rates and strong career outcomes in technical fields.
- General Feedback/History: NCC emphasizes career and technical education with a focus on preparing students for immediate employment in fields like energy, manufacturing, and healthcare.
10. Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)
- Location: Santa Barbara, California
- Highly Rated For: High transfer rates to top-tier universities (like the UC system) and its stunning coastal location.
- General Feedback/History: Founded in 1909, SBCC is one of the oldest community colleges in California. It offers a blend of strong academic programs for transfer and career technical education in a desirable setting.
Other Highly Ranked Institutions
Several other community colleges frequently appear in the top 25, recognized for specific strengths:
| Institution | Location | Highly Rated For (Key Strength) | General Feedback/Focus |
| Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell, South Dakota | Technical programs and career outcomes. | Known for its strong industry-aligned technical and trade programs. |
| Pratt Community College | Pratt, Kansas | High percentage of full-time faculty and student support. | Offers associate degrees and technical certifications, focused on career readiness. |
| Montgomery College | Montgomery County, Maryland | Diversity, size, and transferability of programs. | A large, diverse college system with strong links to four-year universities in Maryland. |
| Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) | Santa Rosa, California | Transfer programs, particularly in the liberal arts. | One of the oldest community colleges (founded 1918) with a strong reputation for academic excellence. |
| Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Affordability and commitment to career training. | Large and comprehensive college that serves as a vital economic engine for the region. |
| North Central Kansas Technical College | Beloit, Kansas | High student retention and hands-on technical training. | Focuses on high-demand technical careers in the area. |
| Randolph Community College | Asheboro, North Carolina | High graduation/transfer rates and excellent student-to-faculty ratio. | Part of the extensive North Carolina Community College System, known for affordability and individualized attention. |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | Alexandria, Minnesota | Career preparation and technical skills. | A comprehensive technical and community college within the Minnesota State system. |
| Walla Walla Community College | Walla Walla, Washington | Flexibility in degree programs and transfer pathways. | Provides both academic transfer and workforce training in Eastern Washington. |
| Kingsborough Community College | Brooklyn, New York | Unique campus setting and role in the CUNY system. | The only community college in the CUNY system located on a peninsula, often noted for strong programs and student services. |
This list is representative of top performers across multiple methodologies and is not an exhaustive list of the only 25 best-rated colleges.
