Community Colleges

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Establishments in this industry provide academic and occupational courses of study and grant associate degrees, certificates, or diplomas below the baccalaureate level. Major US community colleges include Ivy Tech Community College, Lone Star College, Houston Community College, Tarrant County College, and Northern Virginia Community College.

Competitive Landscape:

Demand depends on the demographic composition of the communities that surround a school and local employment needs. The profitability of individual institutions depends on efficient operations. Large community colleges have advantages in being able to offer a broader range of programs. Smaller institutions can compete effectively by specializing.

Products, Operations & Technology

Community colleges offer mainly two-year programs of study that prepare students either for transfer to a four-year college or university, or for direct entry into the workforce; they also offer continuing education for workers. Graduates earn an associate degree or various industry/trade certificates.