Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
By
Updated on October 12, 2023
Edited by
Learn more about our editorial process
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.

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.

Featured Online Programs

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

Best Community Colleges in Texas of 2023

badge-check 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.

#1 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Laredo College

  • Location-markerLaredo, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,400
  • Out-of-state$3,648
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled9,292
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Lee College

  • Location-markerBaytown, TX
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,012
  • Out-of-state$3,552
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled7,487
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment49%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

El Paso Community College

  • Location-markerEl Paso, TX
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,784
  • Out-of-state$4,824
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate42%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled26,034
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Galveston College

  • Location-markerGalveston, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,010
  • Out-of-state$4,260
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled2,060
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment84%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

San Jacinto Community College

  • Location-markerPasadena, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,240
  • Out-of-state$5,040
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled31,110
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Alvin Community College

  • Location-markerAlvin, TX
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,256
  • Out-of-state$3,432
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate55%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled5,737
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment44%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

College of the Mainland

  • Location-markerTexas City, TX
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,550
  • Out-of-state$3,450
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled4,335
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment77%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Texas State Technical College

  • Location-markerWaco, TX
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,169
  • Out-of-state$10,486
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled10,654
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Southwest Texas Junior College

  • Location-markerUvalde, TX
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,024
  • Out-of-state$4,848
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled6,480
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Community Colleges in Texas: All 60+ Schools

Brazosport College

  • Location-markerLake Jackson, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,629
  • Out-of-state$4,063
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled3,852
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment86%
  • AccreditationYes

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
SchoolTotal Student EnrollmentAvg. Annual Net Price
Altierus Career College-Bissonnet260$22,550
Alvin Community College5,411$7,354
Amarillo College8,988$4,903
Angelina College4,002$8,035
Austin Community College District34,527$4,470
Blinn College District17,909$14,290
Brazosport College4,044$4,718
Central Texas College8,326$4,693
Cisco College2,877$8,544
Clarendon College1,371$8,467
Coastal Bend College3,899$4,818
College of the Mainland4,482$3,201
Collin County Community College District35,077$7,280
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service275$33,371
Covenant School of Nursing and Allied Health336N/A
Dallas College64,156$2,743
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service776$16,269
Del Mar College9,725$6,028
El Paso Community College24,398$4,862
Frank Phillips College1,634$8,028
Galveston College2,026$8,001
Grayson College3,938$5,472
Hill College3,689$8,866
Houston Community College48,159$6,287
Howard College4,264$8,063
Jacksonville College471$11,416
Kilgore College5,189$7,655
Lamar Institute of Technology4,808$9,346
Lamar State College-Orange2,682$2,321
Lamar State College-Port Arthur2,600$3,659
Laredo College9,317$6,225
Lee College7,807$8,284
Lone Star College System68,415$10,188
McLennan Community College6,942$6,362
Midland College5,404$6,906
Navarro College6,277$10,124
North Central Texas College7,360$5,045
Northeast Lakeview College7,399$5,979
Northeast Texas Community College3,029$12,684
Northwest Vista College17,222$5,841
Odessa College7,995$9,899
Palo Alto College10,641$5,218
Panola College2,386$6,846
Paris Junior College4,427$6,669
Ranger College2,297$4,919
RCCGNA Seminary182N/A
Remington College-Dallas Campus302$24,572
Remington College-Fort Worth Campus181$25,702
Remington College-North Houston Campus185$23,527
San Antonio College18,233$6,869
San Jacinto Community College30,593$11,077
South Plains College8,580$6,470
South Texas College27,894$1,692
Southwest Texas Junior College6,278$8,003
St. Philip’s College12,653$7,219
Tarrant County College District40,131$6,256
Temple College4,602$6,975
Texarkana College3,800$6,493
Texas Southmost College7,648$5,057
Texas State Technical College10,601$17,306
Trinity Valley Community College5,362$6,595
Tyler Junior College11,901$10,375
Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies229$11,077
Vernon College2,249$7,133
Victoria College3,064$5,929
Weatherford College5,445$9,872
Western Texas College1,392$5,816
Wharton County Junior College5,495$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 TypeAvg. 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.

Explore More College Resources

Best Colleges in Texas + Complete List of Schools

Best Colleges in Texas + Complete List of Schools

Low cost of living? Check. Preparation for high-paying jobs? Check. The best colleges in Texas meet these requirements and more.

Erin Treder

by Erin Treder

Updated December 18, 2024

Best Vocational Trade School Programs in Texas

Best Vocational Trade School Programs in Texas

Trade schools can train you for growing industries and well-paid jobs at a reasonable cost. Find the best trade schools in Texas to start your career.

Kasia Kovacs

by Kasia Kovacs

Updated July 9, 2022

7 Best HBCUs in Texas

7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Read more to learn about the top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Texas and what they have to offer prospective students.

Kwynn Gonzalez-Pons, Ph.D.

by Kwynn Gonzalez-Pons, Ph.D.

Updated June 8, 2023