What is a community college?
Community colleges are two-year, post-secondary institutions that offer a variety of educational programs at affordable costs to students of all ages. Because Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges have an open admission policy and serve audiences ranging from high school students to senior citizens, they are the largest providers of public, post-secondary education in the Commonwealth.

Students attending community colleges may earn associates degrees, start their bachelor degrees, attend workforce development programs, obtain vocational-technical training, work toward a GED or pursue personal enrichment.

I work full-time, are there courses available to me?
All of Pennsylvania’s community colleges offer day and evening on-campus classes. If getting to campus is difficult for you, the colleges also offer distance learning opportunities, such as online classes, off-campus class locations and video courses.

What does open admission mean?
Pennsylvania community colleges are open to all Pennsylvanians no matter what age or educational background.

How much does it cost to attend a community college?
Pennsylvania community colleges strive to remain the most affordable higher education institutions in the Commonwealth. Costs vary per institution and are usually prorated based on residency. For example, individuals living within the sponsor area usually pay less tuition than those outside the sponsor area.

What is the difference between sponsor and non-sponsor?
Each college must have a local sponsor, which may be a city, county, individual school district or consortium of these entities.

What if there isn’t a community college near me?
All of the colleges offer some form of distance learning, either via the Internet or teleconference. These programs require very little on-campus time while still meeting the goals and objectives of traditional courses and carry the same credits as traditional, face-to-face courses. Distance learning enables you to conveniently access courses and programs according to your schedule--no matter where you are.

Will my community college credits transfer to a four-year-college or university? 
The community colleges have articulation agreements with numerous colleges and university within Pennsylvania and across the country. These agreements outline the terms of the credit acceptance and transfer for academically qualified students transfer.

Do the colleges have on-campus housing?
Only Northampton Community College currently offers on-campus housing.