Average Cost of Attending Community College in 2025

Community college is often far more affordable than a four-year university, but the actual cost can vary substantially. In some states, tuition is free, while in others, rates depend on whether you live in-district or out of state. And tuition is just one piece of the puzzle — fees, textbooks, and living expenses can all affect your bottom line. Knowing how these costs work can help you save thousands and avoid unnecessary debt.

Here's what to know about how much community college costs and how to plan for it.

Current private student loan rates

How much is community college in 2025?

During the 2024-25 academic year, the average cost of tuition and fees at a community college was $4,050 for in-district students , according to the CollegeBoard. That means, it typically costs $8,100 to earn an associate degree in about two years.

See Also: Best Community College Student Loans

That number can vary depending on the school you attend and whether you live in the district or out of state. “Community colleges are public colleges, so out-of-state costs are higher than in-state,” says Jack Wang, a wealth adviser at Innovative Advisory Group who specializes in college financial planning.

Additional costs beyond tuition and fees

Tuition and fees are only part of the total cost of attending community college. You'll also need to budget for transportation, books, supplies, and any required equipment for your classes.

Housing and food are other major expenses. If you can live at home rent-free, you could save a significant amount. But if you need to live on or near campus, housing costs can add up quickly.

When you add everything together, the average total cost of attending community college in 2024-25 is closer to $20,570 per year for in-district students.

Can I go to community college for free?

More than 30 states offer some form of tuition-free community college, typically through first-dollar or last-dollar scholarship programs. First-dollar programs cover tuition before other financial aid is applied, while last-dollar programs cover what's left after grants and scholarships.

“Many states offer free or discounted community college, and this is done via state grants,” says Robert Farrington, founder of The College Investor. “You can receive those by filling out the FAFSA.”

In-state vs. out-of-state community college costs

Community colleges usually offer the lowest tuition rates to in-district students, those who live within the college's service area. Out-of-district and out-of-state students typically pay more.

For example, at the Community College of Philadelphia:

• Philadelphia residents pay $159 per credit hour.
• Other Pennsylvania residents pay $318 per credit hour.
• Out-of-state students pay $477 per credit hour.

Before applying, check how your residency status will affect what you pay.

Community college vs. 4-year college tuition

Community college is significantly more affordable than a four-year college, which makes it a popular option for students looking to earn an associate degree or transfer later to complete a bachelor's.

Another key difference is how costs are displayed. “Community colleges typically show their prices as per credit hour rather than the estimated cost with a full-time course load,” explains Wang.

For the 2024-25 academic year, here's how average tuition and fees compare across types of colleges:

Pros and cons of attending community college

Pros

• Lower tuition costs: Significantly cheaper than 4-year universities, especially for in-district residents, with some states offering residents free tuition.
• Class schedule flexibility: Offers part-time, evening, weekend, and online classes to accommodate different schedules.
• More lenient admissions requirements: Allow a wider range of applicants to qualify, including those with lower GPAs or gaps in education.
• Smaller class sizes: They usually have smaller class sizes than large universities, allowing for more personalized attention from instructors.
• Transfer pathways: Many have agreements with 4-year schools, making it easier to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree.
• Often closer to home: Campuses are usually closer to home, which can save you money on housing and commuting.
• Offers technical and career programs: Schools typically have vocational training options that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.

Cons

• Limited campus life: Offers less of a traditional college experience, like football games, on-campus housing, and Greek life, to name a few.
• Fewer degree options: Typically only offers associate degrees and certificates, not bachelor's degrees.
• Credit transfer challenges: Not every class credit is eligible to transfer to every 4-year university, which can delay graduation.
• Limited resources: Smaller budgets could mean fewer facilities, labs, or specialized programs compared to larger universities.

How to pay for community college

There are several ways to cover the cost of community college, and financial aid is widely available. Here are some of the most common options:

• Pell Grants: If you have financial need, you may qualify for a federal Pell Grant to help pay for community college. These grants don't need to be repaid and, in some cases, can cover a large portion of your tuition.
• State grants: Many states offer their own grant programs to help high school graduates pay for community college. You'll need to submit the FAFSA to determine your eligibility, and some states may require a separate application.
• Work-study: If you have financial need, the federal work-study program can help you earn money through part-time employment to cover educational expenses.
• Federal student loans: Students enrolled at least half-time may be eligible for federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. These loans aren't based on credit and come with low starting interest rates, income-driven repayment plans, and access to forgiveness programs.
• Private student loans: Community college is generally affordable, and most students won't need private loans. But if you've maxed out your federal aid, private student loans are available. Just keep in mind that they come with fewer borrower protections, and rates are based on your credit and income.