Rankings / National

Best Community Colleges

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 50 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$45,516

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

41%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$7,961

Avg. Net Price

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Graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology earn an average of $62,696. That’s a significant jump in income compared to many community colleges. For families, that number represents potential financial security after graduation.

Searching for the best community colleges is often a quest for a brighter future. Families weigh factors like job prospects, graduation rates, and debt. The goal is clear: find a school that sets students up for success without overwhelming them with debt.

Consider De Anza College and Middlesex College. De Anza graduates earn $56,596 on average with a graduation rate of 68%. In contrast, Middlesex College sees earnings of $46,861 and a graduation rate of just 34%. These differences can impact a family’s decision-making process.

Key Findings

Graduates from the Fashion Institute of Technology earn an average of $62,696.

De Anza College has a graduation rate of 68% compared to Middlesex College at 34%.

Irvine Valley College has the lowest net price at $2,090.

Southern Utah University graduates carry an average debt of $12,500.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 50

Avg. earnings at 10yr $45,516

Avg. graduation rate 41%

Avg. net price $7,961

Avg. median debt $10,250

How We Ranked

Mobility-weighted composite for public associate's-degree-granting institutions

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Fashion Institute of Technology

New York, NY

Graduation82%

Earnings$62,696

Net Price$19,095

View full profile →

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT

Graduation60%

Earnings$50,296

Net Price$10,462

View full profile →

Western Texas College

Snyder, TX

Graduation56%

Earnings$42,508

Net Price$3,562

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Fashion Institute of Technology

New York, NY · 7,637 students · Public

With a graduation rate of 82%, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, NY attracts students passionate about design and business. The median earnings for graduates reach $62,696 after ten years, reflecting strong job placement in competitive industries.

60% accepted 82% graduate $62,696 earnings

Fashion's full profile

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT · 9,289 students · Public

Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT has around 9,289 students and a graduation rate of 60%. This school is popular among traditional students and offers a range of programs that cater to various interests and career paths.

82% accepted 60% graduate $50,296 earnings

Southern's full profile

Western Texas College

Snyder, TX · 599 students · Public

Western Texas College serves around 599 students with a graduation rate of 56%. Located in Snyder, Texas, it caters to those looking for a smaller, tight-knit community. Graduates earn a median income of $42,508 within a decade of completing their studies.

56% graduate $42,508 earnings

Western's full profile

Irvine Valley College

Irvine, CA · 10,286 students · Public

Irvine Valley College in California has around 10,286 students and a graduation rate of 57%. Known for its strong community focus, this school appeals to a diverse student body, including those who may be balancing work and studies.

57% graduate $49,156 earnings

Irvine's full profile

Raritan Valley Community College

Branchburg, NJ · 5,416 students · Public

Raritan Valley Community College has a graduation rate of 33%. With 5,416 students, it emphasizes accessibility and support for those pursuing various fields. Students can expect to earn a median of $48,145 a decade after graduation.

33% graduate $48,145 earnings

Raritan's full profile

Bristol Community College

Fall River, MA · 6,083 students · Public

22% graduate $38,663 earnings

Bristol's full profile

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS · 4,210 students · Public

89% accepted 57% graduate $50,579 earnings

Pittsburg's full profile

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred, NY · 3,563 students · Public

76% accepted 54% graduate $50,445 earnings

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, CA · 17,684 students · Public

Saddleback College has an enrollment of 17,684 students and a graduation rate of 46%. Located in Mission Viejo, it offers a diverse range of programs catering to various interests. Graduates earn a median of $50,874 within a decade, indicating strong earning potential.

46% graduate $50,874 earnings

Saddleback's full profile

#10

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND · 2,839 students · Public

Bismarck State College has a graduation rate of 48%. This institution serves 2,839 students, making it a close-knit environment for those seeking a community feel. With median earnings of $54,277 at ten years post-graduation, many students find solid job prospects after completion.

48% graduate $54,277 earnings

Bismarck's full profile

#11

Williston State College

Williston, ND · 651 students · Public

Williston State College has a smaller student body of 651, with a graduation rate of 41%. This may appeal to those looking for personalized attention in their studies. Graduates report median earnings of $44,017 after ten years, which may be a consideration for future planning.

41% graduate $44,017 earnings

Williston's full profile

#12

Weber State University

Ogden, UT · 16,360 students · Public

Weber State University enrolls 16,360 students and has a graduation rate of 45%. Situated in Ogden, UT, the university is recognized for its comprehensive programs and support for various student groups, including working adults and first-generation students.

45% graduate $56,287 earnings

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT · 28,453 students · Public

43% graduate $55,486 earnings

Warren County Community College

Washington, NJ · 836 students · Public

Warren County Community College has a strong graduation rate of 43%. With a small student body of 836, it fosters close relationships between faculty and students. The median earnings for graduates reach $43,359 after ten years.

43% graduate $43,359 earnings

Warren's full profile

#15

College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, ID · 3,810 students · Public

In Twin Falls, Idaho, the College of Southern Idaho has a graduation rate of 34%. This school attracts around 3,810 students, including many first-generation college attendees. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,916 ten years after leaving, showcasing potential for career growth.

34% graduate $40,916 earnings

College's full profile

#16

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, CA · 21,466 students · Public

Pasadena City College serves over 21,000 students and has a graduation rate of 44%. Students notice a vibrant campus with numerous resources available. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,937 ten years after enrollment.

44% graduate $43,937 earnings

Pasadena's full profile

#17

Sussex County Community College

Newton, NJ · 2,086 students · Public

40% graduate $44,664 earnings

Sussex's full profile

#18

Northern Oklahoma College

Tonkawa, OK · 1,941 students · Public

Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa has an enrollment of 1,941 students. It has a graduation rate of 44%, which may be a consideration for some. Graduates earn a median income of $37,566 at ten years post-graduation, indicating a pathway to financial stability.

44% graduate $37,566 earnings

Northern's full profile

#19

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, CA · 15,832 students · Public

College of the Canyons has 15,832 students and a graduation rate of 44%. Situated in Santa Clarita, California, it is known for its strong connections to local industries. Students often choose this school for its focus on career readiness and transfer programs to four-year institutions.

44% graduate $49,022 earnings

College's full profile

#20

North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND · 1,909 students · Public

North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton serves 1,909 students. It boasts a 52% graduation rate, offering a strong pathway to completion. Graduates earn a median income of $50,513 at ten years, suggesting good job prospects for alumni.

52% graduate $50,513 earnings

Barton County Community College

Great Bend, KS · 2,455 students · Public

38% graduate $40,428 earnings

Barton's full profile

#22

County College of Morris

Randolph, NJ · 5,360 students · Public

35% graduate $50,243 earnings

County's full profile

#23

Mount Wachusett Community College

Gardner, MA · 3,059 students · Public

27% graduate $41,118 earnings

Brazosport College

Lake Jackson, TX · 2,622 students · Public

Brazosport College has one of the highest graduation rates at 47%. Located in Lake Jackson, Texas, this college serves 2,622 students in a welcoming environment. Graduates can expect to earn a median of $45,910 a decade after finishing their studies.

47% graduate $45,910 earnings

Brazosport's full profile

#25

Montgomery College

Rockville, MD · 13,773 students · Public

30% graduate $50,159 earnings

Montgomery's full profile

#26

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, CA · 11,562 students · Public

With a graduation rate of just 36%, College of the Sequoias serves a large population of 11,562 students. The low net price of $480 makes it an accessible option for many. Graduates see median earnings of $39,092, which reflects its affordability but may also influence future job choices.

36% graduate $39,092 earnings

College's full profile

#27

Carroll Community College

Westminster, MD · 1,990 students · Public

Carroll Community College in Westminster, MD, has around 1,990 students. The graduation rate of 43% reflects a commitment to student success, although there's room for improvement to support more graduates.

43% graduate $44,349 earnings

Carroll's full profile

#28

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, SD · 990 students · Public

Mitchell Technical College in South Dakota has a high graduation rate of 74%, which is appealing for prospective students. With a small enrollment of 990, students may benefit from a more personalized education. Graduates earn a median of $50,743 at ten years, reflecting strong career outcomes.

74% graduate $50,743 earnings

Mitchell's full profile

#29

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, VA · 33,048 students · Public

35% graduate $53,557 earnings

Northern's full profile

#30

Temple College

Temple, TX · 3,178 students · Public

29% graduate $38,678 earnings

Temple's full profile

#31

North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, IA · 1,320 students · Public

North Iowa Area Community College serves 1,320 students and has a graduation rate of 58%. This higher completion rate indicates effective support systems in place for students striving towards their degrees.

58% graduate $43,462 earnings

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA · 7,591 students · Public

42% graduate $41,016 earnings

Kirkwood's full profile

#33

College of Southern Maryland

La Plata, MD · 4,512 students · Public

33% graduate $44,435 earnings

College's full profile

#34

Lake Region State College

Devils Lake, ND · 611 students · Public

Attending this college costs about $13,577 after financial aid. Graduates see median earnings of $49,502 within a decade, and a median debt of $10,293 creates a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21x, supporting a range of student backgrounds.

51% graduate $49,502 earnings

Jefferson College

Hillsboro, MO · 2,552 students · Public

35% graduate $40,782 earnings

Jefferson's full profile

#36

Connecticut State Community College

New Britain, CT · 33,645 students · Public

21% graduate $41,344 earnings

Connecticut's full profile

#37

North Central Texas College

Gainesville, TX · 5,863 students · Public

With 5,863 students, North Central Texas College has a graduation rate of 35%. This school offers a diverse community for students looking to start their education close to home in Gainesville, Texas. Many students may appreciate the supportive environment and the resources available to help them succeed.

35% graduate $45,809 earnings

Suffolk County Community College

Selden, NY · 14,218 students · Public

Suffolk County Community College in Selden, NY, has a student population of 14,218. The graduation rate is 27%, which could signal challenges in student retention and support.

27% graduate $49,907 earnings

Suffolk's full profile

#39

Northeast Texas Community College

Mount Pleasant, TX · 1,973 students · Public

Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant enrolls 1,973 students. The school has a graduation rate of 46%, which is higher than some community colleges. With median earnings of $37,870 at ten years after graduation, it shows potential for upward mobility.

46% graduate $37,870 earnings

Northeast's full profile

#40

Wharton County Junior College

Wharton, TX · 4,585 students · Public

Wharton County Junior College serves 4,585 students and has a graduation rate of 24%. The campus culture emphasizes inclusivity, making it a welcoming place for students from various backgrounds. The college’s commitment to education can lead to promising career outcomes for its graduates.

24% graduate $44,960 earnings

Wharton's full profile

#41

Ocean County College

Toms River, NJ · 5,424 students · Public

40% graduate $45,210 earnings

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · 5,388 students · Public

96% accepted 49% graduate $41,766 earnings

Arkansas's full profile

#43

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Wellesley Hills, MA · 3,837 students · Public

16% graduate $52,654 earnings

Massachusetts's full profile

#44

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, IL · 1,051 students · Public

45% graduate $35,274 earnings

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa, OK · 12,228 students · Public

28% graduate $39,746 earnings

North Shore Community College

Danvers, MA · 4,393 students · Public

18% graduate $45,391 earnings

Macomb Community College

Warren, MI · 13,876 students · Public

17% graduate $41,596 earnings

Macomb's full profile

#48

North Central Missouri College

Trenton, MO · 1,286 students · Public

57% graduate $40,837 earnings

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

New York, NY · 18,623 students · Public

25% graduate $42,306 earnings

New Mexico Junior College

Hobbs, NM · 2,175 students · Public

42% graduate $34,233 earnings

A closer look reveals why the Fashion Institute of Technology stands out. Its $62,696 average earnings significantly surpass Middlesex College’s $46,861. The graduation rate at Fashion Institute also reflects stronger student outcomes at 82% compared to Middlesex’s 34%. This pattern shows how certain colleges can lead to better financial futures.

After reviewing 50 schools, weigh the data against personal priorities. Consider location, specific programs, and campus culture. Assess how much debt is manageable for your family. This practical approach helps narrow down choices to those that align with your goals.

This data underscores the importance of choosing a school that can facilitate a stable future. One student’s decision can impact their family’s financial landscape for years. A solid college choice can make all the difference in achieving a stable life post-graduation.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →

[2]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[3]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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