Finding the right community college can be daunting. As a future college student, there are so many community colleges to choose from that it can seem impossible to know where to start. The schools on our list are not only the best community colleges in San Antonio but are some of the best community colleges in Texas.
Furthermore, we detail some of the best online community colleges in San Antonio for students who may prefer to take the distance learning route. This article will guide you through various community colleges in San Antonio and the best programs to help you make the most of your education.
How Many Community Colleges Are in San Antonio?
There are five community colleges in San Antonio. Four of these schools are located in Bexar County within the San Antonio City limits. One of these colleges, though located in Universal City, is counted as part of the college network within San Antonio’s Alamo college district.
These community colleges are renowned for their academic excellence. They have transfer partnerships with universities such as Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Texas Lutheran University. Students can pursue popular programs in various academic fields at the associate degree level.
What Is the Biggest Community College in San Antonio?
The biggest community college in San Antonio is San Antonio College. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, in 2021 San Antonio College enrolled 17,677 students. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) recorded the student population at 19,231. The college’s open admissions policy makes higher education easily accessible.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in San Antonio?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palo Alto College | 33% | 31:1 |
| 2 | Northwest Vista College | 32% | 31:1 |
| 3 | Northeast Lakeview College | 28% | 31:1 |
| 4 | St. Philip’s College | 28% | 18:1 |
| 5 | San Antonio College | 26% | 24:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in San Antonio: Explained
The best community colleges in San Antonio are Palo Alto College, Northwest Vista College, Northeast Lakeview College, St. Philip’s College, and San Antonio College. This selection is easy, seeing as together they form the Alamo Colleges District in the south of Texas. This district offers a low-cost option for competitive academic programs.
These community colleges have an average student-faculty ratio, an open admissions policy, excellent reviews, and a variety of academic programs that are popular options across many universities. We have detailed all of these factors below.
Best Online Community Colleges in San Antonio
- San Antonio College. San Antonio College has more than 36 fully online programs, the majority of which are at the associate degree level. Getting an online associate degree from San Antonio College allows you to pursue your degree at your own pace and time.
- Palo Alto College. The majority of Palo Alto’s online college programs are level one and level two certificates in various fields of study. Stackable credentials provide you with a good foundation to build upon toward attaining your associate or four-year degree program. It offers 21 online programs.
- St. Philip’s College. The 13 online programs at St. Philips allow you to study from any location of your choice. You need not attend any classes in person unless participating in internships or hands-on programs.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other San Antonio Community College Rankings
Other factors that make San Antonio community colleges stand out are the programs offered, popular fields of study, and the ease with which students can transfer to partner programs at the bachelor’s level. Below, we look at how these schools rank within these factors.
Best Community Colleges in San Antonio for Transfer
- Northwest Vista College. Transfer programs at this school include geography and environmental sustainability, physics, economics, and peace and conflict studies. Students studying in any of the 38 transfer programs can move to complete their degrees at four-year national universities such as Sam Houston State University and The University of San Antonio.
- St. Philip’s College. Some of the transfer programs offered at St. Philips include engineering, psychology, and social work. Students can transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in four-year universities such as Texas A&M University, St. Mary’s University, Angelo State University, Schreiner University, and various other public or private universities.
- Palo Alto College. Palo Alto offers almost 30 transfer programs, including biology, chemistry, and criminal justice. Students typically transfer from Palo Alto to complete their bachelor’s degrees at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or San Antonio, as well as the University of the Incarnate Word and Our Lady of the Lake University.
Best Community Colleges for Healthcare in San Antonio
- San Antonio College. San Antonio College offers a wide variety of programs in the healthcare industry. If you wish to pursue studies leading to careers in nursing, nutrition, emergency medical paramedics, or pharmacy, then you will find good programs at San Antonio College.
- Northwest Vista College. Northwest Vista College offers foundational programs in chemistry and biology, which are foundational to careers within the healthcare industry. Additionally, programs such as pharmacy technology, community health, and clinical research can lead to solid entry-level jobs.
- St. Philip’s College. St. Philip’s offers a wide range of specialized programs related to the healthcare industry including health information technology and histologic technician studies. Other programs include invasive cardiovascular technology, medical laboratory technician studies, radiography technology, and cardiac sonography.
Best San Antonio Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
- San Antonio College. San Antonio College is the only community college that offers bachelor’s degrees. Its Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing provides students with a wider range of opportunities across various medical fields. With the continuous changes that the healthcare system faces, the demand for nurses with bachelor’s degrees continues to increase.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in San Antonio
The best community college programs in San Antonio teach students the skills and knowledge they require to pursue higher degrees or find employment at an affordable price. Popular degree programs are often guided by industry trends and have a high acceptance rate. Taking programs in these fields will lead to employment opportunities.
According to the Economic Development Department of San Antonio, sectors in San Antonio that have growth opportunities are the healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy industries. In light of this, below are some of the best programs to take in San Antonio community colleges.
Nursing
The best Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees prepare you for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). You can take a level one certificate program to become a nurse aide, an associate degree to begin your nursing residency, or a bachelor’s program to transition into other nursing opportunities within the healthcare industry.
Engineering
There are many different types of engineering jobs in the market and the Alamo Colleges offer engineering programs at the associate degree level. Students have an opportunity to enroll in the Chevron Engineering Academy through Texas A&M University.
Automated Industrial Process
The programs offered in the industrial process include an Associate of Applied Science and level one and level two certificate courses. You will study electronics, mechatronics, instrumentation, as well as maintenance-based courses.
Chemistry
Students can study chemistry as a pre-major program. The courses are transferable toward a Bachelor of Science or a pre-med degree at a four-year institution. Lectures are taught alongside lab courses where students gain hands-on experience with chemicals. Chemistry programs are offered at all five San Antonio colleges.
Energy Technology
Students can take an Associate of Applied Science in Energy Technology. They can select between process technology and production technician specializations that are viable in the job market for entry-level positions. They can also take level one or level two Certificates in Energy Technician Studies.
San Antonio Community College Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a community college in San Antonio include a high school diploma and transcripts. The requirements are not as restrictive as attending four-year institutions.
Students may also need to show financial support or apply for financial aid if they require it. The Alamo Colleges District regulates the application process and the process is standard across all the community colleges registered under this body.
San Antonio Community College GPA Requirements
The San Antonio community colleges have an open admissions policy. This means that admission decisions will not necessarily be based on your GPA or standardized test scores. Your overall high school performance and exam scores, including any relevant life experiences, will be used as a reference instead.
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Some programs will require you to submit supplementary admission materials. To get more information about the application requirements for your particular program of interest, you can contact the colleges directly and speak to an admission officer.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in San Antonio
The Alamo District community colleges in San Antonio do not have on-campus residency options. They do have house and apartment housing options throughout the city. Off-campus residency options tend to be more costly than on-campus options.
All students who choose not to live with family locally, such as non-residents or international students, can select one of the residency options based on their budget and housing preferences. Students will receive a bus pass to accommodate their commuting costs.
San Antonio Community College Age Requirements
Typically, you must be at least 17 years old to attend a San Antonio community college. You can attend a San Antonio community as a high school student. You can begin taking college courses toward your college degree as a junior or senior in high school.
You can enroll for dual credit, pathways, or popular programs that are STEM-based. This shortens the amount of time taken to complete both your high school and college degrees had you taken your studies separately.
San Antonio Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Application form
- High School official transcripts
- Life or work experience (where applicable)
- Demonstration of financial support
Why Study in San Antonio?
You should study in San Antonio because you can select from a variety of popular programs across very many industries. The network of learning institutions, businesses, and community organizations ensure that each resident gains access not only to education but future employment in careers of their choice.
Cost of living
One great reason to study in San Antonio is the cost of living. According to PayScale, the cost of living in San Antonio is eight percent lower than the national average. Housing is 24 percent less expensive, while groceries, utilities, and transportation are 10 percent, 11 percent, and five percent lower than the national average.
Educational Opportunities
San Antonio has educational opportunities at every level through its network of learning institutions. Beginning from early college registration, to certificate, technical, and vocational training. Students can choose from associate, bachelor’s, graduate, and doctoral programs in San Antonio.
Job Opportunities
According to the city’s official site, San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities and the seventh-largest population in the nation. Economically, this means that there are plenty of job opportunities available to you upon graduation.
San Antonio Employment Outlook for Community College Students
The latest employment statistics by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that over the last five months, the unemployment rate has been on the decline. Sectors that have the highest number of employees are trade, transport and utilities, education and healthcare, government, and professional and business services.
Further, the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration awarded the Alamo Community College District one million dollars from the Apprenticeship, Closing the Skills Gap initiative. The purpose of this grant is to support the colleges’ access to quality education that leads to better job outcomes.
5 In-Demand San Antonio Jobs
In San Antonio, there are many work opportunities created by skilled workers in several industries. Below, we have highlighted the various jobs offered by the health, aerospace, energy, and information technology sectors.
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in San Antonio?
Winter intersession, or a wintermester, is a learning session that runs between the end of the fall semester and the beginning of the spring semester. It is a compressed semester that runs for about three weeks and students can take courses for academic credit. A winter intersession helps you to reduce your overall course load for the regular semester sessions.
San Antonio Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- Northeast Lakeview College
- Northwest Vista College
- Palo Alto College
- San Antonio College
- St. Philip’s College
What Community Colleges in San Antonio Have Summer Classes?
Summer classes are another way that you can continue to earn academic credits. Taking summer classes reduces your overall course load and keeps you busy, especially if you do not have another summer program or job during those months.
San Antonio Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- Northeast Lakeview College
- Northwest Vista College
- Palo Alto College
- San Antonio College
- St. Philip’s College
How to Apply to Community College in San Antonio
You can apply to community college in San Antonio by selecting the college you want to attend, choosing the program you want to enroll in, submitting an application form and your high school transcripts, and making your college tuition payments.
San Antonio Community College Application Steps
- Select your preferred community college
- Choose your preferred program of study
- Apply for admission to college
- Apply for financial aid
- Submit high school transcripts.
Cost of Community Colleges in San Antonio
According to the NCES, the annual tuition for two-year colleges in Texas is about $2,380 for residents and $6,373 for non-residents. The Alamo colleges have a regulated district tuition cost that is standard across the colleges. Additional costs such as room and board, books and supplies, transport, and any other personal costs can add up to $11,512 for in-district students and $14,992 for out-of-district students.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in San Antonio?
Yes, it is possible to attend a community college in San Antonio for free under the AlamoPROMISE program. This program covers eligible high school seniors from participating high schools in Bexar County. Students taking certificate or associate degree courses are eligible to apply.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in San Antonio?
Although the community colleges in San Antonio are generally not free, the AlamoPROMISE program covers full tuition for eligible students. After all financial aid awards are applied towards tuition and required fees, the AlamoPROMISE funds cover whatever is left over.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in San Antonio?
In Bexar County, all high school students can apply for free community college if they intend to pursue a certificate or associate degree program. However, to have guaranteed consideration for the AlamoPROMISE, you must apply before the indicated deadline. This consideration is based on the availability of space.
How to Apply for Free Community College in San Antonio
- Apply for the AlamoPROMISE using the ‘Save Your Seat’ form.
- Apply to one of the Alamo Colleges.
- Apply for financial aid through FAFSA
- Complete your college admissions application.
- Complete your financial aid application
Scholarships for Community Colleges in San Antonio
Students seeking scholarships for community colleges in San Antonio should make an application through the college they hope to enroll in. Scholarships are offered by different organizations or even individuals, and each will have its own application criteria. To apply, you may have to complete an application form and fulfill other criteria such as submitting an essay.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in San Antonio
- Look through the scholarship listings
- Select scholarships that apply to you
- Read and understand the application instructions
- Apply for scholarships
- Apply before the deadline
San Antonio Community College Scholarships List
- Amelia and Tino Duran Endowed Scholarship | Amount: $1,400. This scholarship is for any student applying to any of the Alamo Colleges, pursuing any major. You must be a part-time or full-time student and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- ACORN Scholarship for Career Employment Endowed Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. Students enrolled in an occupational technology program may apply for this scholarship. You must maintain a GPA of 2.0 and preferably be a Texas resident from Bexar county.
- Greedy, Woodward, Hatton, and Vester Scholarship | Amount: $1,500 full-time, $750 part-time. This scholarship is geared toward students who are Bexar County residents. Regardless of the college you are enrolled in, you will need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to receive and retain this scholarship.
Other San Antonio Community College Financial Aid Options
Apart from scholarships, there are other San Antonio community college financial aid options available to help you manage the cost of tuition. You can apply for state grants, federal grants, and loans to finance your education. Prospective students can reach out to the colleges directly to get more details about the financial aid options available.
Federal Grants
Federal grants are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and who have applied for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You do not have to pay back any of the funds received unless you withdraw from your program. Federal grants offered to San Antonio students are the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
Texas Grants
Texas grants are state-issued grants that do not need to be repaid. The Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) funds students who have little to no eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant. The Texas Public Education Grant – Continuing Education (TPEG-CE) is for students enrolled in occupational or career-related courses. The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TEOG) is for students enrolled in public two-year colleges in Texas.
Student Loans
Student loans can come from various sources. It is always recommended that you apply for Federal student loans as they have lower interest rates and better repayment options. You can get three types of student loans in this category which include a subsidized Federal Direct Loan, an unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, or a Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan.
Savings
You can use savings from your personal savings accounts, or your parent’s savings to pay for college. When it comes to savings, you can also ask trusted members of your extended family to assist by pooling their resources with yours.
Employment
You can get a part-time job to help you pay for your college. Part-time employment can be obtained at all levels, whether you have a high-school diploma or not. A regular income will also enable you to meet any incidental personal costs that you may incur during your time of study.
Part-time study
Although this may not seem like a direct financial aid option, attending college part-time can help you manage your college expenses as it allows you to live within your means. It may take a little longer to graduate if you are a part-time student, but you will also benefit from possibly graduating debt-free.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in San Antonio?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in San Antonio are demonstrated need, academic performance, a program of study, satisfactory academic progress, and enrollment status. Although the specific terms of each of these requirements may vary from one college to another, or from one financial aid option to another, they tend to be standard across the board.
San Antonio Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- Demonstrated need for financial aid
- Academic performance and progress
- Continuous enrollment
- Program of study
Should You Attend Community College in San Antonio?
Yes, you should attend community college in San Antonio as their application is open and straightforward. The Alamo Colleges District network has a wide variety of popular programs you can choose from, as well as strong partnerships with four-year universities and colleges from which you can complete your bachelor’s degree.
Community colleges in San Antonio are fairly affordable and have additional financial aid options to support students throughout their studies. Should you choose to, you can also seek employment right after graduating from a community college. The career services offer career counseling to help you plan your studies per your career goals and achieve workforce success.
San Antonio Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of San Antonio community colleges is based mainly on the graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best San Antonio Community Colleges FAQ
San Antonio community colleges are funded through State and Federal departments, as well as foundations and fundraising events. Grants are received from departments such as the Department of Education, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Alamo Workforce Solutions, and the National Science Foundation.
It takes about two years to graduate from a community college. This duration of study depends on whether you are studying full-time or part-time, whether you took any college courses for credit while in high school, and whether you take summer and winter semester courses.
You can receive as many scholarships as you apply for as long as you meet the requirements. Many applicants will apply for scholarships, so it is always advisable to apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for as funding is not always guaranteed.
Yes, there are several faith-based colleges in San Antonio. A faith-based college is a private institution that offers competitive academic programs, such as Trinity University. If you are looking for a Catholic institution, you can check out St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Christ Mission College, and the University of the Incarnate Word.
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