WalletHub recently released its 2024 ranking of the best community colleges in the U.S., evaluating over 650 institutions to identify those offering the best education at the most affordable cost.
The analysis focused on 18 key factors, including in-state tuition, student-faculty ratios and graduation rates. The top three colleges were located in the Midwest, while two schools in New Mexico rounded out the top five.
Top 5 Community Colleges in 2024:
Manhattan Area Technical College in Kansas
State Technical College of Missouri
Pratt Community College in Kansas
Santa Fe Community College in New Mexico
Southeast New Mexico College
"A good community college minimizes costs for students while also providing an enriching learning experience that leads to high student retention and high graduation rates," WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said. "The best colleges also help their students even post-graduation by offering employment services to help them find jobs with good salaries. Finally, many of the best community colleges realize school isn't the only place people learn, so they offer credit for life experiences."
Manhattan Area Technical College in Kansas secured the top spot thanks to its strong student outcomes. Over 77% of former students earn more than the average high school graduate, with a median salary exceeding $50,000 - ranking fifth among all schools in the study. The college also boasts the lowest student-loan default rate, the fifth-highest graduation rate, and the third-best retention rate for first-year students.
State Technical College of Missouri ranks second, largely due to its high retention and graduation rates. With 88% of students returning for their second year and a 79% graduation rate (the highest in the country), students are well-supported in completing their studies. The school also offers substantial financial aid, averaging $9,223 per student, and provides credit for life experiences and job placement services.
Pratt Community College in Kansas ranks third, with over 97% of its instructional and research staff being full-time employees - the second-highest rate nationally. Pratt graduates have a median income of $47,720, and are unlikely to default on their loans, according to WalletHub. The college also offers significant grants and scholarships, averaging over $6,700 per student.
The study also includes a comprehensive ranking of community colleges by state.
