Maryland ranks No. 1 for the best community college systems on a new list that rates individual institutions on cost, as well as education and career outcomes. Maryland is also among the states that offer tuition-free community college.
In 2024-25, tuition and fees for full-time, in-state enrollment at a public two-year college averaged $4,050 compared to $11,610 at a public four-year institution and $43,350 at a private school, notes the rankings compiled by WalletHub.
To determine the best community college systems, the personal finance website compared more than 650 community colleges across 18 indicators of cost and quality, including in-state tuition, student-faculty ratio and graduation rate.
Maryland landed in the top spot because five of its community colleges ranked in the top 40 nationwide, led by Montgomery College at No. 17. The college rated highly for high median salaries for graduates, strong student retention rates and offering credit for life experiences.
Here are the top 10 best community college systems:
- Maryland
- New Mexico
- Wisconsin
- North Dakota
- Washington
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
- New Hampshire
- Kansas
New Mexico reached No. 2 because it also offers free community college and Santa Fe Community College is ranked No. 7. The college stands out for a high student-faculty ratio and its work raising revenue from non-tuition sources such as state and local taxes, gifts and grants.
Employment services for students and preparation for advancement in higher education earned Wisconsin the No. 3 spot.
Best community college systems: Individual institutions
Wallet Hub also ranked the nation’s top community colleges:
- State Technical College of Missouri
- Manhattan Area Technical College (Kansas)
- Pratt Community College (Kansas)
- Woodland Community College (California)
- De Anza College (California)
- College of San Mateo (California)
- Santa Fe Community College (New Mexico)
- Saddleback College (California)
- Santa Rosa Junior College (California)
- Alexandria Technical & Community College (Minnesota)
The State Technical College of Missouri ranked No. 1 for its 79% graduation rate and 90% first-year student retention rate, both the highest in the country. Students also receive an average $9,223 in grants or scholarship aid, the third-highest in the U.S.
More than three-quarters of Manhattan Area Technical College’s former students earn more than the average income for people with only high school degrees. Its graduates boast the 12th highest average salary among the community colleges analyzed by WalletHub.
More than 90% of Pratt Community College’s instructional and research staff are full-time employees, the third-highest rate in the country. Its graduates earn the 11th-highest median income, at $51,892.
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