Typically, dormitories are associated with four-year universities rather than community colleges. But do community colleges have dorms?
The short answer is some do, but most do not.
In this article, we’ll explore the dorm situation at two-year community colleges in depth. We’ll look at why most community colleges don’t offer housing, exceptions where dorms are available, and alternatives for finding affordable accommodations as a student.
Why Most Community Colleges Don’t Have On-Campus Housing
Community colleges exist to provide open, affordable access to higher education, particularly for non-traditional students.
As commuter schools, they aim to keep costs low, which includes not taking on the expense of constructing and maintaining dormitories.
Beyond cost constraints, there simply isn’t huge demand for community college housing. Many students attending these schools live at home and commute there.
They also tend to attend part-time while working or raising families. Campus residences cater more towards traditional college students moving away from home for a full four-year experience.
Also, with smaller campuses and student bodies, their focus remains on convenient, flexible schooling for local students rather than attracting those from out-of-state.
Why Most Community Colleges Don’t Have On-Campus Housing
Community colleges exist to provide open, affordable access to higher education, particularly for non-traditional students.
As commuter schools, they aim to keep costs low, which includes not taking on the expense of constructing and maintaining dormitories.
Beyond cost constraints, there simply isn’t huge demand for community college housing. Many students attending these schools live at home and commute there.
They also tend to attend part-time while working or raising families. Campus residences cater more towards traditional college students moving away from home for a full four-year experience.
Also, with smaller campuses and student bodies, their focus remains on convenient, flexible schooling for local students rather than attracting those from out-of-state.
Examples of Community Colleges with On-Campus Housing
While a majority of two-year schools don’t offer dorms, the number that do is growing. Here are some examples of community colleges that allow students to live on campus:
- Jackson College (MI) – Traditional halls and a “Jets Village” of free tiny homes for single parents.
- Green River College (WA) – Apartment-style “Campus Corner” residences.
- North Central Texas College – Traditional suite-style units and athletic housing.
- SUNY Broome Community College (NY) – New fully-furnished apartment complexes.
- Santa Barbara City College (CA) – Single and double occupancy halls plus a student studio apartment building.
- Snow College (UT) – Five dormitory halls, apartments, and lofts for 400+ students
These provide a sampling of traditional dorm rooms, pod-style housing, and apartment living arrangements at reasonably priced two-year institutions.
Alternatives for Affordable Student Housing
If the community college you’ll be attending doesn’t offer dorms, here are some other options for finding affordable housing as a student:
- Continue staying at home with parents or relatives.
- Search private listings for shared rentals and rooms for rent.
- Ask about income-based housing assistance programs through city/state agencies or the college’s student resources department.
FAQs
What's a Community College?
College of the Redwoods, Reedley College, Columbia College, and Taft College have some of the most affordable on-campus housing rates for California community college students.
Yes, you can still qualify for financial aid including grants, scholarships, work-study programs and federal student loans to help cover dorm costs at eligible two-year community colleges.
It depends on your priorities – living on a community college campus allows immersion in student life but commuting saves significantly on room and board costs.
Most community college dorms include furnishings (bed, desk, etc.), utilities, WiFi, access to laundry, and sometimes meal plans or shared kitchens.
Currently, SUNY Broome Community College in New York offers brand new, modern on-campus apartments in fully furnished quad-style units for their students.
