community college: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Community colleges primarily award two-year associate degrees and certificates, focus on teaching and practical skills, often have open admissions, and are typically non-residential and local. Universities award four-year bachelor's and advanced degrees, focus on both teaching and research, are often selective, and can be residential and national/international in scope.

Traditionally, no. Community colleges award associate degrees. However, a growing number of US community colleges now offer a limited selection of bachelor's degrees, often in applied fields like nursing or information technology, but this is not their primary function.

Not exactly. In American English, 'college' is a broad term that can refer to any undergraduate post-secondary institution, including four-year liberal arts colleges. 'Community college' is a specific subtype. Saying 'I go to college' usually implies a four-year institution, whereas 'I go to a community college' is more precise.

The specific model of the publicly funded, comprehensive, two-year 'community college' is quintessentially American. Other countries have similar institutions (e.g., Further Education colleges in the UK, TAFEs in Australia, CEGEPs in Quebec), but their structure, funding, and role in the education system differ significantly.

A two-year public institution of higher education that provides vocational, technical, and academic programs, typically awarding associate degrees and certificates.

Community college is usually formal, educational, administrative in register.

Community college: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmjuːnəti ˈkɒlɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmjunəti ˈkɑːlɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.