Community colleges are open admissions, postsecondary educational and training institutions. Developed in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, community colleges now enroll nearly half of all U.S. undergraduates, preparing students to transfer to upper-division universities or to enter the workforce directly. The more than 1,100 community colleges in the United States are regionally accredited, nonprofit higher education institutions and include public, independent, and tribal colleges. Campuses are located within commuting distance of more than 90% of the U.S. population. While most community colleges restrict their programs to 2 years or less and confer associate degrees and certificates in a wide variety of subject areas, a growing number of them now offer baccalaureates in applied fields, teacher education, and nursing. This entry ...