What are community colleges?
Community colleges are also called Associate of Arts colleges, junior colleges, two-year college, or technical colleges. They are accredited to offer the associate of arts degree as their highest degree. Most of these colleges also offer extensive occupational programs leading to certificates. The ability to award the associate degree distinguishes them from many of the publicly supported area vocational schools and adult education centers, and most of the proprietary business and trade institutions. The majority of these institutions are publicly governed. In 2000-01, there were 1,076 public two-year colleges (including branch campuses) and 666 private two-year institutions.
