Community Colleges in the US - Industry Market Research Report

Community Colleges in the US

The Community Colleges industry, which primarily offers associate degrees, certificates or diplomas below the baccalaureate level, has been sluggish over the five years to 2019. In particular, enrollment rates have declined over the past five years, limiting industry revenue and constraining profit margins. Moreover, the national employment rate has recovered strongly over the past five years, further hampering demand for community colleges. When students believe that there are job prospects in the labor market, they are more likely to forgo industry services to seize those employment opportunities. Over the five years to 2024, industry revenue is forecast to benefit from growth in government funding for universities and an increasing unemployment rate. Additionally, increased adoption of online education will likely enable community colleges to their expand education services without constructing new facilities, while making part-time programs more accessible for busy individuals. Moreover, increasing demand for skilled professions will likely benefit the industry as more students will choose community colleges to pursue their studies in technical and vocational courses.

This industry includes public, private nonprofit and for-profit community colleges. These postsecondary educational institutions offer college transfer courses and programs, occupational programs and general educational programs. Community colleges generally confer associate degrees, certificates or diplomas below the baccalaureate level. This industry does not include trade and technical schools (IBISWorld report 61151) or business certification and IT schools (61144).

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.