Community college plays an important role in the United States. Some facts:

• Across the United States there are 1,655 community colleges. Of these, 1,047 are public institutions and 415 private.• In 2000-01 the states with the largest number of public community colleges were California, Texas, North Carolina, Illinois and New York.• In 1999-2000, 62 percent of public community colleges had an open admissions policy, compared with 7.5 percent of public 4-year colleges.• The total 1999 fall enrollment at both public and private community colleges was slightly over 5,590,000 students.• 15 percent of students enrolled in school with the purpose of attaining an associate degree in 1995 attained their goal by 1998, while 6 percent had earned a certificate and others were still enrolled in school.• 23 percent of those beginning community college in 1989-90 transferred to a 4-year institution. Of those who transferred to a 4-year institution, 38 percent completed an associate degree before transferring.• The higher a student's socioeconomic status the more likely that student transferred to a 4-year institution.The U.S. Department of Education