Community Colleges in the US - Industry Market Research Report

Community Colleges in the US - Industry Market Research Report

Community Colleges in the US

The Community Colleges industry exhibits a low level of market share concentration, with no player historically dominating the industry. Additionally, notable operators in the Community Colleges industry such as California Community Colleges and the State University of New York primarily offer associate degrees, certificates or diplomas below the baccalaureate level.

Operators primarily serve local communities

• Due to the heavily regulated and heavily funded nature of the industry, industry players generally serve students in their local communities, limiting their ability to expand beyond their geography. Moreover, the process of obtaining accreditation is timely and costly, limiting the number of new players entering the market.

Quality, price and range of courses offered characterize internal competition

• Large and small operators compete heavily based on prices and range of courses offered. Despite government funding, students are sensitive to changes in the levels of tuition and financial aid. An operator that receives higher government funding will likely have the ability to lower tuition fees and increase financial aid available to students, making it more competitive than others. Moreover, operators with a broader range and better quality of courses offered will likely to attract more students. Historically, the location has served as a point of competition but due to the proliferation of the internet, industry operators can serve students from different regions, making location less of an important competitive factor.

This industry includes public, private nonprofit and for-profit community colleges. These post-secondary 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.

MAJOR COMPANIES

California Community Colleges