CCAC provides accessible and affordable education across Allegheny County. With diverse academic programs and workforce development, it serves as a cornerstone for students pursuing associate degrees or professional certifications in Pittsburgh.
Top Community Colleges in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - June 2026
USA / Pennsylvania / Pittsburgh
Explore the best community colleges in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Find top-rated institutions offering affordable degree programs and vocational training for your professional development.
Leading community college serving the Pittsburgh region.
Details
- Year Founded: 1966
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-412-237-2222
- Email: info@ccac.edu
About the Company
Pros
- Wide variety of programs
- Affordable tuition
Cons
- Large campus navigation
- Parking availability
High-quality education with a focus on career preparation.
Details
- Year Founded: 1970
- Employees: 500-1000
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-724-925-4000
- Email: infocenter@westmoreland.edu
About the Company
Serving the region near Pittsburgh, this college offers excellent technical and transfer programs. It emphasizes hands-on learning and strong support services to ensure student success in modern industries.
Pros
- Strong vocational programs
- Modern facilities
Cons
- Commute time
- Limited social events
Top-tier community college serving the greater Pittsburgh area.
Details
- Year Founded: 1965
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-724-287-8711
- Email: admissions@bc3.edu
About the Company
BC3 is recognized for its high transfer rates and competitive tuition. The college offers a variety of associate degrees designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and four-year university studies.
Pros
- High transfer success
- Small class sizes
Cons
- Distance from city center
- Limited dining options
Part of the Penn State system located near Pittsburgh.
Details
- Year Founded: 1948
- Employees: 200-400
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +1-412-675-9000
- Email: psuga@psu.edu
About the Company
This campus offers the prestige of a Penn State degree with the intimate environment of a smaller college. It provides a robust academic foundation and extensive networking opportunities for local students.
Pros
- Penn State reputation
- Research opportunities
Cons
- Higher tuition than community colleges
- Competitive admissions
Innovative technical programs near Pittsburgh.
Details
- Year Founded: 1966
- Employees: 200-400
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-724-480-2222
- Email: admissions@ccbc.edu
About the Company
CCBC is widely respected for its aviation and nursing programs. It caters to students seeking specialized vocational training and effective career pathways in the Pittsburgh regional economy.
Pros
- Specialized aviation tracks
- Experienced faculty
Cons
- Located outside city core
- Fewer amenities
Focused career education and technical training.
Details
- Year Founded: 1946
- Employees: 300-600
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +1-412-809-5100
- Email: admissions@ptcollege.edu
About the Company
PTC provides a fast-paced environment for students looking to enter the workforce quickly. Their curriculum is highly aligned with industry demands in technology, healthcare, and business sectors.
Pros
- Career-focused curriculum
- Modern lab equipment
Cons
- Higher costs
- Accelerated pace
Hands-on technical training for skilled trades.
Details
- Year Founded: 1944
- Employees: 100-200
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-412-359-1100
- Email: pittsburgh@triangle-tech.edu
About the Company
Triangle Tech specializes in building, electrical, and drafting trades. It is an excellent choice for students who prefer learning by doing and want to secure high-demand trade jobs in the Pittsburgh area.
Pros
- Trade specialization
- High job placement
Cons
- Specific curriculum scope
- Basic campus facilities
Specialists in automotive and mechanical training.
Details
- Year Founded: 1949
- Employees: 50-150
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-412-521-6200
- Email: admissions@rosedaletech.edu
About the Company
Rosedale provides deep expertise in mechanical and electrical repair. Known for its strong industry partnerships, graduates are frequently sought after by top employers across the Pittsburgh metropolitan region.
Pros
- Expert automotive labs
- Industry connections
Cons
- Limited general education
- Niche focus
Creative and technical arts focused education.
Details
- Year Founded: 1904
- Employees: 50-100
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +1-724-658-4171
- Email: admissions@douglas.edu
About the Company
Offering unique programs in film, makeup art, and digital design, this school provides a creative alternative to traditional community college paths. A great destination for aspiring media professionals.
Pros
- Creative curriculum
- Experienced instructors
Cons
- Specialized degrees
- Regional location
Focused health and technology vocational training.
Details
- Year Founded: 1984
- Employees: 50-100
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-814-864-0644
- Email: info@glit.edu
About the Company
Serving the broader Western Pennsylvania region, this institute provides accelerated training in healthcare and IT. It is ideal for those looking to pivot their career in a short timeframe.
Pros
- Accelerated programs
- Healthcare focus
Cons
- Distance from downtown
- Smaller library facilities
Dedicated to community-focused technical learning.
Details
- Year Founded: 1985
- Employees: 100-200
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-724-547-5100
- Email: info@laurel.edu
About the Company
Laurel Technical Institute offers diploma and associate degree programs in essential fields. Their supportive community and career guidance are designed to help students succeed in their chosen trades.
Pros
- Student support
- Job placement aid
Cons
- Smaller program choice
- Remote campus
Accessible Penn State campus near Pittsburgh.
Details
- Year Founded: 1965
- Employees: 200-300
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +1-724-773-3500
- Email: br-admissions@psu.edu
About the Company
Penn State Beaver provides a diverse range of undergraduate studies in an inclusive environment. It allows students to pursue a world-class degree close to home with smaller, more manageable classes.
Pros
- Global brand recognition
- Strong athletics
Cons
- Tuition costs
- Parking congestion
High-value education for the Pennsylvania region.
Details
- Year Founded: 1994
- Employees: 100-300
- Price Range: $
- Phone: +1-814-262-3838
- Email: admissions@pennhighlands.edu
About the Company
Focusing on general studies and technical certificates, this college offers a cost-effective pathway for students. Their commitment to regional development makes them a strong partner for local employers.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Community impact
Cons
- Limited student housing
- Needs travel for some
Specialized vocational trade school.
Details
- Year Founded: 1945
- Employees: 100-250
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-724-658-9066
- Email: info@ncstrades.edu
About the Company
Providing intensive training for industrial and technical trades, the New Castle School of Trades is perfect for those who want to get to work fast. Their hands-on approach is highly effective.
Pros
- Fast track to jobs
- Practical training
Cons
- No liberal arts focus
- Strict schedule
Satellite campus for regional accessibility.
Details
- Year Founded: 1970
- Employees: 50-150
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-724-537-4500
- Email: info@westmoreland.edu
About the Company
The Latrobe branch offers a localized version of WCCC's renowned programs. It makes achieving a degree easier for students living on the outskirts of the Pittsburgh area who need flexibility.
Pros
- Accessible location
- Friendly atmosphere
Cons
- Smaller library
- Less social variety
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
- What is the best community college in Pittsburgh?
- Several institutions offer excellent academic programs depending on your specific career goals and field of study.
- Are community colleges in Pennsylvania affordable?
- Yes, community colleges in Pittsburgh offer competitive tuition rates compared to four-year universities.
- Do these colleges offer online courses?
- Most top community colleges in Pittsburgh provide flexible online and hybrid learning options in 2026.
- Can I transfer credits from a community college to a university?
- Absolutely, many local colleges have articulation agreements with major universities in Pennsylvania.
- What degrees can I earn at these colleges?
- You can earn associate degrees, professional certifications, and technical diplomas in various high-demand fields.
- How do I apply for admission?
- You can apply through the official websites of the respective community colleges by submitting your academic records.