A community college is a lower-level institution of tertiary education which does not offer a full bachelor's degree. Normally the term of study is around two years, and any certificate offered (e.g. an associate's degree) is lower than a bachelor's degree. Credit earned at a community college may often be applied to a regular college or university, and students very often transfer to such institutions after taking classes at a community college.

The institution provides tertiary study below a full bachelor's degree, commonly leading to an associate-level credential. The usual two-year duration is not a fixed requirement for every program.

Credit may support later transfer into another college or university. That possible transfer does not mean the community college itself awards the eventual bachelor's degree.