<p>Hey there,</p>
<p>I am an international student from India. I was wondering if getting an Associate's degree from a Community College is worth my money. I have heard that there are a lot of high-paying jobs out there in the US which require only an Associate's degree in a respective field. But my question is, will I be allowed to WORK IN THE US after getting my Associate's? Will I have to change my visa or something? And one more thing, considering I do get a job..suppose I work for 2-3 years and save enough money will I be able to apply as a transfer in a 4-year college/university for Bachelor's? </p>
<p>Please help.
Thanks</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>It all depends on your field of study and the location of the community college. Don’t know anything about starting pay for people with an associate degree.</p>
<p>If you are interested in computer technology (hw/sw) and for whatever reason (academic/financial) you are unable to attend 4 year college then going to a community college is not a bad option. However, as a foreigner with a two year degree & no experience, you will find it tough to find a permanent job. OPT is probably your best bet but I don’t know much about INS rules. </p>
<p>One community college that has a good reputation in high-tech circles is the Foothill Community College in Silicon Valley (Los Altos Hills). Try contacting their international office for the kind of information you are seeking. </p>
<p>Here is their web site: [Foothill</a> Community College International Students](<a href=“International Student Programs | Foothill College”>http://www.foothill.edu/international/contact.php)</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>prithajnath - I don’t know much about Community colleges, but for four year colleges - International students can work for 1yr after their degree under OPT-optional practice training. So, I’m guessing there must be something similar for Community college students.</p>
<p>Getting a regular job might be a little tough. Basically you need to have a H1-B visa to work in the US and you need your employer to sponsor this visa. As there are a limited no. of visas offered and there are significant costs, not many employers will look at employing International community college students - unless you’ve developed some unique skill sets. I’ve heard of people from Harvard not being able to land a job and thus having to return. On the other hand I’ve also heard of some community college students who have landed stellar jobs. But it will be tough and I don’t know how employers in India look at associate degrees.[Also, it depends on what you’ll be studying. There are greater chances of employment if you do comp sci/engg/etc]</p>
<p>Also yes, jobs in US are high paying.</p>
<p>I guess it is possible to complete a full bachelors degree after 2 yrs of work, but then again how your credits transfer over - will depend on college policy and you may have to go through 3 yrs of college instead of 2.</p>
<p>All the best though. And as ChubbyCheeks pointed out - Foothill CC is one of the most reputed.</p>
<p>Hope I could help.</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you. This was very helpful :-)</p>