Best Community Colleges in San Antonio: Alamo Colleges, Transfer & Programs for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
February 23, 2026
All 5 Alamo Colleges at $3,412/year. Alamo Promise makes CC free for Bexar County grads. Strong transfer to UTSA and Texas State.
Why Community College in San Antonio?
San Antonio's community college system is the Alamo Colleges District — 5 campuses, all at $3,412/year, serving over 50,000 students. The Alamo Promise program makes community college free for Bexar County high school graduates, and strong transfer pathways lead to UTSA, Texas State, and other state universities.
Alamo Colleges (All $3,412/year)
San Antonio College — 16,067 students
The flagship campus, centrally located near downtown. Strongest liberal arts and nursing programs. 50+ year nursing program. Transfer agreements with UTSA and Texas State.
Northwest Vista College — 13,872 students
Largest Alamo College, serving the fast-growing northwest side. Strong STEM, business, and education transfer tracks. 6-year earnings: $35,741 — highest in the district.
St. Philip's College — 10,772 students
Unique dual designation as both an HBCU and Hispanic-Serving Institution — the only college in the nation with both. Strongest nursing ($68,521 ADN earnings) and skilled trades programs (automotive, welding, HVAC). 6-year earnings: $35,018.
Palo Alto College — 7,723 students
South Side campus. Strong health sciences and teacher education programs. 6-year earnings: $33,233.
Northeast Lakeview College — 5,689 students
Newest campus, serving the northeast suburbs (Live Oak, Converse, Schertz). Growing programs.
Transfer Pathways
UTSA Transfer
Alamo Colleges have articulation agreements with UTSA for specific majors. The Texas Core Curriculum (42 credits) transfers as a block to any Texas public university.
Texas State University
Strong pipeline from Alamo Colleges to Texas State in San Marcos, particularly for nursing, education, and business majors.
Texas Direct
Complete your Field of Study at any Alamo College and it maps directly to your major at a state university.
Cost Comparison
| Path | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|
| 4 years at UTSA | ~$40,000 |
| 2yr Alamo + 2yr UTSA | ~$27,000 |
| With Alamo Promise | ~$20,000 (free CC + 2yr UTSA) |
Financial Aid
- Alamo Promise — free tuition for all Bexar County public high school graduates
- Hazlewood Act — free tuition for Texas veterans (San Antonio has 5 military bases)
- Pell Grant — $7,395 max vs. $3,412 tuition = significant surplus
- Alamo Colleges Foundation scholarships
Next Steps
Compare San Antonio community colleges on GradeToGrad.
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