NAICS 611210 Quarterly Industry Report
Junior Colleges
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 611210Sector: Educational Services (61)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Junior Colleges (NAICS 611210) draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[7], Bureau of Labor Statistics[5], Federal Student Aid[8], and SBA size standards database[6]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, higher education analysts, and institutional planners with current market data. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Definition & Overview
Junior Colleges (NAICS 611210) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in furnishing academic or academic and technical courses and granting associate degrees, certificates, or diplomas below the baccalaureate level per the U.S. Census Bureau[4]. Community colleges, technical institutes, and two-year colleges offering transfer-credit programs and workforce development credentials all operate within this classification. Faculty may hold academic rank but typically do not conduct research.
Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[5], roughly 43,500 jobs in this subsector. Fall 2024 enrollment data showed a 4 percent overall increase across community colleges, with freshman enrollment rising 6 percent, outpacing growth at four-year public and private institutions. Dual enrollment expanded 10 percent in 2024, now accounting for 21 percent of two-year college enrollment. Credential production grew 10.3 percent in spring 2024 compared to the prior year, indicating stronger completion rates across certificate and associate degree programs.
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[6], the size standard is $32.5 million in average annual receipts. The 2024-2025 FAFSA Simplification Act introduced new compliance requirements for institutions, including Gainful Employment and Financial Value Transparency rules effective July 2024. Online and hybrid course delivery has become standard operational infrastructure, with flexible scheduling models attracting working adult learners and high school students pursuing concurrent enrollment. State funding formulas, local property tax revenue, and tuition rates together determine the financial operating capacity of most community college districts.
What's Included in This Industry
- Associate degree and transfer-credit academic programs
- Certificate and diploma workforce development programs
- Dual enrollment courses for concurrent high school students
- Online and hybrid distance education course delivery
- Continuing education and professional development courses
- Adult basic education and GED preparation programs
- Vocational and technical skills training programs
- Student financial aid processing and FAFSA administration
- Career counseling and job placement support services
- Developmental education and remedial coursework
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Educational Services | 61 |
| Subsector | Educational Services | 611 |
| Industry Group | Junior Colleges | 6112 |
| NAICS Industry | Junior Colleges | 61121 |
| National Industry | Junior Colleges | 611210 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 611310 | Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools serve as transfer destinations for students completing associate degree programs at junior colleges, with articulation agreements governing credit transfer between the two institution types |
| 611110 | Elementary and Secondary Schools | Elementary and Secondary Schools feed students into junior college programs through dual enrollment partnerships and standard post-graduation enrollment, making K-12 completion rates a primary demand driver for community colleges |
| 611410 | Business and Secretarial Schools | Business and Secretarial Schools overlap in offering business-related certificate programs, though junior colleges typically provide broader academic credentials recognized for transfer to four-year institutions |
| 611420 | Computer Training | Computer Training providers compete with junior college IT certificate programs, though community colleges offer accredited credentials that carry stronger recognition in employer hiring processes |
| 611519 | Other Technical and Trade Schools | Other Technical and Trade Schools provide focused vocational training that overlaps with community college workforce development programs, particularly in skilled trades, healthcare, and manufacturing fields |
| 611710 | Educational Support Services | Educational Support Services deliver testing, assessment, and administrative support functions that community colleges contract for student services, accreditation compliance, and institutional research needs |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 15.7% | 107 |
| 2 | Florida | 9.0% | 61 |
| 3 | New York | 7.2% | 49 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 5.9% | 40 |
| 5 | Ohio | 5.1% | 35 |
| 6 | Texas | 4.4% | 30 |
| 7 | Georgia | 4.1% | 28 |
| 8 | Virginia | 3.7% | 25 |
| 9 | New Jersey | 3.5% | 24 |
| 10 | Illinois | 3.4% | 23 |
% Of Establishments
0%
16%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[2]
SBA Lending Summary
24
Total SBA Loans
$4.6M
Total Loan Volume
$192K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.50%
Average Interest Rate
816
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[3]
Key Insight: Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[6], Junior Colleges (NAICS 611210) has a size standard of $32.5 million in average annual receipts for federal contracting purposes. SBA lending programs[9] support facility development, equipment purchases, and technology infrastructure for qualifying educational institutions. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[10] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[11] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 24 | $4.6M | $192K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What is the NAICS code for community colleges?
NAICS 611210 covers junior colleges, community colleges, technical institutes, and two-year institutions that grant associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas below the baccalaureate level, per the U.S. Census Bureau[4].
How many people work at community colleges?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics[5] reports roughly 43,500 jobs in the junior college subsector, covering teaching faculty, administrative staff, and support personnel.
What is the SBA size standard for junior colleges?
The SBA size standard[6] is $32.5 million in average annual receipts, determining eligibility for federal small business contracting preferences and lending programs.
Are community college enrollment numbers increasing?
Fall 2024 data showed a 4 percent overall enrollment increase at community colleges, with freshman enrollment rising 6 percent, outpacing four-year public and private institutions per multiple enrollment tracking organizations.
What is dual enrollment at community colleges?
Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses for concurrent credit, and it expanded 10 percent in 2024 to reach 21 percent of total two-year college enrollment per institutional data tracking reports.
How do Gainful Employment rules affect community colleges?
The Gainful Employment and Financial Value Transparency rules, effective July 2024, require Title IV institutions to report program-level outcomes on graduate earnings and debt levels per Federal Student Aid[8] regulatory guidance.
What are the primary revenue sources for community colleges?
State appropriations, local property tax revenue, tuition and fees, and federal financial aid disbursements together fund community college operations, with the relative mix varying by state funding formula and district tax base.
How has online education changed community colleges?
Online and hybrid course delivery has become standard infrastructure at most community colleges, with flexible scheduling models attracting working adult learners who cannot attend traditional daytime class schedules.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [3]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [4]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [5]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [6]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [7]U.S. Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [8]Federal Student Aid fsapartners.ed.gov
- [9]SBA lending programs sba.gov
- [10]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [11]504 loans sba.gov
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