The community college has survived and thrived since its early inception in the 1800s and has become the center of educational opportunity providing access to all. Today, the influence of the community college system in the United States is impressive with 46% of all undergraduates attending community college. Although the community college boom has stabilized in recent years, enrollment continues to grow at a faster rate than that of 4-year institutions. The history of the community college provides a remarkable account of an essential component of higher education in the United States and abroad.