Research suggests that the appearance of a college campus--both inside and out--is a significant criterion in college selection. As community colleges are finding it increasingly important to attract and retain students, placemaking is becoming an effective and efficient platform to support recruitment and retention. Placemaking is imagining and reinventing public spaces to strengthen the connection between people and the places they share. Creating an inviting campus environment where students want to be, to gather, with spaces that are active and interesting, unique locations that are visually attractive, often with public art. They are people-friendly, safe, and walkable with mixed uses. Community colleges can be great assets to neighborhoods, cities and regions. While much has changed since their founding several generations ago, almost all colleges can benefit from principles of placemaking. Providing powerful, purposeful public spaces and details will support the mission of a college, enhance enrollment, and be an endless source of pride for a community