Community colleges are a unique part of the American higher education system that promote access and opportunities for many students who might not otherwise attend a college or university. The purpose of this article is to address community colleges in three parts: their historical relevance, their organisational mission and structure and their present issues. As these institutions have expanded, their institutional missions have become broader due to political and economic interests. With an egalitarian focus and a low-cost market position, community colleges face many issues related to the facilities, the coursework offerings, the instructors and the open admissions policies that make their role in higher education so different than traditional colleges and universities. As community colleges look toward the future and seek to address outstanding challenges, the institutions will need to continue adapting to stay relevant and meet the needs of local communities across the country.