Best colleges for English as a Second Language
A program that focuses on the development of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English for those for whom English is not their mother tongue.
10 U.S. institutions graduated 530 English as a Second Language students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 16.1701, a specialization of Second Language Learning (CIP 16.17).
About English as a Second Language programs
A program that focuses on the development of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English for those for whom English is not their mother tongue. Includes instruction in the use of basic communication skills to develop and transmit ideas and thoughts in English as well as specialized programs that focus on the development of proficiency in English sufficient to meet specific occupational or academic demands. Note: These programs are for academic credit towards a postsecondary credential. For second language programs that are not for academic credit towards a postsecondary credential, see 32.0109.
See also: 32.0109 - Second Language Learning., 23.0101 - English Language and Literature, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The English as a Second Language program focuses on developing proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English for non-native speakers. This program is designed for individuals seeking to improve their English communication skills for academic or occupational purposes. It provides essential instruction to help students convey their ideas effectively in English, catering to various learning needs.
Students in the English as a Second Language program gain foundational skills in basic communication, enabling them to express thoughts and ideas clearly. Coursework typically includes practical language use, grammar, vocabulary development, and specialized training to meet specific academic or professional requirements.
Credentials awarded
What English as a Second Language graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year302 graduates / yr · 5 institutions57%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years220 graduates / yr · 3 institutions42%
- Master's degree8 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.5%
Graduates over time
English as a Second Language completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 63 |
| 2021 | 108 |
| 2022 | 234 |
| 2023 | 282 |
| 2024 | 230 |
| 2025 | 530 |
CIP 16.1701 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 10 institutions for English as a Second Language, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hudson County Community College Jersey City, NJPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 249 | 26% | — |
| 2 | San Ignacio University Doral, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 203 | 58% | $9,433 |
| 3 | St Charles Community College Cottleville, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 25% | — |
| 4 | University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus Washington, DCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 16 | 33% | $18,868 |
| 5 | The University of Findlay Findlay, OHPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 58% | $23,128 |
| 6 | Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 31% | — |
| 7 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TXPublicMaster's | 5 | 51% | — |
| 8 | Xavier University Cincinnati, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 69% | $31,119 |
| 9 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 71% | — |
| 10 | Monroe Community College Rochester, NYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 27% | — |
Offered in 8 states
Where English as a Second Language graduates come from. Each state links to all Second Language Learning programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 2 | 255 | Hudson County Community College249 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 203 | San Ignacio University203 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 36 | St Charles Community College36 / yr |
| District of Columbia | 1 | 16 | University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus16 / yr |
| Ohio | 2 | 13 | The University of Findlay10 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 5 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley5 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 1 | Kansas State University1 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 1 | Monroe Community College1 / yr |
Common questions
Who is this program for?+
This program is designed for individuals whose first language is not English and who wish to improve their English proficiency.
What credentials can I earn?+
Students can earn awards ranging from at least 12 weeks to less than 2 academic years, as well as a Master's degree.
How many colleges offer this program?+
Currently, there are 10 colleges in the U.S. offering the English as a Second Language program.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop essential skills in reading, writing, and speaking English, along with effective communication strategies.
What is the CIP code for English as a Second Language?+
English as a Second Language is CIP 16.1701 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Second Language Learning (CIP 16.17). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the development of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English for those for whom English is not their mother tongue. Includes instruction in the use of basic communication skills to develop and transmit ideas and thoughts in English as well as specialized programs that focus on the development of proficiency in English sufficient to meet specific occupational or academic demands. Note: These programs are for academic credit towards a postsecondary credential. For second language programs that are not for academic credit towards a postsecondary credential, see 32.0109.
How many institutions offer English as a Second Language programs?+
10 U.S. institutions reported English as a Second Language graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 8 states, awarding 530 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Second Language Learning graduates.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Second Language Learning graduates, so its figures match the Second Language Learning program page.
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