American Samoa Community College: A Comprehensive Overview
American Samoa Community College (ASCC), established in 1969, stands as the sole institution of higher education in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. Situated on a 20-acre rural campus in the village of Mapusaga on Tutuila, the territory's largest island, ASCC has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a vital center for learning and community development. With a commitment to providing accessible postsecondary education, ASCC offers a range of associate degrees, certificate programs, and a bachelor's degree in elementary education, catering to the diverse needs of its student population and the broader community.
Historical Foundations and Development
The journey of American Samoa Community College began in 1970, initially operating out of the old navy buildings in Utulei. The college was founded as part of the American Samoa Department of Education with the clear objective of offering residents opportunities in liberal arts, teacher training, vocational-technical education, and general education. The first freshman class comprised 131 students. Enrollment saw a steady increase, reaching 550 in the fall of 1971 and 872 by the spring of 1972. Initially, ASCC focused on providing associate degrees and facilitating transfers to baccalaureate-granting institutions, alongside offering vocational, teacher, adult education, and manpower training. Nurse training was introduced in 1976.
A significant milestone in ASCC's history was its accreditation. The college received one-year accreditation in 1973, which entitled it to funds under the Higher Education Act of 1963. A pivotal moment occurred in 1974 when the government of American Samoa purchased the buildings of the former Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Mapusaga High School for $1.5 million. This move facilitated a 50-year lease for the 20-acre property and the relocation of the college to its current campus. In 1976, ASCC achieved accreditation from the Commission of Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Further expansion of the campus occurred with the construction of a new wing in 1978, costing $3.5 million.
The leadership of ASCC has also been a significant factor in its growth. In 1979, Sa'euteuga Le'au Scanlan became the first Samoan female college president. Having been part of the core group that organized the college and served as vice president, her tenure saw an increase in staff from 20 to over 70. The college benefited from a grant from the Economic Development Administration, which funded the addition of five modern buildings for fine arts, nursing, science, and vocational training. A cafeteria and a gymnasium were also added. More recent additions include a new library in 2003 and new administrative offices, a lecture hall, and two teacher education classrooms in 2008. The computer and science labs were renovated and upgraded in 2011 with funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The Health Care Center at ASCC opened in November 1985. In 2000, Tauiliili Pemerika Tauiliili, a former teacher and head of the Land Grant division, was appointed to the board of regents.
Academic Programs and Structure
American Samoa Community College offers a diverse array of academic programs designed to meet the educational and professional aspirations of its students. The highest degree offered at ASCC is an associate degree, with students able to earn degrees and certificates in 33 different fields. Popular programs include Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, and Business Administration and Management, General. The college provides both Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees, each requiring a minimum of sixty (60) credits. Additionally, ASCC offers Certificate of Completion (COC) programs, which are designed to prepare individuals for entry-level skills and training in specific trades, occupations, or professions. These COC awards require the successful completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours, not exceeding 19 credit hours, and a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 or better for all required courses.
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The academic calendar at ASCC operates on a semester system. The college provides academic remediation for entering students, a summer session for earning credit, a part-time degree program, and adult/continuing education programs. For students seeking further education beyond ASCC, off-campus study options are available, including transfer agreements with the University of Hawaii and other colleges and universities in Hawai'i and the continental United States.
A fundamental component of ASCC's undergraduate education is its General Education program. This program serves as the core for all students pursuing an AA, AS, or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree, regardless of their chosen major. The General Education Outcomes are structured around five domains: Communication, Information Technology Literacy, Critical Thinking, Global Awareness and Cultural Competence, and Personal Development and Responsibility. These courses are designed to enhance foundational competencies in core disciplinary areas and provide students with a well-rounded educational experience. Specific outcomes include fostering the ability to receive and express information effectively (GEO 1 Communication), utilizing technology to evaluate and present information (GEO 2 Information Technology Literacy), applying quantitative and scientific concepts for problem-solving (GEO 3 Critical Thinking), understanding social, economic, and political systems, and appreciating Samoan and other Pacific cultures (GEO 4 Global Awareness and Cultural Competence), and developing career goals and lifelong learning skills (GEO 5 Personal Development and Responsibility).
The Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.Ed.) Degree program provides theoretical and practical experiences for both pre-service and in-service elementary education majors. The college also features a unique Samoan Studies program, offering classes in the territory’s language and culture, reflecting ASCC's commitment to preserving and promoting local heritage.
Admissions and Student Profile
American Samoa Community College operates under an open admissions policy, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of students. In the Fall of 2023, 374 students applied, and 100% were admitted, reflecting the college's commitment to providing educational opportunities. The college also offers deferred admission as an option for prospective students.
Entrance requirements include the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency, with SAT I or ACT scores recommended but not mandatory. The admissions process is non-competitive, and the application deadline is August 1st. The college also offers credit for life experiences, further enhancing its accessibility.
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In terms of student demographics, ASCC serves a diverse student body. As of Fall 2022, the total enrollment was 1,081 students. The student-faculty ratio is 14-to-1, fostering an environment conducive to personalized attention. While 93 percent of students are residents of American Samoa, only 24 percent hold Samoan citizenship, indicating a diverse background among the student population. Approximately 23 percent of students are over the age of 26, highlighting the presence of adult learners and those returning to education. The student body originates from 2 other countries in addition to American Samoa. The gender distribution and age distribution across various age brackets (under 18, 18-24, 25-64, over 65) reflect a broad spectrum of learners. Notably, 58 percent of first-generation students are part of the ASCC community.
Campus Life and Services
The campus of American Samoa Community College is a 20-acre rural setting, providing a focused environment for learning. While college housing is not available, the college is situated in a town with a total enrollment of 1,081 students. The student life at ASCC is enriched by a student-run newspaper, providing a platform for student voices and engagement.
ASCC is committed to supporting its students' academic and personal development through a range of services. Academic and career counseling services are available to guide students in their educational paths and future career choices. For students seeking employment after graduation, placement services are offered. The college also provides employment services specifically for students. Recognizing the needs of student parents, the college offers on-campus daycare for students' children, although this service is listed as not applicable (N/A) in some data points.
In terms of campus safety, ASCC implements measures such as a 24-hour security patrol, campus emergency phones, and the availability of 24-hour escort safety rides. However, mobile campus emergency alerts are not currently in place.
Tuition, Cost, and Financial Aid
American Samoa Community College strives to make higher education affordable for its students. For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state tuition and fees were $5,150, while out-of-state tuition and fees were $5,450. For the 2022-2023 period, these figures were slightly higher, with in-state tuition at $5,300 and out-of-state tuition at $5,600. The estimated cost for books and supplies is $2,600 annually. There is no application fee for prospective students.
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ASCC also provides significant financial aid to its students. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 82 percent of undergraduates received grant or scholarship aid. The average scholarship or grant award was $5,225. The total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from various sources (federal, state/local government, institutional, and other) amounted to $2,986,073. This comprehensive financial aid package aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and enable them to pursue their educational goals without undue financial stress.
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