The 15 Best Community Colleges In California | 2015-2016 (2024)

The 15 Best Community Colleges In California | 2015-2016 (1)

There’s a myth going around that says students go to community colleges because they weren't accepted by a four year school. The truth is, many students start their post-secondary degrees in college as a money saving factor. By taking the first two years of a four-year degree in a community college, students take out fewer loans and won’t carry as large of a debt burden. Many students (and parents) are seeing community colleges as a great stepping stone. In recent years, this trend hasn't lessened.

Thus if your goal is to attend a four-year university, the name of the game is to pay attention to the graduation and transfer rate of the community college. These two rates are representative of how well a student does in school and their chances of transferring into the schools of their choice (also pay attention to what classes will transfer to the school of your choice—really helps).

Some schools have strong relationships with major universities and offer honors programs that provide a sort of “backdoor” into these schools.What ultimately matters most is your own academic performance. Keep your head down, work hard and you’ll be able to make it.

The following is a list of some of the top community colleges in California based on graduation and transfer rates. Please note that the cost of attendance varies for those that are in-state residents and out of state residents.

Best Community Colleges in California by size

1. Mt San Antonio College

  • Average Net Price:$3,605
  • Graduation Rate:38%
  • Retention Rate:77%
  • Median Earnings:$42,999

Mt. SAC offers associate degrees and certificates in over 190 programs including business, STEM, healthcare, public service, manufacturing, and creative arts. Mt. SAC has transfer guarantees with several UC and CSU campuses to streamline the transfer process after completing an associate degree. As a public California community college, Mt. SAC offers very affordable tuition, around $46 per unit for in-state students. Financial aid is available.

Mt. SAC has highly qualified faculty, with over 70% holding master’s degrees or PhDs in their fields. The student-faculty ratio is 33:1. The campus in Walnut, CA provides access to employment, entertainment, and recreation opportunities in the Los Angeles metro area. Students can participate in competitive athletics programs, theater productions, music groups, cultural clubs, honor societies, student government, and more.

Robust counseling, career guidance, transfer advising, tutoring, work experience education, childcare, veterans services, and disability resources help support student success. Mt. SAC graduates transfer to top universities or have excellent job placement rates thanks to rigorous academics and career preparation.

2. Moorpark College

  • Average Net Price:$1,247
  • Graduation Rate:35%
  • Retention Rate:77%
  • Median Earnings:$48,294

Moorpark offers associate degrees and certificates in over 150 programs including business, STEM, healthcare, social sciences, and creative arts. There is a focus on transfer preparation. Articulation agreements ensure easy transfer of credits to UC, CSU, and private universities after completing an associate degree at Moorpark. As a public community college, Moorpark offers very affordable tuition at around $46 per unit for California residents. Financial aid is available.

Small class sizes, around 28 students on average, allow for interaction with experienced faculty. Over 90% of faculty have graduate degrees. Located in a suburb of Los Angeles, Moorpark provides access to entertainment industry resources, employers, and convenient beach proximity. Students can participate in athletics like aquatics and rodeo, performing arts, cultural programs, honor societies, student government, and clubs.

Services like counseling, transfer advising, career guidance, tutoring, EOPS, and programs for student-parents and veterans support student success. Moorpark has excellent transfer acceptance rates to selective universities. Graduates also obtain well-paying jobs in the Los Angeles region.

3. Irvine Valley College

  • Average Net Price:$1,627
  • Graduation Rate:32%
  • Retention Rate:80%
  • Median Earnings:$48,288

As a California community college, Irvine Valley offers very affordable tuition rates, allowing students to save money on their first two years of college before potentially transferring to a 4-year university.Irvine Valley provides associate degrees, career-focused certificates, and transfer programs across over 80 fields of study from business to STEM to fine arts.

With an average class size of 35 students, Irvine Valley College provides more individualized attention and peer interaction than the giant lecture halls at many bigger universities. The college’s campus lies conveniently in the city of Irvine, giving residents of Orange County and surrounding areas easy access while maintaining a small college town feel. Irvine Valley guarantees straightforward transfers to UC campuses like Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara.

4. Golden West College

  • Average Net Price:$3,809
  • Graduation Rate:38%
  • Retention Rate:68%
  • Median Earnings:$41,071

Golden West College offers over 120 associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields like business, criminal justice, healthcare, technology, and the arts.

Articulation agreements ensure smooth transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after completing an associate degree at GWC.

As a public California community college, GWC offers very affordable tuition around $46 per unit. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

GWC has highly qualified faculty with graduate degrees who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. The student-faculty ratio is 32:1.

The campus in Huntington Beach provides access to internships, jobs, entertainment, and recreational activities in the Orange County coastal region.

Students can participate in music and theater productions, compete in athletics, join student government, and engage in over 30 academic and cultural campus clubs.

Services like counseling, career guidance, transfer advising, tutoring, veteran services, disability support, extended opportunity programs, and job placement help promote student success.

Outcomes - GWC has excellent transfer acceptance rates and job placement results. Graduates succeed at four-year colleges and obtain well-paying jobs.

5. College of San Mateo

  • Average Net Price:$984
  • Graduation Rate:29%
  • Retention Rate:73%
  • Median Earnings:$50,874

CSM offers associate degrees and certificates in over 100 programs including STEM, business, healthcare, automotive technology, nursing, and skilled trades. Articulation agreements ensure easy transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private colleges after completing an associate degree at CSM. As a public California community college, CSM offers very affordable tuition around $46 per unit for state residents. Aid is available.

CSM has a highly qualified faculty with over 70% holding master's or doctoral degrees. Student-to-faculty ratio is 23:1. The campus in San Mateo provides access to employers, amenities, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions in the Bay Area. Students can participate in student government, over 20 clubs like Puente and Umoja, athletics programs, theater productions, music groups, and events.

Resources like counseling, tutoring, transfer advising, career services, EOPS/CARE, food pantry, disability support and more aim to help students succeed. CSM has excellent transfer acceptance rates. Graduates also obtain well-paying jobs at Bay Area employers or continue their education at four-year colleges.

6. Imperial Valley College

  • Average Net Price:$1,234
  • Graduation Rate:40%
  • Retention Rate:74%
  • Median Earnings:$32,273

Irvine Valley College:
Offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in a variety of fields
Has transfer guarantees with UC, CSU, and private schools

  • Small class sizes allow for interaction with professors
  • Over 85% of faculty hold graduate degrees
  • Based in Imperial County, providing access to agriculture and renewable energy jobs and partnerships
  • Offers counseling, career/transfer advising, tutoring, veterans services, EOPS, student employment, food pantry, and more
  • Excellent transfer acceptance rates
  • Graduates obtain well-paying jobs in agriculture, healthcare, business, public/social services

Here are some specific examples of the benefits of attending IVC:

Transfer guarantees: IVC has transfer guarantees with many UC and CSU campuses, as well as private schools. This means that if you complete an associate degree at IVC, you are guaranteed admission to one of these schools.

Small class sizes: Class sizes at IVC are typically small, which allows you to get to know your professors and classmates. This can be helpful for getting help with your studies and networking with other students.

Accredited faculty: Over 85% of IVC's faculty hold graduate degrees in their teaching field. This ensures that you will be learning from experienced and qualified instructors.

7. Ventura College

  • Average Net Price:$874
  • Graduation Rate:34%
  • Retention Rate:73%
  • Median Earnings:$41,017

Ventura College offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer preparation programs across disciplines including business, STEM fields, health sciences, social sciences, and the arts. Articulation agreements ensure easy transfer of credits to UC, CSU, and private universities after earning an associate degree from Ventura College. As a public California community college, Ventura offers very affordable tuition at around per unit for state residents. Financial aid is available. Small class sizes allow for interaction with professors. Over 90% of Ventura College faculty possess graduate degrees.

Students participate in student government, theater productions, music groups like choir and jazz band, Latino/Black student unions, and honor societies. Ventura College offers counseling, career guidance, transfer advising, tutoring, EOPS, disability services, veteran services, TRIO, and more. Excellent transfer acceptance rates to UC and CSU schools.

8. Santiago Canyon College

  • Average Net Price:$2,045
  • Graduation Rate:29%
  • Retention Rate:72%
  • Median Earnings:$42,413

SCC offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs across disciplines including business, STEM, health sciences, social sciences, humanities, and more. Articulation agreements ensure easy transfer of credits to CSU, UC, private colleges after earning an associate degree from SCC.

As a public California community college, SCC offers very affordable tuition around $46/unit for state residents. Financial aid available. Small class sizes allow for interaction with professors. Over 80% of SCC faculty possess graduate degrees. Based in Orange, California, SCC provides access to employers, entertainment, outdoor recreation in the Anaheim Hills and Orange County area.

Students participate in Associated Student Government, theater productions, music groups, ethnic/cultural clubs, honor societies, journalism, and more. SCC offers counseling, career/transfer advising, tutoring, assessment, EOPS/CARE, veterans resources, DSPS services, TRIO, and Guardian Scholars. Strong transfer acceptance rates to selective universities. Graduates also obtain well-paying jobs with their SCC education and training.

9. Canada College

  • Average Net Price:$3,643
  • Graduation Rate:25%
  • Retention Rate:68%
  • Median Earnings:$49,999

Canada offers associate degrees, certificates and transfer programs in fields like business, STEM, health sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and foreign languages. Articulation agreements ensure smooth transfer of credits to UC, CSU, and private colleges after completing an associate degree at Canada.

Small class sizes allow interaction with professors. Over 85% of faculty possess graduate degrees. Based near Silicon Valley, the college provides access to the technology sector, startups, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Students participate in student government, cultural programs and clubs, music and theater performance groups, athletics, and honor societies.

Services like counseling, transfer advising, tutoring, assessment, disability resources, veterans support, food pantry, and EOPS further student success. Strong transfer acceptance rates to selective universities. Graduates obtain well-paying jobs at Silicon Valley employers or continue their education.

10. Oxnard College

  • Average Net Price:$1,104
  • Graduation Rate:32%
  • Retention Rate:68%
  • Median Earnings:$35,555

Oxnard College offers associate degrees, certificates and transfer programs in fields like business, STEM, health sciences, criminal justice, and the social sciences. Transferability - Articulation agreements ensure smooth transfer of credits to UC, CSU, and private universities after completing an associate degree at Oxnard.

Small class sizes promote interaction with professors. Over 85% of faculty possess graduate degrees.

Students participate in student government, cultural clubs, music/theater performance groups, student publications, and honor societies.

Services like counseling, transfer advising, tutoring, assessment, EOPS, and programs for former foster youth support student success.

Strong transfer acceptance rates.

11. Sierra College

  • Average Net Price:$2,559
  • Graduation Rate:35%
  • Retention Rate:67%
  • Median Earnings:$39,181

Sierra offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields like business, STEM, social sciences, humanities, public safety, and skilled trades. Articulation agreements ensure a smooth transfer of credits to UC, CSU, and private universities after completing an associate degree. As a public California community college, Sierra offers very affordable tuition around $46 per unit for state residents. Financial aid is available.

Small class sizes allow for interaction with professors. Over 90% of faculty possess graduate degrees. Campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Roseville provide access to outdoor recreation in the Sierras along with employment opportunities.

Services like counseling, transfer advising, tutoring, assessment, veterans resource center, food pantry, EOPS, and DSPS help students succeed. Strong transfer acceptance rates to selective universities in the UC/CSU systems. Graduates also obtain well-paying jobs in Northern California.

12. Grossmont College

  • Average Net Price:$3,377
  • Graduation Rate:31%
  • Retention Rate:68%
  • Median Earnings:$39,952

Grossmont offers associate degrees and career education programs in fields like business, digital media, culinary arts, medical assisting, public health, exercise science, and American Sign Language. Articulation agreements ensure easy transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after earning an associate degree from Grossmont. Financial aid is available.

Small class sizes promote interaction with professors. Over 85% of Grossmont faculty possess graduate degrees. Strong transfer acceptance rates to selective universities.

13. College of the Sequoias

  • Average Net Price:$3417
  • Graduation Rate:38%
  • Retention Rate:66%
  • Median Earnings:$35,288

COS offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs across disciplines including business, STEM, health sciences, agriculture, social sciences, humanities, public services, and skilled trades. Articulation agreements ensure smooth transfer of credits to UC, CSU, and private schools after completing an associate degree at COS.

Small class sizes promote interaction with professors. Over 80% of faculty possess graduate degrees. Campuses in Visalia and Hanford provide access to agriculture jobs and resources in the Central Valley along with outdoor recreation. Students participate in student government, theater productions, music groups, cultural clubs, honor societies, journalism, and athletics.

Services like counseling, transfer advising, tutoring, assessment, EOPS, TRIO, CalWorks, veterans services, food pantry, and more support student success. Strong transfer acceptance rates to four-year universities. Graduates also obtain well-paying jobs in the Central Valley region.

14. Porterville College

  • Average Net Price:$3,988
  • Graduation Rate:38%
  • Retention Rate:61%
  • Median Earnings:$33,233

Porterville College offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs across diverse areas including business, STEM, health sciences, criminal justice, social sciences, humanities, and skilled trades.

Articulation agreements ensure smooth transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after earning an associate degree from Porterville.

Small class sizes promote interaction with professors. Over 75% of faculty possess graduate degrees.

Based in Porterville, the college provides access to agriculture jobs and resources in the Central Valley and outdoor recreation in the Sierras.

Students participate in student government, cultural programs, music groups, honor societies, journalism, and competitive athletics.

Services include counseling, transfer advising, tutoring, assessment, EOPS/CARE, CalWorks, DSPS, student employment, food pantry, and veterans services.

Strong transfer acceptance rates and job placement results. Graduates succeed at four-year colleges and obtain well-paying jobs.

15. Yuba College

  • Average Net Price:$2,906
  • Graduation Rate:30%
  • Retention Rate:50%
  • Median Earnings:$35,502

Yuba offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields including business, technology, health sciences, agriculture, creative arts, social sciences, and more. Articulation agreements ensure a smooth transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after completing an associate degree at Yuba. Financial aid is available.

Small class sizes promote interaction with professors. Over 75% of faculty possess graduate degrees. Campuses in Marysville and Woodland provide access to agriculture jobs and outdoor recreation in Northern California. Students participate in student government, cultural programs, music groups, honor societies, journalism, and athletic clubs/teams.

Services like counseling, transfer advising, tutoring, assessment, EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, DSPS, TRIO, and veterans services.

Strong transfer acceptance rates. Graduates obtain well-paying jobs in fields like healthcare, technology, education, social services, and agriculture.

If any of the information for your schools is incorrect, please contact [emailprotected] and we will make the correction(s).

If you would like certain information included in your school's description that has not been added, please contact [emailprotected] with the information desired to be included.

Congratulations on making the list for this year's Best Community Colleges in California! Feel free to post the award badge on your site.

Community Colleges in California

The California Community Colleges System (CCCS) consists of 121 community colleges in 72 community college districts. CCCS is the largest system of higher education in the world, serving more than 2.1 million studentsevery year. The CCCS empowers students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in today's workplace.

With a wide variety of educational offerings, California community colleges provide certificate and degree programs to prepare students for the workplace or to transfer to four-year colleges.

At California community colleges, students can takecourses in more than 175 different fields of study. These courses can lead students to an associate's degree, transfer to a four-year college or university, ora Career Technical Education (CTE)/vocational certificate.

Starting at a community college is a great and affordable way to complete general education courses and major preparation courses. Following which, students can transfer to a college or university for bachelor degree completion.

The newAssociate Degree for Transfer program (AA-T/AS-T) allows California community college students to more easily transfer to California colleges within the California State University (CSU) system. The program allows students to opportunity to complete both the associate's and bachelor's degrees in only 120 units.

SeeADegreeWithAGuarantee.comfor more information.

California community colleges are also the least expensive, all-around colleges in the nation. Residents currently pay an average of $46 per credit hour. For full-time students at 12 credits per semester, this equates to $552 per semester. Non-California residents pay an out-of-state tuition that typically costs $140-$400 per credit hour.

List of Community Colleges in California

Northern | Southern | Central | Bay Area | Los Angeles Area

Northern CA

AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE
4700 COLLEGE OAK DRIVE
SACRAMENTO , CA 95841

Los Rios Community College District
(916) 568-3101

BUTTE COLLEGE
3536 BUTTE CAMPUS DRIVE
OROVILLE , CA 95965

Butte-Glenn Community College District
(530) 895-2400

CLEAR LAKE CAMPUS
15880 DAM ROAD EXT.
CLEARLAKE , CA 95422

Yuba Community College District
(707) 995-7900

COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE
8401 CENTER PARKWAY
SACRAMENTO , CA 95823-5704

Los Rios Community College District
(916) 568-3101

EL DORADO CENTER
6699 CAMPUS DRIVE
PLACERVILLE , CA 95667-7744

Los Rios Community College District
(916) 568-3112

FEATHER RIVER COLLEGE
570 GOLDEN EAGLE AVE
QUINCY , CA 95971

Feather River Community College District
(530) 283-0202 X257

FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE
10 COLLEGE PARKWAY
FOLSOM , CA 95630-6798

Los Rios Community College District
(916) 608-6500

LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ONE COLLEGE DRIVE
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE , CA 96150

Lake Tahoe Community College District
(530) 541-4660

LASSEN COLLEGE
478-200 HWY 139
SUSANVILLE , CA 96130

Lassen Community College District
(530) 251-8811

MENDOCINO COLLEGE
1000 HENSLEY CREEK RD
UKIAH , CA 95482

Mendocino-Lake Community College District
(707) 468-3062

NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE
2277 NAPA-VALLEJO HIGHWAY
NAPA , CA 94558

Napa Valley Community College District
(707) 256-7107

REDWOODS, COLLEGE OF THE
7351 TOMPKINS HILL RD
EUREKA , CA 95501

Redwoods Community College District
(707) 476-4141

SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE
3835 FREEPORT BOULEVARD
SACRAMENTO , CA 95822

Los Rios Community College District
(916) 568-3101

SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE
1501 MENDOCINO AVENUE
SANTA ROSA , CA 95401

Santa Rosa Junior College
(707) 527-4954

SHASTA COLLEGE
11555 OLD OREGON TRAIL
REDDING , CA 96049

Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District
(530) 242-7640

SIERRA COLLEGE
5000 ROCKLIN ROAD
ROCKLIN , CA 95677

Sierra Joint Community College District
(800) 242-4004

SISKIYOUS, COLLEGE OF THE
800 COLLEGE AVENUE
WEED , CA 96094

Siskiyous Joint Community College District
(530) 938-5317

SOLANO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
4000 SUISUN VALLEY ROAD
FAIRFIELD , CA 94585

Solano Community College District
(707) 864-7128

WOODLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2300 E GIBSON ROAD
WOODLAND , CA 95776

Yuba Community College District
(530) 661-5700

YUBA COLLEGE
2088 NORTH BEALE ROAD
MARYSVILLE , CA 95901

Yuba Community College District
(530) 741-6975

Southern CA

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION PARK (ATEP)
15445 LANSDOWNE ROAD
TUSTIN , CA 92782

South Orange County Community College District
(949) 582-4850

ALLAN HANco*ck COLLEGE
800 SOUTH COLLEGE DR
SANTA MARIA , CA 93454

Allan Hanco*ck Community College District
(805) 922-6966 x3338

BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE
1801 PANORAMA DRIVE
BAKERSFIELD , CA 93305

Kern Community College District--KERN COUNTY
(661) 336-5140

BARSTOW COLLEGE
2700 BARSTOW ROAD
BARSTOW , CA 92311

Barstow Community College District
(760) 252-2411

CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
3000 COLLEGE HEIGHTS BOULEVARD
RIDGECREST , CA 93555

Kern Community College District--KERN COUNTY
(760) 384-6229

CHAFFEY COLLEGE
5885 HAVEN AVE
RANCHO CUCAMONGA , CA 91737

Chaffey Community College District
(909) 941-2158

COASTLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
11460 WARNER AVENUE
FOUNTAIN VALLEY , CA 92708

Coast Community College District
(714) 438-4715

COLLEGE OF THE DESERT
43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert , CA 92260

College of the Desert--Desert Community College District
(760) 346-8041

COPPER MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
6162 ROTARY WAY
JOSHUA TREE , CA 92252

Copper Mountain College District
(760) 366-5267

CRAFTON HILLS COLLEGE
11711 SAND CANYON ROAD
YUCAIPA , CA 92399

San Bernardino Community College District
(909) 382-4040

CUESTA COLLEGE
CUESTA COLLEGE, HWY ONE
SAN LUIS OBISPO , CA 93403

Cuesta College - San Luis Obispo County Community College District
(805) 546-3129

CUYAMACA COLLEGE
900 RANCH SAN DIEGO PKWY
EL CAJON , CA 92019

Grossmont / Cuyamaca Community College District
(619) 644-7637

CYPRESS COLLEGE
9200 Valley View St
Cypress , CA 90630

North Orange County Community College District
(714) 484-7000

FULLERTON COLLEGE
321 EAST CHAPMAN AVE
FULLERTON , CA 92832

North Orange County Community College District
(714) 992-7000

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE
15744 GOLDENWEST STREET
HUNTINGTON BEACH , CA 92647

Coast Community College District
(714) 438-4715

GROSSMONT COLLEGE
8800 GROSSMONT COLLEGE DRIVE
EL CAJON , CA 92020

Grossmont / Cuyamaca Community College District
(619) 644-7000

IMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE
380 EAST ATEN RD
IMPERIAL , CA 92251

Imperial Community College District
(760) 355-6212

IRVINE VALLEY COLLEGE
5500 IRVINE CENTER DRIVE
IRVINE , CA 92618

South Orange County Community College District
(949) 582-4466

MIRACOSTA COLLEGE
1 BARNARD DRIVE
OCEANSIDE , CA 92056

MiraCosta Community College District
(760) 795-6854

MOORPARK COLLEGE
7075 CAMPUS WAY
MOORPARK , CA 93021

Ventura County Community College District
(805) 378-1400

MORENO VALLEY COLLEGE (RIVERSIDE CCD)
16130 LASSELLE STREET
MORENO VALLEY , CA 92551-2045

Riverside Community College District
(951) 571-6100

MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE
1100 NORTH GRAND AVE
WALNUT , CA 91789

Mt. San Antonio Community College District
(909) 594-5611

MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
1499 NORTH STATE STREET
SAN JACINTO , CA 92583

Mt. San Jacinto Community College District
(951) 487-3150

NORCO CAMPUS (RIVERSIDE CCD)
2001 THIRD STREET
NORCO , CA 92860-2600

Riverside Community College District
(951) 372-7000

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE
2701 FAIRVIEW ROAD
COSTA MESA , CA 92626

Coast Community College District
(714) 438-4715

OXNARD COLLEGE
4000 SOUTH ROSE AVENUE
OXNARD , CA 93033

Ventura County Community College District
(805) 986-5800

PALO VERDE COLLEGE
ONE COLLEGE DRIVE
BLYTHE , CA 92225

Palo Verde Community College District
(760) 921-5408

PALOMAR COLLEGE
1140 WEST MISSION RD
SAN MARCOS , CA 92069

Palomar Community College District
(760) 744-1150 x4181

PORTERVILLE COLLEGE
100 EAST COLLEGE AVENUE
PORTERVILLE , CA 93257

Kern Community College District--KERN COUNTY
(559) 791-2457

RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE
4800 Magnolia Ave
RIVERSIDE , CA 92506-1299

Riverside Community College District
(951) 222-8000

SADDLEBACK COLLEGE
28000 MARGUERITE PARKWAY
MISSION VIEJO , CA 92692

South Orange County Community College District
(949) 582-4850

SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE
701 SOUTH MOUNT VERNON AVENUE
SAN BERNARDINO , CA 92410

San Bernardino Community College District
(909) 382-4040

SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE
1313 PARK BLVD
SAN DIEGO , CA 92101

San Diego Community College District
(619) 388-6579

SAN DIEGO CONTINUING EDUCATION (SDCE)
4343 OCEAN VIEW BLVD
SAN DIEGO , CA 92113-1915

San Diego Community College District
(619) 388-6579

SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE
7250 MESA COLLEGE DRIVE
SAN DIEGO , CA 92111

San Diego Community College District
(619) 388-6579

SAN DIEGO MIRAMAR COLLEGE
10440 BLACK MOUNTAIN ROAD
SAN DIEGO , CA 92126

San Diego Community College District
(619) 388-6579

SANTA ANA COLLEGE
1530 W 17TH STREET
SANTA ANA , CA 92706

Rancho Santiago Community College District
(714) 480-7490

SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE
721 CLIFF DRIVE
SANTA BARBARA , CA 93109

Santa Barbara Community College District
(805) 965-0581 x3870

SANTIAGO CANYON COLLEGE
8045 E CHAPMAN AVENUE
ORANGE , CA 92869

Rancho Santiago Community College District
(714) 480-7484

SCHOOL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION, NORTH ORANGE COUNTY
1830 W ROMNEYA DR
ANAHEIM , CA 92801

North Orange County Community College District
(714) 808-4999

SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE
900 OTAY LAKES ROAD
CHULA VISTA , CA 91910

Southwestern Community College District
(619) 482-6395

TAFT COLLEGE
29 EMMONS PARK DRIVE
TAFT , CA 93268

Taft College--West Kern Community College District
(661) 763-7700

VENTURA COLLEGE
4667 TELEGRAPH ROAD
VENTURA , CA 93003

Ventura County Community College District
(805) 654-6465

VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE
18422 BEAR VALLEY ROAD
VICTORVILLE , CA 92395

Victor Valley Community College District
(760) 245-4271 x2486

Central CA

CABRILLO COLLEGE
6500 SOQUEL DR
APTOS , CA 95003

Cabrillo Community College District
(831) 479-6217

CLOVIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (STATE CENTER CCD)
10309 N. Willow Avenue
Fresno , CA 93730

State Center Community College District
(559) 325-5200

COLUMBIA COLLEGE
11600 COLUMBIA COLLEGE DR
SONORA , CA 95370

Yosemite Community College District
(209) 588-5100

FRESNO CITY COLLEGE (STATE CENTER CCD)
1101 EAST UNIVERSITY AVE
FRESNO , CA 93741

State Center Community College District
(559) 226-0720

GAVILAN COLLEGE
5055 SANTA TERESA BLVD
GILROY , CA 95020

Gavilan Joint Community College District
(408) 848-4755

HARTNELL COLLEGE
156 HOMESTEAD AVE
SALINAS , CA 93901

Hartnell Community College District
(831) 755-6706

MADERA AND OAKHURST CENTERS (STATE CENTER CCD)
CLOVIS, FRESNO,
MADERA AND OAKHURST , CA

State Center Community College District
(559) 226-0720

MERCED COLLEGE
3600 M STREET
MERCED , CA 95348

Merced Community College District
(209) 384-6102

MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE
435 COLLEGE AVENUE
MODESTO , CA 95350

Yosemite Community College District
(209) 575-6968

MONTEREY PENINSULA COLLEGE
980 FREMONT STREET
MONTEREY , CA 93940

Monterey Peninsula Community College District
(831) 646-4016

REEDLEY COLLEGE (STATE CENTER CCD)
995 NORTH REED AVENUE
REEDLEY , CA 93654

State Center Community College District
(559) 226-0720

SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE
5151 PACIFIC AVE
STOCKTON , CA 95207

San Joaquin Delta Community College District
(209) 954-5056

SEQUOIAS, COLLEGE OF THE
915 S MOONEY BLVD
VISALIA , CA 93277

Sequoias Community College District
(559) 737-6165

WEST HILLS COLLEGE COALINGA
300 Cherry Lane
COALINGA , CA 93210

West Hills Community College District
(559) 934-2155

WEST HILLS COLLEGE LEMOORE
555 College Avenue
Lemoore , CA 93245

West Hills Community College District
(559) 934-2155

Bay Area

BERKELEY CITY COLLEGE
2050 CENTER STREET
BERKELEY , CA 94704

Peralta Community College District
(510) 981-2800

CAÑADA COLLEGE
4200 FARM HILL BOULEVARD
REDWOOD CITY , CA 94061

San Mateo County Community College District
(650) 306-3100

CHABOT COLLEGE
25555 HESPERIAN BLVD
HAYWARD , CA 94545

Chabot-Las Positas Community College District
(925) 485-5236

CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO
50 PHELAN AVENUE
SAN FRANCISCO , CA 94112

San Francisco Community College District
(415) 241-2246

COLLEGE OF ALAMEDA
555 RALPH APPEZZATO MEMORIAL PKWY
ALAMEDA , CA 94501

Peralta Community College District
(510) 466-7297

COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO
1700 WEST HILLSDALE BLVD
SAN MATEO , CA 94402

San Mateo County Community College District
(650) 574-6555

CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE
2600 MISSION BELL DRIVE
SAN PABLO , CA 94806

Contra Costa Community College District
(925) 229-6868

DE ANZA COLLEGE
21250 STEVENS CREEK BLVD.
CUPERTINO , CA 95014

Foothill - De Anza Community College District
(650) 949-6217

DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE
321 GOLF CLUB ROAD
PLEASANT HILL , CA 94523

Contra Costa Community College District
(925) 229-6868

EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE
3095 YERBA BUENA ROAD
SAN JOSE , CA 95135

San Jose / Evergreen Community College District
(408) 270-6406

FOOTHILL COLLEGE
12345 EL MONTE RD
LOS ALTOS HILLS , CA 94022

Foothill - De Anza Community College District
(650) 949-6217

LANEY COLLEGE
900 FALLON STREET
OAKLAND , CA 94607

Peralta Community College District
(510) 466-7297

LAS POSITAS COLLEGE
3033 COLLIER CANYON RD
LIVERMORE , CA 94550

Chabot-Las Positas Community College District
(925) 485-5236

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE
2700 EAST LELAND ROAD
PITTSBURG , CA 94565

Contra Costa Community College District
(925) 229-6868

MARIN, COLLEGE OF
835 COLLEGE AVE
KENTFIELD , CA 94904

Marin Community College District
(415) 485-9340

MERRITT COLLEGE
12500 CAMPUS DRIVE
OAKLAND , CA 94619

Peralta Community College District
(510) 466-7297

MISSION COLLEGE
3000 MISSION COLLEGE BLVD
SANTA CLARA , CA 95054

West Valley-Mission Community College District
(408) 741-2155

OHLONE COLLEGE
43600 MISSION BLVD
FREMONT , CA 94539

Ohlone Community College District
(510) 659-6088

SAN JOSE CITY COLLEGE
2100 MOORPARK AVE
SAN JOSE , CA 95128

San Jose / Evergreen Community College District
(408) 270-6406

SAN RAMON VALLEY CENTER
3150 CROW CANYON PLACE
SAN RAMON , CA 94583

Contra Costa Community College District
(925) 229-6868

SKYLINE COLLEGE
3300 COLLEGE DRIVE
SAN BRUNO , CA 94066

San Mateo County Community College District
(650) 738-4100

WEST VALLEY COLLEGE
14000 FRUITVALE AVE
SARATOGA , CA 95070

West Valley-Mission Community College District
(408) 741-2155

Los Angeles Area

ANTELOPE VALLEY COLLEGE
3041 WEST AVENUE K
LANCASTER , CA 93536

Antelope Valley Community College District
(661) 722-6311

CANYONS, COLLEGE OF THE
26455 ROCKWELL CANYON RD
SANTA CLARITA , CA 91355

Santa Clarita Community College Dist
(661) 362-3427

CERRITOS COLLEGE
11110 ALONDRA BLVD
NORWALK , CA 90650

Cerritos Community College District
(562) 860-2451 X2284

CITRUS COLLEGE
1000 WEST FOOTHILL BLVD
GLENDORA , CA 91741-1899

Citrus Community College District
(626) 914-8550

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK , CA 91754

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 891-2215

EL CAMINO COLLEGE
16007 CRENSHAW BLVD
TORRANCE , CA 90506

El Camino Community College District
(310) 660-3593 X3807

EL CAMINO COLLEGE COMPTON CENTER
1111 EAST ARTESIA BLVD
COMPTON , CA 90221

El Camino College Compton Center
(310) 900-1600 X2144

GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1500 NORTH VERDUGO RD
GLENDALE , CA 91208

Glendale Community College District
(818) 240-1000 x5173

LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE
4901 EAST CARSON STREET
LONG BEACH , CA 90808

Long Beach Community College District
(562) 938-4372

LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE
855 NORTH VERMONT AVENUE
LOS ANGELES , CA 90029

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 891-2080

LOS ANGELES HARBOR COLLEGE
1111 FIGUEROA PLACE
WILMINGTON , CA 90744

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 891-2211

LOS ANGELES MISSION COLLEGE
13356 ELDRIDGE AVENUE
SYLMAR , CA 91342

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 891-2080

LOS ANGELES PIERCE COLLEGE
6201 WINNETKA AVENUE
WOODLAND HILLS , CA 91371

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 891-2211

LOS ANGELES SOUTHWEST COLLEGE
1600 WEST IMPERIAL HWY
LOS ANGELES , CA 90047

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 891-2211

LOS ANGELES TRADE-TECH.COLLEGE
400 WEST WASHINGTON BLVD.
LOS ANGELES , CA 90015

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 763-7022

LOS ANGELES VALLEY COLLEGE
5800 FULTON AVENUE
VALLEY GLEN , CA 91401

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 891-2211

PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
1570 EAST COLORADO BLVD
PASADENA , CA 91106

Pasadena Area Community College District
(626) 585-7361

RIO HONDO COLLEGE
3600 WORKMAN MILL ROAD
WHITTIER , CA 90601

Rio Hondo Community College District
(562) 908-3405

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
1900 PICO BOULEVARD
SANTA MONICA , CA 90405

Santa Monica Community College District
(310) 434-4419

WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
9000 OVERLAND AVE
CULVER CITY , CA 90230

Los Angeles Community College District
(213) 891-2211

column_text]column_text]

Facts and Resources

California Community College Graduates' Salaries

According to the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office,

- Associate degrees with the highest median incomes five years after graduation are:

  • Electrical and Power Systems Transmission ($96,200)
  • Physician Assistant ($95,700)
  • Radiation Therapy Technician ($91,300)

- The statewide median income for graduates five years after earning an associate degree ina vocational discipline is $61,600. In contrast, the median income for those in the state whosehighest level of education is a high school diploma is about $24,400.

- Nearly 45 percent of California students who graduated with an associate degree earned morethan $54,000 annually five years later. That is the median wage of someone with a bachelor’sdegree living in California.

- About 25 percent of associate degree holders had median wages of more than $77,000 fiveyears after graduating.

Helpful Resources for California Community College Students

CCCApply.org -- find and apply to a community collegein California. CCC Apply is a one-stop solution for finding and choosing a collegeand submitting your college application along with financial aid forms.

ICanAffordCommunityCollege -- follow the step-by-step guide to finding and securing aid to finance your community college journey.

Salary Surfer --comparative information about the earnings of recent graduates who received an award in a specific program area at California community colleges.

California Virtual Campus-- tool for finding online courses and degree programs offered by colleges and universities in California. Make sure that your community college credits transfer to CSU.

Associate Degree For Transfer -- Make sure that your community college credits transfer to CSU.

California Student Aid Commission --Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways for students to get cash for college--it's money that you don't have to pay back.

CaliforniaColleges.edu -- The official source for college and career planning in California. Offers advice and tools for high school, college, career, and financial aid planning.

CollegeBuys --offers up to 85% discounts for students on a wide range of educational products.

HBCU Transfer website-- The California Community Colleges System guarantees admission to transfer students to nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

California Career Cafe -- a virtual career center for California community college students.

Who Do U Want 2B? -- provides information on California high school and community college courses, career options, and financial assistance.

California Career Zone --explore exciting jobs and occupations in California and learn about what career path interests you.column_text]column]row]

The 15 Best Community Colleges In California | 2015-2016 (2024)

FAQs

What is the #1 ranked community college in California? ›

#1 – Taft College

Ranking #1 in California community college programs, Taft College provides students with options of 43 associate degrees and 30 certificate programs.

What is the most beautiful community college in California? ›

One of the most beautiful community colleges in California, Moorpark College sits on a 150-acre campus that includes 15 buildings, a football stadium, track, other athletic facilities, an exotic animal compound and an observatory.

What was the first community college in California? ›

1910 was also the year Fresno City College, California's first community college, was established, ultimately changing education in California.

What community colleges in California have 100 acceptance rates? ›

List of Colleges by Acceptance Rate
SchoolAcceptance Rate
California Christian College Fresno, CA100%
California College San Diego San Diego, California100%
Haven University Garden Grove, California100%
San Diego Christian College El Cajon, CA100%
14 more rows

What is the #1 community college in the US? ›

The top 25 community colleges in the nation
RankCommunity CollegeState
1State Technical College of MissouriMo.
2Manhattan Area Technical CollegeKan.
3Northwest Iowa Community CollegeIowa
4Mt Hood Community CollegeOre.
21 more rows
Aug 15, 2023

What is the #1 private college in California? ›

Stanford University

The private institution stresses a multidisciplinary combination of teaching, learning, and research, and students have many opportunities to get involved in research projects. The sunny campus of Stanford University is located in California's Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco.

What community college does UCLA accept the most from? ›

For UCLA, Los Angeles Pierce College had among the highest acceptance rates, with 44% of the more than 200 applicants from the college accepted in 2023. The community college in the Bay Area with the highest UCLA acceptance rate is Gavilan College in Gilroy — though only 18 people applied from the college in 2023.

What is the newest community college in California? ›

The most recent in-person addition to the system is Madera Community College, which was recognized by the Board of Governors as the 116th accredited community college, on July 20, 2020. The system can add up to 30 bachelor's degree programs a year at any of the colleges under a 2021 state law.

What college has the prettiest students? ›

Using the top 20 schools from the US News and World Report list, dating website OkCupid did some number crunching to rank those top schools based on attractiveness. Yale takes the No. 1 spot, followed by Vanderbilt University and two other schools.

How many community colleges are in CA? ›

WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES

With 2 million students attending 116 colleges, our mission is to provide students with the knowledge and background necessary to compete in today's economy.

What is the oldest community college in Los Angeles? ›

Founded in 1915 by educator Floyd S. Hayden, Citrus College is the oldest community college in Los Angeles County, California, and the fifth oldest in the state of California.

Is community college free in California? ›

Are all community colleges free in California? No. If you meet income standards and other requirements, community college can be tuition-free. However, not all community colleges take part in the California College Promise program, and not all students qualify for waivers and grants.

What is the easiest college in California to get into? ›

Easy Colleges with Higher Acceptance Rates in California
  • California State University, Bakersfield.
  • California State University, Channel Islands.
  • California State University, Dominguez Hills.
  • California State University, East Bay.
  • California State University, Fresno.
  • California State University, Los Angeles.
Feb 27, 2024

What colleges accept a 3.7 GPA in California? ›

Which Colleges Accept a 3.7 GPA?
School NameLocationSchool Type
California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach StateLong Beach, CaliforniaPublic
Chapman UniversityOrange, CaliforniaPrivate
Point Loma Nazarene UniversitySan Diego, CaliforniaPrivate
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara, CaliforniaPrivate
61 more rows
May 17, 2023

Which CSU is easiest to get? ›

Easiest CSU Schools to Get Into
  1. Cal Poly Humboldt. Acceptance rate: 91% ...
  2. Cal State East Bay. Acceptance rate: 82% ...
  3. CSU Dominguez Hills. Acceptance rate: 90%
Mar 21, 2023

What is UCLA community school ranked? ›

UCLA Community School 2023-2024 Rankings

UCLA Community School is ranked #1,383 in the National Rankings.

What community college has the highest transfer rate to UC? ›

Some of the best community colleges for transferring credits to UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles, and UC San Diego are:
  • De Anza College in Cupertino, CA.
  • San Francisco City College in San Francisco, CA.
  • Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara, CA.
  • Santiago Canyon College in Orange, CA.
Feb 17, 2024

What is the safest college in California? ›

A report by the Safest College Campuses in America puts the University of San Diego at the top of their list in the state of California due to low crimes statistics and extra measures to ensure student safety.

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