About the California Community Colleges

A community college is a publicly supported and locally oriented college that provides programs to: help you transfer to a four-year college, pursue career education programs, take remedial or "catch-up" programs, and offer coursework for cultural growth, life enrichment, and skills improvement.

Is a California Community College Right for You?

The California Community Colleges are one educational option among many. In California, some students apply to the University of California or the California State University or independent universities and colleges. The California Community Colleges, though, offer many students huge advantages through a greater variety of programs.

At a community college you can take classes to prepare you for college-level math and English, receive career training to get in the workforce quickly and affordably, and complete lower division courses that are transferable to a four-year college or university. A community college is a good choice for anyone who may want to attend a four-year school later but who is not yet academically, personally, or economically ready to begin study at a university. Community college is also a good option for those who are unemployed or under-employed and want to be retrained to work in emerging and in-demand industries such as health care and green jobs.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend a Community College?

An enrollment fee is charged to every student who takes courses for credit. The current fee charged to state residents is $36 per unit. A full time student enrolled for 12 units for 2 semesters would currently pay $864 per year in enrollment fees. Students should note that these fees are occasionally subject to change by the California State Legislature.

Financial aid, such as a fee waiver, grants, scholarships, work study programs and loans, is available year-round. This money can be used to help pay for fees, books, supplies, and sometimes even living expenses. Students who enroll full-time generally receive more financial aid than part-time students. Current students and those considering enrolling in a community college can learn about the different types of financial aid available and apply for them by visiting icanaffordcollege.info.

What about Transferring from a California Community College?

A California community college is a great place to begin your four-year degree. Beginning the path to a four-year degree at a California Community College has two big benefits:

1. Admission Priority

   Upper division transfer students from the California Community Colleges have the highest admissions priority of all students applying to the UC and CSU. Plus, many of the community colleges have transfer agreements to help you make a smooth transition.

   All California Community Colleges offer courses that meet lower-division, general education requirements of the UC and CSU, and many of the major preparation courses to prepare you for your major. Community colleges also offer associate degrees in selected majors where, when completed, guarantee you admission into the CSU system at the junior level.

2. Cost Savings

   By first completing your first 60 units of transferable credit at a California community college and then transferring and completing your upper division classes at UC, CSU or a private/independent college, you can save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.

Transfer Facts

During the 2009-2010 school year, over 50,000 students transferred from a California Community College to the University of California and California State University combined, and over 20,000 students transferred from a California Community College to California Independent Colleges.

Can I Complete my High School Diploma Requirements at a Community College?

Yes. Most community colleges offer adult basic education courses to meet high school requirements. In some regions these courses are provided to adults at a local high school in the evenings. Most high schools will accept regular community college courses for credit toward the high school diploma.

Can I Complete my First Two Years of Undergraduate Study at a Community College?

Yes. All California Community Colleges offer courses that meet the lower-division requirements (first two years) of a four-year college or university. Counselors in transfer centers and counseling offices can help you plan your community college program to make sure that the courses you select are transferable. However, you should check the requirements of the college or university to which you plan to transfer, especially in your desired major. Many community colleges offer written transfer guarantee programs to specific universities. Be sure to contact the transfer center or counseling office for more information.

What Occupational Training is Offered in Community Colleges?

The California Community Colleges can help students get the training needed to qualify for a well-paying job with room for advancement. Community college can also help those who are unemployed or under-employed get retrained quickly and back out into the workforce. Career education vocational programs are offered in hundreds of areas that employers need. Areas of vocational (occupational) education include health occupations, electronics and computer sciences, business and finance, agriculture, police and fire science, food science, building and landscaping trades, technical and industrial trades, and many others. Community colleges have up-to-date equipment and facilities and vocational instructors who are experts in their fields. Depending on the occupation you select, training may take from six months to two years. Associate degrees and certificate (shorter-term) programs are available for many fields.

Can I Take Online or Correspondence Courses Through the Colleges?

There are a number of California Community Colleges offering courses or programs via distance education. A variety of courses and programs are offered through correspondence, online, mixed format, or via television. To find information about distance education courses and programs in California, you can view a Distance Education Catalog on the California Virtual Campus website.

More Information

• See a directory of key California Community Colleges campus offices
  
• View a map of California Community Colleges campus locations