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About Your Higher-Education Options in California
About the California Community Colleges
About the California State University (CSU)
About the University of California (UC)
About California Independent Colleges
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About Your Higher-Education Options in California

California Community Colleges

This system of two-year public institutions, composed of 112 colleges organized into 72 districts statewide, serves 2.76 million students and represents the largest system of higher education in the nation.

Students can choose to work toward an associate (two-year) degree in hundreds of academic and technical fields, or a one- or two-year training/certificate program in a choice of occupational fields, such as health professions and high-technology. Students may also complete coursework to enable them to transfer to a college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree.

California State University (CSU)

With 23 campuses, 430,000 students, and 44,000 faculty and staff the California State University is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country. We are the gateway institution for the great majority of students seeking a baccalaureate education in California, and for those who seek professional training as teachers, nurses, social workers, and engineers. We have tremendous impact on the education, lives, economy, and the future of Californians and people throughout the world.

University of California (UC)

The nine general campuses of the University of California provide exciting environments that foster world-class educational and research opportunities and generate a wide range of benefits and services that touch the lives of Californians throughout the state. The UC family includes more than 200,000 students, 120,000 faculty and staff, 37,000 retirees and more than 1.3 million living alumni. UC is also actively involved in locations beyond its campuses, national laboratories, medical centers and neighboring communities — in places throughout California, around the world and online.

California Independent Colleges

The 75 independent, nonprofit California colleges and universities offer diverse and truly unique educational opportunities for over 240,000 students. Located in every type of region from urban to rural, this group of colleges and universities includes nearly 28,000 faculty members. Whether it is the academic focus (comprehensive, liberal arts, research or specialized (e.g. health care, performing & visual arts) or characteristics of the student body (faith affiliated, women's colleges or international affiliates) these institutions have truly unique identities. With over 350 degrees to choose from among these institutions, including two-year, undergraduate and graduate programs, there is certainly one that is right for you.