10 Most Affordable Community Colleges in California 2025
We cover the top 10 most affordable California junior colleges by looking at the average annual cost for students. College of the Sequoias leads the pack, with Oxnard College and Moorpark College following.
Most Affordable Community Colleges in California (2025)
| School | Location | Average Net Price |
|---|---|---|
| College of the Sequoias | Visalia, CA | $1,026 |
| Oxnard College | Oxnard, CA | $1,111 |
| Moorpark College | Moorpark, CA | $1,151 |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton, CA | $1,238 |
| Antelope Valley Community College District | Lancaster, CA | $1,480 |
| Santa Ana College | Santa Ana, CA | $1,497 |
| Pasadena City College | Pasadena, CA | $1,756 |
| Skyline College | San Bruno, CA | $1,834 |
| Cañada College | Redwood City, CA | $1,944 |
| Madera Community College | Madera, CA | $1,963 |
California community colleges stand as great platforms for propelling students to 4-year universities.
A report from the Public Policy Institute of California notes that a majority of community college transfer students to CSU (79%) and UC (90%) graduate within four years—a significant improvement over traditional transfer timelines.
Recent data indicate that many California public institutions are performing strongly in key student success metrics. For instance, first‐year retention rates remain robust—often exceeding 88% at various campuses—while overall graduation and transfer rates for public institutions generally range from about 35% to 40% for four‐year rates, with six‐year outcomes somewhat higher.
Popular Colleges That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Notably, updated figures for federal student loan defaults show a marked improvement, with current default rates around 5% or lower by dollar value—substantially reduced from earlier figures of 13–14% nationally. These trends highlight that many students are successfully progressing through the system, which is particularly important for affordability when combined with the lower tuition costs typical of community colleges.
California’s community colleges, in particular, are known for their affordability and strong outcomes. According to a recent PPIC report on college affordability in California, only about 1% of California Community College students borrow to attend, underscoring the relatively low financial burden for many.
This affordability, combined with effective student support systems that contribute to high retention rates, positions community colleges as a viable and attractive option for students seeking quality education without the high cost associated with four-year institutions. For further details, see the PPIC report on college affordability and updated student loan statistics from EducationData.org.
Methodology
The following list of California community colleges was compiled gathering data from the U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center and each school's website. The order of our list is based on average annual cost (average net price) in ascending order, the number one ranking offering the cheapest average net price in California.
The 10 Most Affordable Community Colleges California
Choosing a community college in California doesn’t have to break the bank. These ten schools not only offer incredibly low average annual costs but also provide meaningful educational opportunities across a wide range of fields. Here's a closer look at each one:
1. College of the Sequoias
Average Net Price: $1,026
Location: Visalia, CA
Website: cos.edu
Enrollment: 10,380 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 37%
Median Earnings: $39,092
College of the Sequoias is a Hispanic-Serving Institution offering affordable, quality education in the heart of Visalia. Known for strong programs in liberal arts, nursing, and criminal justice, this college serves over 10,000 students annually. It boasts a graduation rate above the national average for two-year institutions. Students benefit from low costs and high-value degrees.
2. Oxnard College
Average Net Price: $1,111
Location: Oxnard, CA
Website: oxnardcollege.edu
Enrollment: 5,635 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 26%
Median Earnings: $41,393
Oxnard College combines accessibility with a diverse range of programs, including allied health and liberal arts. Despite a slightly below-average graduation rate, it offers exceptional value at just over $1,100 per year. Students enjoy small class sizes and a strong support network. Graduates often exceed national earnings averages.
3. Moorpark College
Average Net Price: $1,151
Location: Moorpark, CA
Website: moorparkcollege.edu
Enrollment: 10,966 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 34%
Median Earnings: $49,044
Moorpark College offers a beautiful suburban campus experience with standout programs in humanities, business, and science. The college maintains one of the highest graduation rates and median salaries on this list. At just over $1,100 per year, it delivers high ROI. It's a top choice for students looking for transfer pathways and career training alike.
4. San Joaquin Delta College
Average Net Price: $1,238
Location: Stockton, CA
Website: deltacollege.edu
Enrollment: 12,462 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 30%
Median Earnings: $43,212
San Joaquin Delta College provides a diverse student body with flexible learning options in a city setting. Top programs include liberal arts, psychology, and nursing. Students enjoy access to over 120 fields of study, all at an impressively low cost. Median earnings exceed $43K a decade after enrollment.
5. Antelope Valley Community College District
Average Net Price: $1,480
Location: Lancaster, CA
Website: avc.edu
Enrollment: 10,191 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 32%
Median Earnings: $36,526
Antelope Valley College offers a solid community-focused education in a rural setting. The school features strong programs in social sciences, vehicle repair, and criminal justice. It meets the national average for graduation rate and provides a great start to both trades and transfer paths. Annual cost remains under $1,500 for most students.
6. Santa Ana College
Average Net Price: $1,497
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Website: sac.edu
Enrollment: 20,309 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 17%
Median Earnings: $43,552
Santa Ana College is one of the largest and most affordable two-year institutions in the state. Despite a below-average graduation rate, students have access to high-earning career pathways in fields like fire protection and business administration. The college serves a diverse urban population with extensive academic support. At under $1,500 per year, it offers a low-risk, high-reward investment.
7. Pasadena City College
Average Net Price: $1,756
Location: Pasadena, CA
Website: pasadena.edu
Enrollment: 19,504 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 32%
Median Earnings: $43,937
Pasadena City College is a top transfer institution in Southern California with a wide selection of associate degree programs. Students benefit from strong earnings potential and a competitive academic environment. Its location and program breadth make it a popular option for those seeking affordability and access. The average cost remains comfortably under $2,000.
8. Skyline College
Average Net Price: $1,834
Location: San Bruno, CA
Website: skylinecollege.edu
Enrollment: 6,038 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 27%
Median Earnings: $55,702
Skyline College stands out for offering the highest median earnings among this list of affordable colleges. Located in the Bay Area, it provides strong programs in business, health sciences, and general studies. The school’s affordability is paired with impressive career outcomes. It’s a smart pick for high-ROI education under $2,000 per year.
9. Cañada College
Average Net Price: $1,944
Location: Redwood City, CA
Website: canadacollege.edu
Enrollment: 4,271 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: 20%
Median Earnings: $50,087
Cañada College is a small but mighty community college offering personalized attention and strong career training programs. Students interested in psychology, business, or general studies find robust options here. While the graduation rate is low, long-term earnings are notably strong. The school offers a convenient and affordable Bay Area option.
10. Madera Community College
Average Net Price: $1,963
Location: Madera, CA
Website: maderacollege.edu
Enrollment: 4,204 undergraduate students
Graduation Rate: Data not available
Median Earnings: Data not available
Madera Community College is a newer addition to California's community college system, serving rural students with a wide range of affordable programs. With costs under $2,000, it offers an accessible entry point to higher education. While outcome data is still emerging, the school’s small size fosters strong student support. It’s an excellent option for students seeking a tight-knit learning community.
Our Findings & Observations
We have found that California community colleges offer a very affordable way to begin a higher education journey. On average, these colleges cost about $1,500 per year.
At some schools, like College of the Sequoias, costs can be as low as $1,026, while others, like Madera Community College, may be closer to $1,963.
At Oxnard College, many students pay much less after receiving financial aid, sometimes even under $100 per year. With costs much lower compared to many four-year colleges, community colleges are a smart choice for those looking to save money
We also observe that these colleges help students move on to four-year universities.
Our data shows that the overall graduation and transfer rate averages about 29% across these schools, with rates ranging from 17% at Santa Ana College to 37% at College of the Sequoias. This proves that affordability does not stop students from completing their programs. In addition, the median earnings for graduates are around $44,600, and some schools, like Skyline College, report even higher earnings.
With over 100,000 students enrolled in these institutions, we believe California community colleges provide a strong, budget-friendly path to a college degree.
California Community College Rankings Insight
Moorpark College offers strong value with low cost, above-average graduation, and high earnings. Students there benefit from affordability and good completion chances. Santa Ana College serves many but has a lower graduation rate.
College of the Sequoias offers low cost, above-average graduation, and solid earnings, especially for a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Oxnard College's potential for under $100 cost emphasizes accessibility. Skyline College's high earnings highlight return on investment.
Madera Community College is newer with limited data but offers low cost in a rural setting. Moorpark and College of the Sequoias show a balance of affordability and positive outcomes. Skyline shows the importance of return on investment.
Conclusion
This data offers an overview of California's top 10 most affordable colleges for 2025. They provide accessible pathways for over 100,000 students. While costs are low, graduation rates and earnings vary, requiring consideration beyond tuition.
Colleges like Moorpark and College of the Sequoias show a strong balance of affordability and outcomes. Skyline demonstrates high return on investment. Subsequent sections will provide detailed profiles to help students find the best fit.
This data-driven overview sets the stage for exploring the diverse opportunities in California's affordable higher education landscape. It highlights the need to consider various factors beyond just the cost of attendance.
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