Top 15 Community Colleges in California

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] with the information desired to be included.

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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 students every 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 take courses 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, or a 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 new Associate 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.

See ADegreeWithAGuarantee.com for 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 HANCOCK COLLEGE 800 SOUTH COLLEGE DR SANTA MARIA ,   CA   93454	Allan Hancock 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

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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 in a vocational discipline is $61,600. In contrast, the median income for those in the state whose highest 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 more than $54,000 annually five years later. That is the median wage of someone with a bachelor’s degree living in California. 

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

Helpful Resources for California Community College Students

CCCApply.org -- find and apply to a community college in California. CCC Apply is a one-stop solution for finding and choosing a college and 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]