Best Community Colleges in Los Angeles [2025 Guide]
Los Angeles is a city of angels and a city of dreams. Every year thousands of high school students from the region contemplate attending college, with many opting to go with the more affordable community college route before attending a four-year school.
Thanks to extensive research from Niche.com and the National Center for Education Statistics, we have been able to compile a list of the best community colleges in the Greater Los Angeles area. To be considered as one of the "Best", they must be ranked by Niche and offer some online degrees.
Best Community Colleges in Los Angeles
1. Mt. San Antonio College - Walnut, CA
- Rating: 4.0/5 (3.98 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: A minus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $5,528
Mt San Antonio College is a large public college located in Walnut, California. It has around 39,020 full-time students and offers 180 different majors. The tuition is $1,288 for in-state students and $9,548 for out-of-state students, making it relatively affordable. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 24 to 1 and a graduation rate of 13%. Graduates typically earn about $35,000 per year after completing their studies.
2. Santa Barbara City College - Santa Barbara, CA
- Rating: 4.1/5 (4.12 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: A minus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $14,180
Santa Barbara City College is a large public college located in Santa Barbara, California. It has approximately 21,423 full-time students and offers 136 different majors. The annual tuition is $1,288 for in-state students and $8,240 for out-of-state students. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 27 to 1, with an 11% graduation rate. Graduates typically earn around $36,800 per year after finishing their studies.
3. Santa Monica College - Santa Monica, CA
- Rating: 3.9/5 (3.95 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: A minus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $6,656
Santa Monica College is a large public college located in Santa Monica, California. It has approximately 40,173 full-time students and offers 127 different majors. The annual tuition is $1,104 for in-state students and $8,800 for out-of-state students. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 29 to 1, and around 9.13% of students graduate and find employment after completing their studies. Graduates typically earn about $33,000 per year.
4. Cuesta College - San Luis Obispo, CA
- Rating: 3.8/5 (3.82 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: A minus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $14,507
Cuesta College is a large public college located in San Luis Obispo, California. It has about 15,640 full-time students and offers 120 different majors. The tuition is $1,288 for in-state students and $8,848 for out-of-state students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 28 to 1, and the graduation rate is around 12.72%. Graduates typically earn about $35,600 per year after completing their studies.
5. Las Positas College - Livermore, CA
- Rating: 3.9/5 (3.85 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: B+
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $5,342
Las Positas College is a mid-sized public college located in Livermore, California. It has around 12,372 full-time students and offers 87 different majors. The tuition is $1,104 for in-state students and $7,872 for out-of-state students, making it an affordable option. The student-to-faculty ratio is 25 to 1, and about 3.49% of students graduate. After graduation, alumni typically earn around $38,500 per year.
6. Taft College - Taft, CA
- Rating: 4.2/5 (4.18 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: B+
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $7,991
Taft College is a mid-sized public college located in Taft, California. It has about 12,027 full-time students and offers 42 different majors. The annual tuition is $1,104 for in-state students and $6,192 for out-of-state students, making it affordable. The student-to-faculty ratio is 33 to 1, and the graduation rate is 13.45%. After graduation, alumni typically earn around $31,800 per year.
7. Rio Hondo College - Whittier, CA
- Rating: 3.9/5 (3.92 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: B
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $6,099
Rio Hondo College is a large public college located in Whittier, California. It has approximately 30,796 full-time students and offers 102 different majors, with a strong focus on Mechanic and Repair Technologies. The annual tuition is $1,288 for in-state students and $8,512 for out-of-state students. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 32 to 1, and around 6% of students graduate. After graduation, students typically earn about $35,100 per year.
8. Los Angeles Valley College - Valley Glen, CA
- Rating: 3.8/5 (3.78 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: B
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $11,938
Los Angeles Valley College is a large public college located in Valley Glen, California. It has about 26,594 full-time students and offers 110 different majors. The annual tuition is $1,196 for in-state students and $8,086 for out-of-state students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 28 to 1, and approximately 7.5% of students graduate. After graduation, alumni typically earn around $31,900 per year.
9. Barstow Community College - Barstow, CA
- Rating: 3.9/5 (3.89 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: B minus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $9,948
Barstow Community College is a small public college located in Barstow, California. It has about 4,641 full-time students and offers 43 different majors. The tuition is $1,104 for in-state students and $7,464 for out-of-state students, making it an affordable option. The student-to-faculty ratio is 24 to 1, and around 3.45% of students graduate. After graduation, alumni typically earn about $29,900 per year.
10. San Bernardino Valley College - San Bernardino, CA
- Rating: 3.9/5 (3.88 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: B minus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $9,493
San Bernardino Valley College is a large public college located in San Bernardino, California. It has about 19,888 full-time students and offers 113 different majors. The annual tuition is $5,500. The student-to-faculty ratio is 26 to 1, and approximately 10% of students graduate. Graduates typically earn around $27,300 per year after completing their studies.
11. Hartnell College - Salinas, CA
- Rating: 3.7/5 (3.72 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: B minus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $7,279
Hartnell College is a large public community college located in Salinas, California. It has about 18,538 full-time students and offers 75 different majors. The annual tuition is $1,400 for in-state students and $8,940 for out-of-state students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 34 to 1. Approximately 8.3% of students graduate, and after graduation, they typically earn around $32,100 per year.
12. Solano Community College - Fairfield, CA
- Rating: 3.6/5 (3.65 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: B minus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $7,614
Solano Community College is a mid-sized public college located in Fairfield, California. It has about 13,835 full-time students and offers 117 different majors. The tuition is $1,104 for in-state students and $6,528 for out-of-state students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 24 to 1, and approximately 4.89% of students graduate. After graduation, alumni typically earn around $34,800 per year. The college is known for its Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies program, which is highly ranked in the nation.
13. Imperial Valley College - Imperial, CA
- Rating: 3.6/5 (3.65 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: C+
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $4,396
Imperial Valley College is a mid-sized public college located in Imperial, California. It has about 10,628 full-time students and offers 119 different majors. The annual tuition is $1,104 for in-state students and $6,072 for out-of-state students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 31 to 1, and approximately 12% of students graduate. After graduation, alumni typically earn around $25,400 per year.
14. Crafton Hills College - Yucaipa, CA
- Rating: 3.8/5 (3.78 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: C+
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $15,676
Crafton Hills College is a community college located in Yucaipa, California. It offers over 50 associate degrees and 25 career certificate programs, focusing on helping students achieve their educational and career goals. The college has a diverse and supportive environment with experienced faculty and numerous opportunities for student engagement through clubs and activities. Crafton Hills College has a 100% acceptance rate and provides various academic resources to assist students in their studies.
15. Napa Valley College - Napa, CA
- Rating: 3.8/5 (3.77 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: C+
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $17,548
Napa Valley College is a mid-sized public college located in Napa, California. It has about 7,568 full-time students and offers 71 different majors. The annual tuition is $1,104 for in-state students and $7,464 for out-of-state students, making it quite affordable. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18 to 1, and around 14.9% of students graduate. After graduation, alumni typically earn about $37,000 per year.
16. Downey Adult School - Downey, CA
- Rating: 4.0/5 (4.05 out of 5)
- Overall Niche Grade: unavailable
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Net Price: $11,126
Downey Adult School is a public community college located in Downey, California. It offers a variety of career training programs, including Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), and Massage Therapy. With an enrollment of about 98 students, the school has a 100% acceptance rate and boasts a graduation rate of 100%. Downey Adult School provides affordable education options and financial aid for eligible students.
FAQ About California Community Colleges
What are the advantages for international students at California community colleges?
California community colleges offer many benefits for international students, including:
- Lower tuition costs, which help students save money.
- Smaller class sizes, providing more personal attention from teachers.
- Strong English language programs at many colleges.
- The ability to easily transfer credits to four-year universities later.
What is the application process for California community colleges?
To apply to California community colleges, follow these steps:
- Choose the schools you're interested in.
- Fill out an online application for each college.
- Submit high school transcripts.
- Take placement tests if required.
- Pay application fees.
- Apply for a student visa if coming from abroad.
What are some of the top transfer schools in California?
Some California community colleges with high transfer rates include:
- Santa Monica College
- De Anza College
- Diablo Valley College
- Pasadena City College
- Orange Coast College
These schools have strong academic programs and partnerships with universities.
What financial aid options are available to students?
Students can receive help paying for college through:
- Federal grants, such as Pell Grants.
- The California College Promise Grant (fee waiver).
- Work-study jobs.
- Scholarships from colleges or outside groups.
- Federal student loans.
Students should fill out the FAFSA to apply for most types of financial aid.
Who is eligible for free tuition under the California College Promise program?
The California College Promise program offers free tuition for some students. To qualify, students must:
- Be California residents.
- Be first-time college students.
- Enroll in at least 12 units per term.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
Which community colleges are located in the Los Angeles area?
Some community colleges in the Los Angeles region include:
- East Los Angeles College
- Santa Monica College
- Pasadena City College
- Los Angeles City College
- Glendale Community College
- El Camino College
These schools serve various parts of the greater LA area.
