The Most Affordable Community Colleges in California 2024

Students are offered affordability by attending a community college in California. The transferability of community college credits is ensured through articulation agreements. Personalized attention and support from professors are allowed by the smaller class sizes and lower student-faculty ratios. Vocational training and certificates are provided by community colleges.

Student success is assisted by comprehensive student support services. Convenience and flexibility are offered by the 115 campuses across California. Foundational courses and knowledge gaps are filled by students before transferring. Valuable cross-cultural experiences are provided to students by California community colleges. Affordable access to higher education, debt reduction, and more time to decide on majors and career paths are given to students by community colleges overall.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

California community colleges stand as great platforms for propelling students to 4-year universities.

Overall, California ranks 20th in the nation for Graduation + Transfer Rates at 39.0%. Even more impressive than the graduation and transfer rate is California’s first-year retention rate which stands at 88.4% which is 2nd best in the Nation.

Recently, college student loan default rates have been on the rise with a national average of 13.7%. California stands below the average at 12.7% which is 27th in the nation.

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 the list is based on tuition in ascending order, the number one ranking offering the cheapest in-state tuition.

Methodology

This ranking of the most affordable community colleges in California is based solely on net price.

A college’s net price gives a more accurate view of what students can expect to pay after receiving financial aid, compared to the college’s tuition or sticker price.

All data was gathered from the most recent National Center for Education Statistics database.

The Most Affordable Community Colleges California 2024

1. Antelope Valley College

Average Net Price: $3,524

Graduation Rate: n/a

Retention Rate: 34%

Median Earnings: $33,708

Antelope Valley College is a public community college in Lancaster, California. It is one of the 115 community colleges in the California Community College system. Over 100 associate degree programs and certificates in a variety of fields, including arts, sciences, business, healthcare, and technology, are offered by AVC.

Transfer programs that allow students to transfer to four-year universities are also offered by the college. It has three campuses in Lancaster and Palmdale. AVC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Here are some specific examples of the programs and services offered by AVC:

Academic counseling: AVC counselors help students develop an academic plan and choose the right courses.
Tutoring: AVC tutors are available to help students with their coursework.
Financial aid: AVC helps students apply for financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
Career services: AVC career counselors help students explore career options and develop job search skills.

2. Las Positas College

Average Net Price: $3,797

Graduation Rate: 79%

Retention Rate: 29%

Median Earnings: $48,431

Las Positas offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in areas like business, STEM, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, and automotive technology. Articulation agreements ensure smooth transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after completing an associate degree.

With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention. Over 75% of faculty have graduate degrees. The campus in Livermore, CA provides access to employment opportunities in the San Francisco Bay area. Students participate in student government, cultural programs, music groups, athletics, honor societies, and more.

Services include counseling, transfer advising, tutoring, veterans resource center, EOPS/CARE, CalWorks, disability resource center, and Puente program. Strong transfer acceptance rates to selective universities. Graduates also obtain well-paying jobs at Bay Area employers.

3. Saddleback College

Average Net Price: $5,379

Graduation Rate: 74%

Retention Rate: 29%

Median Earnings: $46,604

Saddleback offers over 190 associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields like science, technology, business, health sciences, automotive, culinary arts, and more. Articulation agreements ensure smooth transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after earning an associate degree from Saddleback.

Small class sizes promote interaction with professors. Over 90% of faculty possess graduate degrees. Based in Mission Viejo, CA, Saddleback provides access to internships and jobs in Orange County. Students participate in student government, theater, athletics, music groups, cultural programs, honor societies, and more.

Services include counseling, transfer advising, tutoring, disability services, veterans services, food pantry, career placement, and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). Strong transfer acceptance rates to selective universities. Graduates also obtain well-paying jobs.

4. Sacramento City College

Average Net Price: $5,507

Graduation Rate: 65%

Retention Rate: 23%

Median Earnings: $39,489

Sacramento City College offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields like business, science, criminal justice, photography, cosmetology, music, and more. There are over 80 academic programs.

They serve around 20,000 students annually. This makes it one of the largest community colleges in California. SCC has a highly diverse student population. The top ethnicities are Hispanic/Latino (25%), Asian (23%), White (19%), and Black/African American (11%).

SCC has around 950 faculty members. 34% are part-time faculty. The student-faculty ratio is 26:1. SCC has transfer agreements with UC, CSU, and private colleges to facilitate easy transfer after completing an associate degree. SCC’s main campus is located in Sacramento, California near downtown. SCC notes that 92% of students find employment or continue their education after completing programs at the college.

5. Folsom Lake College

Average Net Price: $5,557

Graduation Rate: 69%

Retention Rate: 28%

Median Earnings: $37,244

Folsom Lake College offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields like business, technology, health sciences, criminal justice, psychology, and the arts. There are over 90 programs. FLC serves around 8,000 students annually. It is one of four colleges in the Los Rios Community College District.

The student body at FLC is quite diverse, with Hispanic/Latino students making up 23% of enrollment, followed by White (22%), Asian (18%), Black/African American (5%), and multirace (5%).. FLC has about 350 faculty members, with 74% being part-time instructors. The student-faculty ratio is 25:1.

FLC has transfer guarantees with CSU Sacramento, UC Davis, and National University to facilitate easy transfer after degree completion. FLC has two campuses located in Folsom and Rancho Cordova, providing access to the Sacramento metropolitan region.

FLC offers athletics, theater productions, student government, cultural programs, and over 35 student clubs to foster engagement. Data shows 75% of FLC students reach their goal of degree completion or transfer to a 4-year university after 6 years.

6. Cypress College

Average Net Price: $5852

Graduation Rate: n/a

Retention Rate: 33%

Median Earnings: $42,219

Cypress College offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs across 120+ fields including business, health sciences, technology, hospitality, automotive, and entertainment arts. Cypress serves around 14,000 students annually, making it a mid-sized community college in Southern California.

The student population is very diverse, with Hispanics making up 46% of students, followed by Asian/Pacific Islanders at 20%, White at 14%, Black at 4%, and Multirace at 3%. Cypress has about 900 faculty members, with 73% being part-time. The student-faculty ratio is 25:1.

Articulation agreements ensure easy transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after completing an associate degree. The campus sits in the city of Cypress in Orange County, near entertainment and employers in the LA and Long Beach metro areas.

Cypress has 60+ student clubs, honor societies, cultural programs, performing arts, student government, and athletic teams. Cypress reports that 60% of students successfully reach their goal of degree completion, transfer, or career preparation after six years.

7. American River College

Average Net Price: $6,039

Graduation Rate: 66%

Retention Rate: 33%

Median Earnings: $37,189

American River College offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs across 120+ fields including business, technology, health sciences, public safety, humanities, and social sciences.

ARC serves over 27,000 students annually, making it one of the largest community colleges in California. The student body is quite diverse, with Whites making up 30% of students, Hispanics 28%, Asians 19%, Black/African Americans 5%, and Multirace 3%.

ARC has around 900 faculty members, 76% being part-time. The student-faculty ratio is 23:1. ARC has transfer guarantees with UC Davis, Sacramento State, USC, and many other public/private universities to facilitate easy transfer.

The campus is located in Sacramento, CA near the American River, providing easy access to internships and jobs in California’s capital city. ARC has 120+ clubs, theater/music/dance performances, intercollegiate athletics, student government, and cultural programs. ARC reports that 72% of degree-seeking students successfully transfer to a 4-year institution or complete their programs within 6 years.

8. Coastline Community College

Average Net Price: $6,210

Graduation Rate: 49%

Retention Rate: 20%

Median Earnings: $40,708

Classes are offered in distance education formats. Coastline specializes in distance learning, with online, TV, and hybrid classes. This allows flexibility for busy or remote students.

Coastline has top-notch faculty who are experienced with distance teaching modalities. The student-faculty ratio is 23:1. Articulation agreements allow easy transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after earning an associate degree.

Services like academic counseling, tutoring, admissions advising, financial aid, and military/veteran support are offered remotely.

Students can complete Coastline degrees and certificates from anywhere in the world given the distance learning options. Coastline has excellent transfer acceptance rates. Graduates also obtain well-paying jobs in their fields of study.

9. Copper Mountain Community College

Average Net Price: $7,926

Graduation Rate: 60%

Retention Rate: 32%

Median Earnings: $35,535

Copper Mountain offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in areas like business, computer science, child development, health sciences, psychology, and more. Copper Mountain serves around 3,500 students annually. It is one of the smaller community colleges in California.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic/Latino at 55%. Other ethnicities include White 25%, Black 6%, Asian 5%, Multirace 3%, American Indian 2%. Copper Mountain has around 140 faculty members, with 70% being part-time instructors. The student-faculty ratio is 20:1.

Articulation agreements with CSU, UC, and private universities allow easy transfer of credits after earning an associate degree. The campus sits in Joshua Tree, California providing access to outdoor recreation, jobs in hospitality/tourism, and entertainment in Palm Springs.

Copper Mountain reports that most students transfer to CSU campuses like San Bernardino and Pomona after completing their programs.

10. Lassen Community College

Average Net Price: $8,379

Graduation Rate: 54%

Retention Rate: 15%

Median Earnings: $30,529

Lassen Community College is a public community college in Susanville, California. It offers small class sizes, transfer opportunities, career technical programs, support services, a beautiful location, a diverse community, and preparation for university.

Small class sizes allow for more personalized attention and support from professors. Transfer agreements with CSUs and UCs allow students to transfer credits seamlessly after earning an associate degree. Career technical programs in in-demand fields like welding, automotive technology, business, computer science, emergency medical services, and more prepare students for the workforce.

Support services like academic counseling, tutoring, disability services, library resources, veterans services, and others help students succeed. Beautiful location in the Sierra Nevada region provides access to lakes, forests, and mountains for outdoor recreation.

Diverse student population from various backgrounds is served by the college. Clubs like Phi Theta Kappa honor society promote engagement. General education and foundational courses prepare students for the academic rigor of earning a bachelor’s degree.

11. Barstow Community College

Average Net Price: $9,250

Graduation Rate: 60%

Retention Rate: 21%

Median Earnings: $32,782

Barstow Community College is a public community college in Barstow, California. It offers a variety of programs and services, including:

Small class sizes with an average of 20 students, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. Transfer opportunities with many CSU and UC campuses, so students can transfer credits seamlessly after earning an associate degree.

Career technical programs in fields like business, computer information systems, emergency medical services, commercial driving, and more. Support services such as counseling, tutoring, disability resources, veteran support services, Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS), and more.

Convenience with a campus located right in Barstow, CA, making it easy for local residents to access. Online classes are also available. Preparation for success at four-year colleges and universities with foundational general education and introductory courses.

12. Victor Valley College

Average Net Price: $9,987

Graduation Rate: 53%

Retention Rate: 30%

Median Earnings: $33,339

Small class sizes – Barstow maintains an average class size of 20 students, allowing for more personalized attention from professors.

Transfer opportunities – Barstow has transfer agreements with many CSU and UC campuses to allow students to transfer credits seamlessly after earning an associate degree.

Career technical programs – Barstow offers certificates and training in fields like business, computer information systems, emergency medical services, commercial driving, and more.

Support services – Barstow provides services like counseling, tutoring, disability resources, veteran support services, Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS), and more.

Convenience – The campus is located right in Barstow, CA providing easy access for local residents. Online classes also available.

Preparation – Barstow offers foundational general education and introductory courses that prepare students for success at four-year colleges and universities.

13. Merced College

Average Net Price: $11,546

Graduation Rate: 60%

Retention Rate: 32%

Median Earnings: $34,719

Merced College offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields like business, social sciences, natural sciences, technology, agriculture, and allied health. There are over 120 programs. Merced serves around 7,000 students annually. It is the only public community college in Merced County.

The student population is predominantly Hispanic at 59%. Other groups include White 15%, Asian 8%, Black 4%, Multirace 3%, Pacific Islander 1%. As a California community college, Merced offers very affordable tuition. Financial aid is available. Merced has about 300 faculty members, 75% part-time. The student-faculty ratio is 20:1.

Merced has transfer guarantees with UC, CSU, and private schools to allow easy transfer of credits. Merced’s main campus sits just outside the city of Merced, providing access to the Central Valley region’s jobs and agriculture industry.

Merced offers student government, cultural programs, music and theater productions, student clubs, and intercollegiate athletics. Merced reports that the majority of students complete their goals of degree/certificate attainment or transfer to a 4-year institution.

14. San Joaquin Delta College

Average Net Price: $13,760

Graduation Rate: 67%

Retention Rate: 34%

Median Earnings: $37,030

San Joaquin Delta College stands as a public community college situated in Stockton, California, originally established in 1935 under the name Stockton Junior College. Among the 115 community colleges within the California Community College system, SJDC shines by providing an extensive array of academic offerings. Nestled on a sprawling 165-acre campus within Stockton, SJDC accommodates a thriving student body exceeding 26,000 individuals.

15. Crafton Hills College

Average Net Price: $18,140

Graduation Rate: 67%

Retention Rate: 37%

Median Earnings: $40,617

Crafton Hills serves around 3,000 students annually. It is one of two community colleges in the San Bernardino Community College District. The student population is predominantly Hispanic/Latino at 47%. Other groups include White 27%, Black 7%, Asian 5%, Multirace 2%, American Indian 1%.

Crafton Hills has about 150 faculty members, 60% part-time. The student-faculty ratio is 20:1. Articulation agreements allow easy transfer of credits to CSU, UC, and private universities after earning an associate degree. The campus sits in Yucaipa, CA with access to jobs and recreation opportunities in San Bernardino County.

Crafton Hills has clubs for interests like art, theater, STEM, business professionals, and sustainability. Sports include soccer, basketball, volleyball. Crafton Hills reports strong transfer rates to colleges like Cal State San Bernardino and University of California, Riverside.

Related:

Online Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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