Best Community Colleges in California 2024

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The best community colleges provide an effective springboard into higher education, offering students high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The top-rated community colleges in California offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.

10 Best Community Colleges in California

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  1. Pasadena City College
  2. Los Angeles City College
  3. City College of San Francisco
  4. De Anza College
  5. Sacramento City College
  6. Santa Barbara City College
  7. Fullerton College
  8. Chabot College
  9. American River College
  10. Palomar College
  1. Los Angeles City College
  2. Pasadena City College
  3. Merritt College
  4. City College of San Francisco
  5. Sacramento City College
  6. El Camino College
  7. Santa Barbara City College
  8. Long Beach City College
  9. San Joaquin Delta College
  10. Los Angeles Pierce College
    1. San Joaquin Delta College 37 to 1
    2. Merritt College 34 to 1
    3. East Los Angeles College 33 to 1
    4. College of the Desert 30 to 1
    5. De Anza College 29 to 1
    6. Los Angeles City College 29 to 1
    7. Cerritos College 29 to 1
    8. Long Beach City College 28 to 1
    9. El Camino College 28 to 1
    10. Los Angeles Valley College 27 to 1
    1. Long Beach City College $1,472
    2. De Anza College $1,395
    3. College of the Desert $1,288
    4. Diablo Valley College $1,288
    5. Saddleback College $1,288
    6. Mt. San Antonio College $1,288
    7. Palomar College $1,288
    8. San Joaquin Delta College $1,288
    9. Cerritos College $1,288
    10. San Bernardino Valley College $1,288
      1. Cerritos College
      2. College of the Canyons
      3. Fresno City College
      4. San Diego City College
      5. College of the Desert
      6. San Joaquin Delta College
      7. Mt. San Antonio College
      8. Sierra College
      9. San Bernardino Valley College
      10. El Camino College
      1. American River College
      2. Diablo Valley College
      3. College of the Canyons
      4. Cerritos College
      5. Cabrillo College
      6. Sierra College
      7. San Diego City College
      8. Mt. San Antonio College
      9. College of the Desert
      10. San Bernardino Valley College
        1. Santa Rosa Junior College 19 to 1
        2. Cabrillo College 20 to 1
        3. San Bernardino Valley College 21 to 1
        4. City College of San Francisco 22 to 1
        5. Chabot College 23 to 1
        6. San Diego City College 24 to 1
        7. Diablo Valley College 25 to 1
        8. Fresno City College 25 to 1
        9. Mt. San Antonio College 25 to 1
        10. American River College 25 to 1
        1. Cabrillo College $1,104
        2. Fullerton College $1,104
        3. San Diego City College $1,104
        4. Pasadena City College $1,104
        5. Chabot College $1,104
        6. Fresno City College $1,104
        7. College of the Canyons $1,104
        8. El Camino College $1,104
        9. Merritt College $1,104
        10. Santa Barbara City College $1,104

          Key Takeaways

          • Community colleges have a more bearable admission process and higher acceptance rates, so getting into one seems significantly easier compared to enrolling in a four-year university. But this does not imply that their courses are simpler or less challenging.
          • All prospective students can attend the best community colleges in California because of the reasonable tuition costs and financial aid options. You can choose from numerous top-notch institutions to meet your demands in terms of both education and employment.
          • You may continue your studies at the University of California and California State University if you graduate from a reputable community college in California with a strong GPA. UCLA and CSU give students from California community colleges who excel preference academically.

          Colleges and Universities in California

          California’s higher education institutes span across the entire state, allowing students to study by the beach, in the forest, in small towns, and in large cities. There are over 30 high quality online programs that would allow you to earn a degree from literally anywhere in California, or the world.

          The state’s largest university is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA serves nearly 44,000 students and offers a tuition rate around $13,000. This isn’t the only school with a large student body though. California is home to 23 colleges and universities with student populations of over 20,000 students.

          Find college admissions consultants in your state.

          However, more than half of the state’s schools serve smaller student populations, offering plenty of options for students who crave a more intimate campus experience. Additionally, California boasts 50 religiously affiliated schools. Many of these schools have high graduation rates. However, tuition costs can range greatly, from $8,000 at Bethesda University up to $54,000 at Pepperdine University.

          Additionally, many of California’s colleges and universities boast influential faculty and alumni, including Neil Armstrong, Jerry Lewis, and Weird Al Yankovic. In addition to famous alumni and professors, California’s schools are also home to some of the country’s top degree programs, including nursing, business, religious studies, education, literature, and law. Many of these schools offer online courses and complete online programs in these same disciplines.

          Though Hollywood has given us an inside look into California’s most popular landmarks and attractions, these one-of-a-kind places aren’t the only reason people flock to The Golden State. With hundreds of colleges and universities, as well as community and junior colleges, to choose from, students have countless opportunities to further their education in California.

          Many of these opportunities are also accessible through online courses and online colleges. A growing number of online programs in California have received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools, which means online students have a higher level of quality assurance than ever before. It’s also worth noting that students who live in California can still get an in-state discount on their associate degree or bachelor’s degree even when completing online courses or online programs.

          To learn more about earning your degree in California, check out some of the state’s top programs and career paths.


          What are California’s Colleges & Universities?

          California’s Best Overall

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          Top-rated Community Colleges: California’s Pride

          There is a misconception that claims students attend community colleges because their applications for a four-year degree were rejected. Many first-time college students begin their post-secondary degrees in community and junior colleges to save money.

          Students take out fewer loans and have a lighter debt load by enrolling in an associate degree before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges are viewed by many students (and parents) as excellent stepping stones. This trend hasn’t diminished during the last few years.

          Degrees Offered in Community Colleges in California

          Community colleges in California offer a broad range of degrees that can help students transfer to a bachelor’s degree or join the workforce immediately. Community colleges also offer certificate programs that can be completed in an average of six months, mostly utilized as credentials for the workforce to get a job immediately or get promoted.

          California community colleges offer associate degrees or two-year degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science.

          Both the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees are broadly based in the arts or sciences and are intended to transfer to four-year colleges or universities. An AA degree will prepare students for four-year liberal arts degree programs.

          An AS degree is best suited for students interested in STEM courses.

          AAS degrees, on the other hand, are meant to prepare students for particular careers.

          AA and AS degrees are designed to meet a college or university’s lower division criteria so the student can matriculate to a four-year university as a junior. The most sought-after AAS degrees are nursing, computer programming, automotive technology, and criminal justice.

          Most community colleges also offer associate’s degrees in arts and sciences for specialized fields. For instance, a person who wanted to study biology at the university level would pursue an associate’s degree. Transfer students will find it easier to finance a bachelor’s degree when they already have an associate degree in the field.

          Students looking for the best financial aid and transfer opportunities should look into Pasadena City College, De Anza College, Orange Coast College, Santa Barbara City College, East Los Angeles College, and San Antonio College.

          The majority of the community college students in California are busy adults. These students are allowed to complete their degrees through online learning. Online programs add convenience and, frequently, an accelerated curriculum.

          Admission Requirements for Community Colleges in California

          Every community college in California aims to offer low-cost education to those looking to raise their social standing via learning and employment. Thus, community colleges are seen as open-door institutions with extremely attainable entrance standards that may be satisfied by the majority of applicants.

          Unlike four-year universities, community colleges do not set high standards for admission. The primary admission requirements are a high school diploma, GED, or completion of a high school program. 18-year-olds and above are eligible to enroll in community college courses, but they can only take classes that count toward a high school equivalency (GED) or an adult high school diploma.

          Like four-year universities, community colleges also allow high school students to enroll in college courses as early as grade 9. Current high school students can enroll in community college courses that qualify for high school and college credit through these initiatives.

          We’ve identified 98 community colleges in California. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in California.

          If you’re interested in an online associate degree, visit our best online associate degrees in California page.

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          Best Community Colleges in California

          1. #1

            Pasadena City College

            Pasadena , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            44%

            Student body

            36K

            Career Outlook for degree at Pasadena City College

            Cost of Degree: $1,172
            Starting Salary: $39,300
          2. #2

            Los Angeles City College

            Los Angeles , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            24%

            Student body

            26K

            Career Outlook for degree at Los Angeles City College

            Cost of Degree: $1,238
            Starting Salary: $33,100
          3. #4

            De Anza College

            Cupertino , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $2K

            Graduation

            69%

            Student body

            29K

            Career Outlook for degree at De Anza College

            Cost of Degree: $1,562
            Starting Salary: $50,200
            What is De Anza College known for?

            De Anza College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          4. #7

            Fullerton College

            Fullerton , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            34%

            Student body

            30K

            Career Outlook for degree at Fullerton College

            Cost of Degree: $1,150
            Starting Salary: $38,500
            What is Fullerton College known for?

            Fullerton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          5. #8

            Chabot College

            Hayward , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            36%

            Student body

            18K

            Career Outlook for degree at Chabot College

            Cost of Degree: $1,150
            Starting Salary: $41,300
          6. #10

            Palomar College

            San Marcos , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            29%

            Student body

            30K

            Career Outlook for degree at Palomar College

            Cost of Degree: $1,348
            Starting Salary: $40,300
            What is Palomar College known for?

            Palomar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          7. #11

            Orange Coast College

            Costa Mesa , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            44%

            Student body

            25K

            Career Outlook for degree at Orange Coast College

            Cost of Degree: $1,202
            Expenses: $21,500
            Starting Salary: $43,900
            Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
            Paid back at 15% of annual salary
          8. #12

            Merritt College

            Oakland , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            20%

            Student body

            11K

            Career Outlook for degree at Merritt College

            Cost of Degree: $1,167
            Starting Salary: $41,500
          9. #13

            Los Angeles Pierce College

            Woodland Hills , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            37%

            Student body

            26K

            Career Outlook for degree at Los Angeles Pierce College

            Cost of Degree: $1,238
            Starting Salary: $41,700
            What is Los Angeles Pierce College known for?

            Los Angeles Pierce College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          10. #15

            Long Beach City College

            Long Beach , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $2K

            Graduation

            22%

            Student body

            32K

            Career Outlook for degree at Long Beach City College

            Cost of Degree: $1,556
            Starting Salary: $33,800
          11. #16

            Cabrillo College

            Aptos , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            35%

            Student body

            14K

            Career Outlook for degree at Cabrillo College

            Cost of Degree: $1,262
            Starting Salary: $40,600
          12. #17

            Santa Rosa Junior College

            Santa Rosa , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            36%

            Student body

            25K

            Career Outlook for degree at Santa Rosa Junior College

            Cost of Degree: $1,318
            Starting Salary: $42,800
            What is Santa Rosa Junior College known for?

            Santa Rosa Junior College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          13. #18

            East Los Angeles College

            Monterey Park , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            30%

            Student body

            54K

            Career Outlook for degree at East Los Angeles College

            Cost of Degree: $1,238
            Starting Salary: $36,100
            What is East Los Angeles College known for?

            East Los Angeles College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          14. #19

            Los Angeles Valley College

            Valley Glen , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            32%

            Student body

            25K

            Career Outlook for degree at Los Angeles Valley College

            Cost of Degree: $1,238
            Starting Salary: $37,900
          15. #20

            Diablo Valley College

            Pleasant Hill , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            47%

            Student body

            28K

            Career Outlook for degree at Diablo Valley College

            Cost of Degree: $1,312
            Starting Salary: $47,800
          16. #21

            El Camino College

            Torrance , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            38%

            Student body

            31K

            Career Outlook for degree at El Camino College

            Cost of Degree: $1,144
            Starting Salary: $36,900
          17. #22

            San Bernardino Valley College

            San Bernardino , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            20%

            Student body

            17K

            Career Outlook for degree at San Bernardino Valley College

            Cost of Degree: $744
            Starting Salary: $32,000
            What is San Bernardino Valley College known for?

            San Bernardino Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          18. #23

            Sierra College

            Rocklin , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            36%

            Student body

            25K

            Career Outlook for degree at Sierra College

            Cost of Degree: $1,156
            Expenses: $12,688
            Starting Salary: $37,800
            Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
            Paid back at 15% of annual salary
            What is Sierra College known for?

            Sierra College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          19. Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            41%

            Student body

            39K

            Career Outlook for degree at Mt. San Antonio College

            Cost of Degree: $1,352
            Starting Salary: $41,400
          20. Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            30%

            Student body

            25K

            Career Outlook for degree at San Joaquin Delta College

            Cost of Degree: $1,288
            Starting Salary: $36,600
            What is San Joaquin Delta College known for?

            San Joaquin Delta College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          21. #26

            College of the Desert

            Palm Desert , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            29%

            Student body

            14K

            Career Outlook for degree at College of the Desert

            Cost of Degree: $1,326
            Starting Salary: $36,700
            What is College of the Desert known for?

            College of the Desert’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          22. #27

            San Diego City College

            San Diego , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            23%

            Student body

            24K

            Career Outlook for degree at San Diego City College

            Cost of Degree: $1,144
            Starting Salary: $34,700
            What is San Diego City College known for?

            San Diego City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          23. #28

            Fresno City College

            Fresno , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            24%

            Student body

            34K

            Career Outlook for degree at Fresno City College

            Cost of Degree: $1,330
            Starting Salary: $33,200
            What is Fresno City College known for?

            Fresno City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          24. #29

            College of the Canyons

            Santa Clarita , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            42%

            Student body

            32K

            Career Outlook for degree at College of the Canyons

            Cost of Degree: $1,162
            Starting Salary: $45,800
            What is College of the Canyons known for?

            College of the Canyons’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

            Most Influential Alumni

          25. #30

            Cerritos College

            Norwalk , CA

            Tuition + fees

            $1K

            Graduation

            33%

            Student body

            28K

            Career Outlook for degree at Cerritos College

            Cost of Degree: $1,364
            Starting Salary: $36,600
          2021 Ranking Archive

          Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

          1. College of Marin
          2. Los Angeles City College
          3. Chabot College
          4. Columbia College
          5. Los Angeles Valley College
          6. De Anza College
          7. Sacramento City College
          8. City College of San Francisco
          9. West Valley College
          10. Fullerton College
          11. Merritt College
          12. Lassen Community College
          13. Cañada College
          14. Pasadena City College
          15. San Joaquin Delta College
          16. Cuesta College
          17. Los Angeles Pierce College
          18. Glendale Community College
          19. Ohlone College
          20. Berkeley City College
          21. Orange Coast College
          22. Lake Tahoe Community College
          23. Grossmont College
          24. Folsom Lake College
          25. Santa Rosa Junior College
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