Best Community Colleges in California 2024
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
- Pasadena City College
- Los Angeles City College
- City College of San Francisco
- De Anza College
- Sacramento City College
- Santa Barbara City College
- Fullerton College
- Chabot College
- American River College
- Palomar College
- Los Angeles City College
- Pasadena City College
- Merritt College
- City College of San Francisco
- Sacramento City College
- El Camino College
- Santa Barbara City College
- Long Beach City College
- San Joaquin Delta College
- Los Angeles Pierce College
- San Joaquin Delta College 37 to 1
- Merritt College 34 to 1
- East Los Angeles College 33 to 1
- College of the Desert 30 to 1
- De Anza College 29 to 1
- Los Angeles City College 29 to 1
- Cerritos College 29 to 1
- Long Beach City College 28 to 1
- El Camino College 28 to 1
- Los Angeles Valley College 27 to 1
- Long Beach City College $1,472
- De Anza College $1,395
- College of the Desert $1,288
- Diablo Valley College $1,288
- Saddleback College $1,288
- Mt. San Antonio College $1,288
- Palomar College $1,288
- San Joaquin Delta College $1,288
- Cerritos College $1,288
- San Bernardino Valley College $1,288
- Cerritos College
- College of the Canyons
- Fresno City College
- San Diego City College
- College of the Desert
- San Joaquin Delta College
- Mt. San Antonio College
- Sierra College
- San Bernardino Valley College
- El Camino College
- American River College
- Diablo Valley College
- College of the Canyons
- Cerritos College
- Cabrillo College
- Sierra College
- San Diego City College
- Mt. San Antonio College
- College of the Desert
- San Bernardino Valley College
- Santa Rosa Junior College 19 to 1
- Cabrillo College 20 to 1
- San Bernardino Valley College 21 to 1
- City College of San Francisco 22 to 1
- Chabot College 23 to 1
- San Diego City College 24 to 1
- Diablo Valley College 25 to 1
- Fresno City College 25 to 1
- Mt. San Antonio College 25 to 1
- American River College 25 to 1
- Cabrillo College $1,104
- Fullerton College $1,104
- San Diego City College $1,104
- Pasadena City College $1,104
- Chabot College $1,104
- Fresno City College $1,104
- College of the Canyons $1,104
- El Camino College $1,104
- Merritt College $1,104
- 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?
- 29 Research Universities
- 84 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 97 Graduate Schools
- 47 Public Colleges & Universities
- 66 Private Colleges & Universities
- 32 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 51 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 59 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 98 Community Colleges
- 35 Online Colleges
California’s Best Overall
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.
Best Community Colleges in California
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
44%
Student body
36K
Career Outlook for degree at Pasadena City College
Cost of Degree: $1,172Starting Salary: $39,300What is Pasadena City College known for?
Pasadena City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
24%
Student body
26K
Career Outlook for degree at Los Angeles City College
Cost of Degree: $1,238Starting Salary: $33,100What is Los Angeles City College known for?
Los Angeles City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 50 Best Community Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies #1 Best Online Associate in Communications #1 Best Online Associate in Sociology
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
- #3 Best Online Associate in General Science
- #3 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #8 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #23 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
37%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at City College of San Francisco
Cost of Degree: $1,696Starting Salary: $41,800What is City College of San Francisco known for?
City College of San Francisco’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- History
- Communications
- Business
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$2K
Graduation
69%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for degree at De Anza College
Cost of Degree: $1,562Starting Salary: $50,200What is De Anza College known for?
De Anza College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Business
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Sociology
- Economics
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 50 Best Community Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in English #2 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
25%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at Sacramento City College
Cost of Degree: $1,288Starting Salary: $40,700What is Sacramento City College known for?
Sacramento City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- History
- Psychology
- Law
- Earth Sciences
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 50 Best Community Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in History Degrees #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024 #6 Best Online Associate in General Science
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
45%
Student body
20K
Career Outlook for degree at Santa Barbara City College
Cost of Degree: $1,234Starting Salary: $42,800What is Santa Barbara City College known for?
Santa Barbara City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
- Physics
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- History
- Engineering
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
34%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at Fullerton College
Cost of Degree: $1,150Starting Salary: $38,500What is Fullerton College known for?
Fullerton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
36%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at Chabot College
Cost of Degree: $1,150Starting Salary: $41,300What is Chabot College known for?
Chabot College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Business
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Communications
- Education
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #22 50 Best Community Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs #4 Best Online Associate in American Sign Language (ASL) Degree Programs #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
29%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for degree at American River College
Cost of Degree: $1,288Starting Salary: $38,100What is American River College known for?
American River College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Philosophy
- Medical
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Online Associate in Web Design #2 Best Online Associate in Game Development #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024 #9 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
29%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for degree at Palomar College
Cost of Degree: $1,348Starting Salary: $40,300What is Palomar College known for?
Palomar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Law
- Medical
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
44%
Student body
25K
Career Outlook for degree at Orange Coast College
Cost of Degree: $1,202Expenses: $21,500Starting Salary: $43,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Orange Coast College known for?
Orange Coast College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
20%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Merritt College
Cost of Degree: $1,167Starting Salary: $41,500What is Merritt College known for?
Merritt College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Business
- Education
- Biology
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
37%
Student body
26K
Career Outlook for degree at Los Angeles Pierce College
Cost of Degree: $1,238Starting Salary: $41,700What is Los Angeles Pierce College known for?
Los Angeles Pierce College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Medical
- History
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Physics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Online Associate in Software Development #1 Best Online Associate in Political Science #3 Best Online Associate in American Sign Language (ASL) Degree Programs #3 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Associate in Gender Studies
- #4 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online Associate in General Science
- #5 Best Online Associate in Anthropology
- #6 Best Online Associate in English
- #7 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024
- #14 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #18 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #18 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #20 Best Online Associate in Sociology
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
46%
Student body
31K
Career Outlook for degree at Saddleback College
Cost of Degree: $1,334Starting Salary: $46,000What is Saddleback College known for?
Saddleback College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Communications
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$2K
Graduation
22%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Long Beach City College
Cost of Degree: $1,556Starting Salary: $33,800What is Long Beach City College known for?
Long Beach City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Literature
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
35%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for degree at Cabrillo College
Cost of Degree: $1,262Starting Salary: $40,600What is Cabrillo College known for?
Cabrillo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
36%
Student body
25K
Career Outlook for degree at Santa Rosa Junior College
Cost of Degree: $1,318Starting Salary: $42,800What is Santa Rosa Junior College known for?
Santa Rosa Junior College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics
- History
- Business
- Psychology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
30%
Student body
54K
Career Outlook for degree at East Los Angeles College
Cost of Degree: $1,238Starting Salary: $36,100What is East Los Angeles College known for?
East Los Angeles College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- History
- Business
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Law
- Engineering
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
32%
Student body
25K
Career Outlook for degree at Los Angeles Valley College
Cost of Degree: $1,238Starting Salary: $37,900What is Los Angeles Valley College known for?
Los Angeles Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- History
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
47%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at Diablo Valley College
Cost of Degree: $1,312Starting Salary: $47,800What is Diablo Valley College known for?
Diablo Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Chemistry
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
38%
Student body
31K
Career Outlook for degree at El Camino College
Cost of Degree: $1,144Starting Salary: $36,900What is El Camino College known for?
El Camino College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
20%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at San Bernardino Valley College
Cost of Degree: $744Starting Salary: $32,000What is San Bernardino Valley College known for?
San Bernardino Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Earth Sciences
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
36%
Student body
25K
Career Outlook for degree at Sierra College
Cost of Degree: $1,156Expenses: $12,688Starting Salary: $37,800Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sierra College known for?
Sierra College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- History
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Communications
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
41%
Student body
39K
Career Outlook for degree at Mt. San Antonio College
Cost of Degree: $1,352Starting Salary: $41,400What is Mt. San Antonio College known for?
Mt. San Antonio College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Political Science
- Business
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
30%
Student body
25K
Career Outlook for degree at San Joaquin Delta College
Cost of Degree: $1,288Starting Salary: $36,600What is San Joaquin Delta College known for?
San Joaquin Delta College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Business
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Medical
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
29%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for degree at College of the Desert
Cost of Degree: $1,326Starting Salary: $36,700What is College of the Desert known for?
College of the Desert’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Communications
- Education
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
23%
Student body
24K
Career Outlook for degree at San Diego City College
Cost of Degree: $1,144Starting Salary: $34,700What is San Diego City College known for?
San Diego City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Communications
- History
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Law
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
24%
Student body
34K
Career Outlook for degree at Fresno City College
Cost of Degree: $1,330Starting Salary: $33,200What is Fresno City College known for?
Fresno City College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Education
- History
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
42%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at College of the Canyons
Cost of Degree: $1,162Starting Salary: $45,800What is College of the Canyons known for?
College of the Canyons’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Physics
- Sociology
- Medical
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Psychology
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$1K
Graduation
33%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at Cerritos College
Cost of Degree: $1,364Starting Salary: $36,600What is Cerritos College known for?
Cerritos College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Medical
- History
- Political Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Business
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
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.
- College of Marin
- Los Angeles City College
- Chabot College
- Columbia College
- Los Angeles Valley College
- De Anza College
- Sacramento City College
- City College of San Francisco
- West Valley College
- Fullerton College
- Merritt College
- Lassen Community College
- Cañada College
- Pasadena City College
- San Joaquin Delta College
- Cuesta College
- Los Angeles Pierce College
- Glendale Community College
- Ohlone College
- Berkeley City College
- Orange Coast College
- Lake Tahoe Community College
- Grossmont College
- Folsom Lake College
- Santa Rosa Junior College