Why This Matters
-
219 TWO-YEAR INSTITUTIONS IN CALIFORNIA
As reported by College Navigator, there are 219 community colleges offering 2-year associate degree programs in California.
-
$1,428 IN-DISTRICT TUITION
According to research from College Board, in-district students paid an average of $1,428 for community college tuition in California during the 2022-23 academic year.
-
80.6% OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that 370,718 students attending two-year institutions during the 2020-21 school year received some type of financial aid.
Our Research
This list features some of the best community colleges in California. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. We included small, midsize, and large colleges as well as trade, technical, and vocational programs. Next, we compared this comprehensive list to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The colleges on our list are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a reputable organization that examines objectives, quality and overall effectiveness of education programs in the western United States.
We evaluated each school on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Online College Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Top 50 Community Colleges in California
intelligent score 99.85
Award
Rankings
#1 Academic Influence
#1 Successful Student
#4 College US
#5 Career Karma
#9 Best Colleges
#9 Niche
School Information
Pasadena, CA
Graduation Rate: 34%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 10-47
Associate: 60-77
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $414
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-468-6722
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 10-47
Associate: 60-77
intelligent score 98.97
Award
Rankings
#2 College US
#3 Successful Student
#4 Academic Influence
#7 Career Karma
#8 Best Colleges
#19 Niche
School Information
Cupertino, CA
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Nearly 80 associate degree options and 100 academic certificate choices are available at De Anza College, a large community college in Cupertino. Associate degree choices include vocational-focused programs like private security, automotive machining, and real estate and transfer-focused programs like journalism, economics, and computer science. A unique feature of De Anza College is that it offers school-sponsored, optional learning communities for students to connect with a network of classmates, teachers, and advisers. Learning communities include Future Leaders of the World, Latinx Empowerment at De Anza, and the Men of Color Community. There is also a learning community called Humanities Mellon Scholars for students majoring in the humanities. Members of the learning community who meet the eligibility requirements are guaranteed admission to the University of San Francisco and up to $20,000 in scholarships upon completing their associate degree at De Anza College.
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-26
Associate: 60-62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $31
Non-Resident: $239
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
408-864-8327
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-26
Associate: 60-62
intelligent score 98.04
Award
Rankings
#1 Best Colleges
#6 Career Karma
#6 College US
#12 Successful Student
School Information
Irvine, CA
Graduation Rate: 32%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Part of the South Orange County Community College District, Irvine Valley College is an open-admissions community college located in Irvine. The school offers 159 associate degrees and certificate programs. Nearly 60% of the 14,000 students at Irvine Valley College enter the school with plans to transfer after completing their associate degree. The school has the highest rate of students transferring to four-year schools out of all 116 community colleges in the state. Twenty-four transfer-focused associate degrees are available, including an Associate of Science in Chemistry, an Associate of Arts in Political Science, and an Associate of Arts in Live Entertainment Technology. Transfer admission agreements exist with six schools in the University of California system, including Irvine, Davis, and Santa Cruz. To assist with transferring, the school has an excellent Transfer Center whose staff provides transfer information, services, and activities.
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 4-43
Associate: 60-66
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $365
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
949-451-5409
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 4-43
Associate: 60-66
intelligent score 97.42
Award
Rankings
#3 Best Colleges
#7 Niche
#9 Career Karma
#24 Academic Influence
School Information
Walnut, CA
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Located in Walnut, Mt. San Antonio College is a large, diverse community college with federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution. The school has over 50,000 students, half of whom are enrolled in the school’s 240 associate degree and certificate programs. Associate degree programs include an Associate of Science in Agricultural Sciences and Technology, an Associate of Science in Nursing, and an Associate of Arts in Humanities. Mt. San Antonio College also offers five bachelor’s degree programs on campus which is a high number for a community college. These programs are partnerships with four-year institutions and include a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of La Verne.
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 4-62
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $362
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
909-274-4415
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 4-62
Associate: 60
intelligent score 96.42
Award
Rankings
#2 Niche
#6 Academic Influence
#6 Successful Student
#7 College US
School Information
Santa Barbara, CA
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Santa Barbara City College was founded in 1909 and is one of the oldest community colleges in California. It has a student population of 18,000 and offers 31 transfer-focused associate degrees, along with regular associate degrees and certificate programs. Several associate degrees are in niche areas, such as an Associate in Science in Cancer Information Management, an Associate of Arts in Chicano Studies, and an Associate of Science in Marine Diving Technician. Santa Barbara City College’s faculty have won many national awards and honors from organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, American Library Association, and the Carnegie Foundation. The school’s vision is to build a socially conscious community where knowledge and respect empower individuals to transform the world.
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-60
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $319
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
805-965-0581
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-60
Associate: 60
intelligent score 96.02
Award
Rankings
#2 Successful Student
#3 Academic Influence
#5 Niche
School Information
San Francisco, CA
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-60
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $358
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
415-239-3285
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-60
Associate: 60
intelligent score 95.88
Award
Rankings
#3 Niche
#4 Best Colleges
#15 Successful Student
School Information
Livermore, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Las Positas College is a medium-sized, open-admissions community college in Livermore, 40 miles southeast of San Francisco. The school has a student body of 8,500 and offers 24 occupational-focused associate degrees, 17 transfer-focused associate degrees, and 44 certificate programs. Las Positas College provides guaranteed transfer admission to over 50 colleges and universities for students who complete one of their transfer-focused associate degrees. Its performing arts program is particularly notable and offers associate degrees in theater arts and music, and numerous ensembles, dance groups, and art clubs. Among the school’s values are civic, social, and environmental responsibility and adherence to anti-racist policies and practices. Las Positas is a sanctuary campus for undocumented students and welcomes international students. Students from 29 different countries are represented on campus. Additionally, the school is committed to sustainability and has LEED facilities, recycling and paper reduction practices, and solar parking structures.
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 14-48
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $338
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
925-424-1500
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 14-48
Associate: 60
intelligent score 95.37
Award
Rankings
#3 College US
#5 Best Colleges
#8 Successful Student
#20 Academic Influence
School Information
Pleasant Hill, CA
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
One of three community colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, Diablo Valley College, has a student body of 28,000 spread out between two campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon. The school’s transfer rate to four-year universities is 67 percent higher than the national average. Among the two-year degrees offered is an Associate of Science in Addiction Studies, an Associate of Arts in Drama Theater, and an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education. The school is very welcoming of veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents and has a Student Veterans Alliance. In 2016 Diablo Valley College opened a Student Veterans Resource Center on campus with dedicated study areas, a computer lab, a student meeting space, a lounge, and a kitchenette. Veterans and dependents also receive free tutoring services, printing, academic counseling, and laptop borrowing.
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-33
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $364
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
925-685-1310
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-33
Associate: 60
intelligent score 94.29
Award
Rankings
#2 Best Colleges
#17 Niche
School Information
Moorpark, CA
Graduation Rate: 35%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Moorpark College is one of three Ventura County Community College District schools. Located in the community of Moorpark, it's a medium-sized school with about 14,000 students, nearly a quarter of whom are over age 24. The school has one of the only Exotic Animal and Training Management Programs in the country and is only one of two schools nationwide that has a zoo on campus. About 125 animals live in the zoo, which is called America's Teaching Zoo. It is used as a training facility for students and is also open to the public. The school also offers a unique financial aid program called the Moorpark College Promise that provides Dream Act recipients and California residents with full tuition for two years - even those that do not qualify for federal financial aid.
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-38
Associate: 60-69
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $397
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
805-378-1429
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-38
Associate: 60-69
intelligent score 93.03
Award
Rankings
#1 Niche
#4 Successful Student
#5 College US
School Information
Los Altos Hills, CA
Graduation Rate: 26%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Foothill College serves 13,000 students in northern Santa Clara County at Los Altos Hills and Sunnyvale Center campuses. The community college offers 82 associate degrees and 108 certificates. There is also one bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene, which is not an open-admissions program. Associate in Arts for Transfer Degrees include those in art history, social justice, and elementary teacher education. The school has a very active student activities program, and dozens of pre-professionals, affinity and recreational organizations are available, including the Black Student Union, Women in STEM Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club Team, and the Gender and Sexualities Alliance. Additional student activities include 12 varsity sports, an active student government, a dance squad for athletic events, and Community Ambassador Program.
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-70
Associate: 60-117
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $31
Non-Resident: $239
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
650-949-7325
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-70
Associate: 60-117
intelligent score 92.74
Award
Rankings
School Information
Santa Rosa, CA
Graduation Rate: 40%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-94
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $414
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
707-527-4011
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-94
Associate: 60
intelligent score 91.71
Award
Rankings
School Information
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 23%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-60
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $46
Out-of-State: $342
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-930-5222
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-60
Associate: 60
intelligent score 90.65
Award
Rankings
School Information
Orange, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-20
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $345
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
714-628-4901??
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-20
Associate: 60
intelligent score 89.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fremont, CA
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-50
Associate: 60-67
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $358
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
510-659-6100
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-50
Associate: 60-67
intelligent score 89.70
Award
Rankings
School Information
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Graduation Rate: 17%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-44
Associate: 60-90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $31
Non-Resident: $307
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
530-541-4660 ext. 211
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-44
Associate: 60-90
intelligent score 89.29
Award
Rankings
School Information
Sacramento, CA
Graduation Rate: 23%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-34
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $480
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
916-558-2351
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-34
Associate: 60
intelligent score 89.16
Award
Rankings
School Information
Imperial, CA
Graduation Rate: 40%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 11-32
Associate: 60-65
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $332
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
760-355-6101
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 11-32
Associate: 60-65
intelligent score 88.90
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fullerton, CA
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-54
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $362
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
714-992-7075
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-54
Associate: 60
intelligent score 88.02
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Mateo, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-40
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $358
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
650-574-6165
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-40
Associate: 60
intelligent score 88.02
Award
Rankings
School Information
Hayward, CA
Graduation Rate: 27%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-39
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $360
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
510-723-6700
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-39
Associate: 60
intelligent score 87.79
Award
Rankings
School Information
Mission Viejo, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 14-61
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $410
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
949-582-4555
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 14-61
Associate: 60
intelligent score 87.22
Award
Rankings
School Information
Sacramento, CA
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-45
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $480
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
916-484-8261
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-45
Associate: 60
intelligent score 86.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Santa Maria, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-47
Associate: 60-78
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $391
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
805-922-6966 ext. 3248
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-47
Associate: 60-78
intelligent score 85.53
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Marcos, CA
Graduation Rate: 30%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-36
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident $332
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
760-744-1150 ext. 2164
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-36
Associate: 60
intelligent score 85.26
Award
Rankings
School Information
Monterey Park, CA
Graduation Rate: 24%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 10-42
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $342
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
323-265-8712
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 10-42
Associate: 60
intelligent score 84.97
Award
Rankings
School Information
Costa Mesa, CA
Graduation Rate: 37%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-31
Associate: 60-82
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $381
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
714-432-5072
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-31
Associate: 60-82
intelligent score 84.78
Award
Rankings
School Information
Oakland, CA
Graduation Rate: 20%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-71
Associate: 60-92
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $46
Out-of-State: $353
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
510-436-2445
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-71
Associate: 60-92
intelligent score 84.58
Award
Rankings
School Information
Woodland Hills, CA
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-50
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $388
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
818-710-4100
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-50
Associate: 60
intelligent score 84.20
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Luis Obispo, CA
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-54
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $391
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
805-546-3140
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-54
Associate: 60
intelligent score 82.56
Award
Rankings
School Information
Long Beach, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-53
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $269
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
562-938-4485
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-53
Associate: 60
intelligent score 82.16
Award
Rankings
School Information
Aptos, CA
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-54
Associate: 60-81
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $46
Out-of-State: $404
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
831-479-6100
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-54
Associate: 60-81
intelligent score 81.69
Award
Rankings
School Information
Redwood City, CA
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-39
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $358
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
650-306-3226
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-39
Associate: 60
intelligent score 81.52
Award
Rankings
School Information
Santa Monica, CA
Graduation Rate: 32%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-33
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $316
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
310-434-4380
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-33
Associate: 60
intelligent score 80.97
Award
Rankings
School Information
Oceanside, CA
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-57
Associate: 60-68
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $378
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
760-795-6620
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-57
Associate: 60-68
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 79.98
Award
Rankings
School Information
Glendale, CA
Graduation Rate: 26%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 13-58
Associate: 60-69
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $260
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
818-240-1000 ext. 4767
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 13-58
Associate: 60-69
intelligent score 79.73
Award
Rankings
School Information
Valley Glen, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-65
Associate: 60-83
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $342
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
818-938-8418
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-65
Associate: 60-83
intelligent score 79.35
Award
Rankings
School Information
Santa Clara, CA
Graduation Rate: 23%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-50
Associate: 60-72
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $358
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
408-855-5007
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-50
Associate: 60-72
intelligent score 78.21
Award
Rankings
School Information
Santa Ana, CA
Graduation Rate: 22%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-43
Associate: 60
Undergraduate: 126
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $345
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
714-564-6000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-43
Associate: 60
Undergraduate: 126
intelligent score 77.36
Award
Rankings
School Information
Torrance, CA
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-46
Associate: 60-68
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $296
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
310-660-3593 ext. 3414
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-46
Associate: 60-68
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 76.60
Award
Rankings
School Information
Kentfield, CA
Graduation Rate: 21%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 7-32
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $280
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
415-457-8811
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 7-32
Associate: 60
intelligent score 76.12
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Diego, CA
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-50
Associate: 60
Undergraduate: 130-132
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $331
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
619-388-2682
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-50
Associate: 60
Undergraduate: 130-132
intelligent score 74.72
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Bernardino, CA
Graduation Rate: 32%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-47
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $414
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
909-384-4401
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-47
Associate: 60
intelligent score 74.38
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rocklin, CA
Graduation Rate: 35%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-33
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $414
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
916-660-7340
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 8-33
Associate: 60
intelligent score 74.37
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Jose, CA
Graduation Rate: 27%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-37
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $358
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
408-270-6441
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 9-37
Associate: 60
intelligent score 74.25
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saratoga, CA
Graduation Rate: 24%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-42
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $358
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
408-741-2001
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 15-42
Associate: 60
intelligent score 72.67
Award
Rankings
School Information
Weed, CA
Graduation Rate: 22%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-44
Associate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $46
Out-of-State: 311
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
530-938-5500
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-44
Associate: 60
intelligent score 71.49
Award
Rankings
School Information
Norwalk, CA
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-49
Associate: 60-96
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $380
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
562-860-2451 ext. 2211
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 16-49
Associate: 60-96
intelligent score 70.62
Award
Rankings
School Information
Stockton, CA
Graduation Rate: 34%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-80
Associate: 60-75
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $292
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
209-954-5151
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-80
Associate: 60-75
intelligent score 70.61
Award
Rankings
School Information
Salinas, CA
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-65
Associate: 60-76
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $299
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
831-755-6711
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 12-65
Associate: 60-76
intelligent score 70.13
Award
Rankings
School Information
Palm Desert, CA
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-51
Associate: 60-72
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $332
accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
760-773-2516
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Certificate: 6-51
Associate: 60-72
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About Graduating From Community College in California
When searching for a community college program that suits you, it’s important to consider which careers pay the most. Air traffic controllers and radiation therapists earn the highest wages in California for associate degree graduates, followed by nuclear medicine technologists and MRI technicians.
Demand is another factor to look at when choosing an associate degree program. In California, preschool teachers and paralegals are in demand. Dental hygienists as well as electrical and electronics engineering technicians are also career fields with ample job openings.
By that same token, it’s also a good idea to know which jobs have the highest rate of job decline when researching community college degree programs. Of all the occupations in this state, the job outlook for mechanical drafters is the worst.
What’s Next?
There are multiple financial aid options you can use when researching community colleges in California. This list contains state and federal websites where you’ll find comprehensive information about student loans, grants, work-study, and other financial aid programs, so that you can get help paying for your associate degree.
- California Department of Education. Learn about grants and other education financing at the California Department of Education website. There’s also plenty of data and statistics regarding higher learning institutions and financial aid in the state.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The U.S. Department of Education pays an average of $120 billion annually in financial aid. The first step is to fill out your FAFSA or check the FAFSA4caster to see if you’re eligible.
- CareerOneStop. Discover thousands of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities at CareerOneStop, which is sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The information can be filtered by your state and the type of degree you want to attain and includes application requirements, deadlines, and contact information.