Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranked best community college in California is Taft College, followed by Copper Mountain College.
- These rankings are based on factors like graduation rates and affordability, showing that these schools offer great value.
- Community colleges in California provide flexible program options, including both online and in-person classes.
The state of California is home to nearly 500 community colleges that offer diverse educational programs and two-year degrees. Many of these community colleges also offer online courses, degrees, and certificates. After researching top community colleges in California, we found 30 of the best schools. Our methodology is listed below.
30 Best Community Colleges in California Methodology
We reviewed approximately 498 community colleges in California listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. We used reputable online sources, such as U.S. News and World Report. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying two major criteria: strong graduation rates and affordability.
Featured Programs
Since most community colleges are deemed affordable, we focused on schools with the best graduation rates. Graduation rates, according to NCES College Navigator, reflect the percentage of full-time, first-time students who graduated within 150% of normal time to completion for their program. Also, we included only California community colleges that were fully accredited.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best community colleges in California.
#30 – Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, California
Graduation Rate: 63%
Tuition: $1,565
Foothill College ranks as one of the best community colleges in California. This is due to its exceptional graduation rate and comprehensive student services that assist students in their educational endeavors. Foothill’s main campus is in Los Altos Hills and was founded in 1957. Today, this community college offers a total of 166 degrees and certificates. The majority of them are available both in the classroom and online. Foothill is dedicated to making college affordable. It offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities based on need and merit. In particular, the Foothill College Promise aid package provides full tuition and book coverage for two years for first-time college students who take a minimum of 12 credits per term.
#29 – De Anza College
Cupertino, California
Graduation Rate: 65%
Tuition: $1,562
Ranked as one of the best Jr colleges in California, De Anza College offers several online transfer and career training degrees for students at affordable tuition rates. The community college ranks at or near the top for preparing students to transfer to the top public and private universities and colleges in California. These include UC and CSU system institutions. In addition to transfer preparation, De Anza also offers several dozen applied associate degrees and certificates. These span fields like:
- manufacturing technologies
- sustainability
- film and television production
- accounting
- automotive technology, to name a few.
The institution offers several different forms of financial aid and scholarships. This includes the California Promise that covers two full years of tuition, books, and fees for first-time college students.
#28 – West Valley College
Saratogo, California
Graduation Rate: 36%
Tuition: $1,490
Ranked as one of the top California community colleges, West Valley College offers several online degrees and certificates. These online college programs are ideal for students seeking to transfer to a four-year institution or go immediately into the workforce. The 143-acre campus is located in Saratogo, California. It’s accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. West Valley offers a total of 27 transfer degrees. These programs allow students to seamlessly transfer to four-year institutions or transition into a fulfilling career. West Valley offers several financial aid opportunities. This includes the Viking Grant, which pays full tuition, fees, and books for up to two years when attending full-time (12 credits or more).
#27 – Porterville College
Porterville, California
Graduation Rate: 24%
Tuition: $1,409
Researching community colleges in California, we identified the top schools based on graduation rate and affordability. Ranking #27 on our list, Porterville College is a community college that offers dozens of online degree programs. These prepare students to transfer or enter the workforce. Associate degree programs include:
- early childhood education
- accounting
- information systems
- sociology
- political science, and many more.
The community college provides comprehensive student services free of charge. Examples include:
- tutoring, career and academic counseling
- financial aid
- student life enrichment activities
In addition to federal and state funding, first-time college students who attend full-time may qualify for the California College Promise Grant that pays full tuition, books, and fees for two years.
#26 – Moorpark College
Moorpark, California
Graduation Rate: 38%
Tuition: $1,398
Moorpark ranks as one of the top-ranked community colleges in California based on affordable tuition and student success rates. The two-year community college offers several distance degrees. These span a variety of majors that total 1,500 courses in 70 different disciplines. Students can attend the institution to earn a transfer or workforce degree, as well as a short-term certificate. The online college also offers job-training classes for working professionals. Moorpark College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
#25 – Oxnard College
Oxnard, California
Graduation Rate: 29%
Tuition/Fees: $1,398
Oxnard College ranks as one of the best community colleges in California that prepares students to transfer to a baccalaureate institution or find gainful employment. Oxnard provides students with:
- 18 certificate programs
- 17 associate degrees for transfer
- 37 applied associate degrees
They prepare students for employment in more than 60 disciplines. Many of the courses and degrees are available completely online to provide students with maximum flexibility and convenience. Some of the most popular degree programs at this California community college include:
- dental hygiene
- fire technology
- computer science
In addition to highly trained and dedicated faculty, students also benefit from student services such as career and academic counseling. These include:
- financial aid
- athletics
- student organizations.
Related: What is an Associates Degree in Science?
#24 – West Hills College
Lemoore, California
Graduation Rate: 36%
Tuition: $1,380
West Hills College Lemoore makes the list of our top community colleges in California based on its affordable tuition rates and student success rates. The institution offers transfer and workforce programs across a wide spectrum of majors and careers such as:
- nursing
- pre-law
- English
- computer science
- business, and more
In total, West Hills offers more than 60 individual degree programs. The diverse campus serves students from a wide variety of backgrounds and ages. It’s dedicated to helping students be successful in their academic and career endeavors. Like many other California institutions, West Hills College students are eligible for the California Community College Promise Grant. These grants provide students with two years of 100 % coverage of the cost of:
- tuition
- fees
- books
#23 – West Hills College
Coalinga, California
Graduation Rate: 35%
Tuition: $1,380
When researching community colleges in California that offer affordable tuition rates and several online programs, West Hills College at Coalinga meets the criteria. To gain admission to this community college, students need:
- a high school diploma
- GED
- or high school principal recommendation
The institution accepts standardized test scores but does not require them for admission. West Hills Coalinga provides students with 70 distinct degree programs to fit their academic or career needs. Students can choose a degree that prepares them for a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Or, they may pursue an applied degree preparing them for a career.
#22 – Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, California
Graduation Rate: 36%
Tuition/Fees: $1,234
Santa Barbara City College made the list, coming in at #22. The community college offers several degree and career pathways, which include 25 degrees that can be completed entirely online. Featured online degrees include:
- business communications
- computer information systems
- liberal arts and sciences
- marketing
- health data analytics
In addition to its affordable tuition, local high school graduates who have not yet attended college may qualify for free tuition, books, and fees for up to two years full-time.
#21 – Cañada College
Redwood City, California
Graduation Rate: 34%
Tuition: $1,362
Cañada College ranks as one of the best community colleges in California. The school features several online courses that fulfill all general education course requirements for the majority of California’s state and private institutions. With more than 40 quality instructional programs, students are sure to find a degree that meets their academic and career needs. To be admitted, students must possess a high school diploma, GED, or have passed the California High School Equivalency exam. In addition to extremely affordable tuition rates, the college offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities based on need or merit.
#20 – Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, California
Graduation Rate: 33%
Tuition: $1,146
Allan Hancock College ranks #20 on our list of best community colleges in California. The institution provides transfer and workforce degrees in more than 100 areas of study, and many are offered online. Allan Hancock is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. In addition to institutional accreditation, many of the college’s programs are accredited by specific academic and workforce accrediting agencies. The community college offers several financial aid programs and scholarships. Examples include:
- Cal Grants
- the Middle Class Scholarship
- Golden State Teacher Grant Program, and more
#19 – Mt. San Antonio College
Walnut, California
Graduation Rate: 37%
Tuition: $1,352
Mt. San Antonio College ranks as one of the top community colleges in California, buttressed by its strong graduation rate and affordable tuition rates. Mt. SAC community college provides students with:
- more than 260 degree and certificate programs
- 25 support programs
- more than 50 student clubs and athletic programs
The institution has a long-standing history in California. It serves over 20 local communities while educating more than 1.2 million people. With tuition costs set at just $46 per unit along with robust financial aid funds, three out of four Mt. San Antonio College students receive financial aid and pay almost nothing to attend college.
#18 – Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo, California
Graduation Rate: 33%
Tuition/Fees: $1,340
Cuesta College is located in the heart of San Luis Obispo County. This community college boasts 74 degree programs and 62 certificate programs. They include in-person and online courses. In addition, the community college offers a wide menu of student services to help students succeed in their educational goals and to provide personal enrichment. Financial aid includes 150 available scholarships that can be applied for in just one application as well as federal and state financial aid.
The Cuesta is a participating institution in the California Promise Grant, which provides qualified students with two years of free tuition, fees, and books.
#17 – Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, California
Graduation Rate: 37%
Tuition/Fees: $1,318
Santa Rosa Junior College offers a wide range of academic majors. They’re designed to transfer to a four-year college or university or to enter into the workforce in a career with sustainable wages. The institution provides working students with the opportunity to earn a degree entirely online using its distance-learning platform. This allows students to pursue their education while maintaining other facets of their lives, such as family and work.
The majority of students at Santa Rosa Junior College receive financial aid in the form of:
- grants
- loans
- work-study
In addition, the community college provides several scholarships funded by its foundation. This includes the SRJC for Free initiative that pays full tuition and books for students enrolled full-time and are California residents, regardless of need.
#16 – Lake Tahoe Community College
South Lake Tahoe, California
Graduation Rate: 28%
Tuition/Fees: $1,131
Lake Tahoe ranks as one of the top community colleges in California based on strong performance and student support. The institution offers several dozen majors and certificates for students seeking to transfer or enter the workforce. In addition, with its own dedicated virtual campus, the college specializes in helping distance degree students reach their academic goals.
To offer competitively priced bachelor’s degrees, Lake Tahoe has partnered with:
- Sierra Nevada University
- Brandman University
- Washington State University
These span competitive majors such as:
- business management
- psychology
- hospitality, and more.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify and can range from grants, loans, and work-study options.
#15 – Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, California
Graduation Rate: 41%
Tuition: $1,202
Orange Coast College ranks as a top community college in California. This California community college aims to help students reach their personal and academic goals through rigorous coursework taught by highly trained faculty members. Orange Coast has over 50 academic programs and a strong student services division. With several programs and courses online, students are able to complete degrees without interrupting other commitments such as work and family. Similar to many other California Community Colleges, Orange Coast provides full tuition, fees, and funding for students who qualify. In addition, the institution has a robust financial aid office ready to assist students with the best way to finance their education.
#14 – College of the Redwoods
Eureka, California
Graduation Rate: 24%
Tuition: $1,147
Located in scenic Eureka, California, College of the Redwoods offers students over 1,000 different classes leading to a degree or certificate. Admission to the institution requires a high school diploma or GED.It does not require standardized testing. As an open-door institution, College of the Redwoods welcomes students of all ages and backgrounds. Students seeking financial aid and assistance have several options. In addition to federal and state aid, the community college offers its College Access Program. This helps California residents earn a free two-year degree. Eligible students must be California residents and be a first-time college student to qualify for the grant.
#13 – Golden West College
Huntington Beach, California
Graduation Rate: 35%
Tuition: $1,190
Golden Coast College ranks #13 on our list of best community colleges in California. It has an excellent reputation for helping students achieve their academic goals of transferring to a four-year institution or obtaining an applied workforce degree leading to gainful employment. Students can choose from majors in virtually any field or discipline such as:
- business
- automotive technology
- nursing, and more
Golden Coast is also a regional leader in distance education through its offerings of online classes and online student support services. Community college students can work towards their degree while maintaining their current obligations such as family and work.
#12 – Monterey Peninsula College
Monterey, California
Graduation Rate: 30%
Tuition: $1,188
Monterey Peninsula College consistently ranks among the top community colleges in California. This is thanks to its affordable tuition rates and quality academic programs. The college offers a wide range of online degrees to busy students who prefer online learning or those who are unable to take on-campus classes. Students can complete online degrees in:
- criminal justice
- anthropology
- business
- early childhood education
- psychology, and more
These community college degrees can be used to seamlessly transfer to a four-year degree institution or enter the workforce. In addition to classes, the college has a strong online student services division. Here, online students can receive free:
- academic tutoring
- academic advising
- career counseling
#11 – Pasadena City College
Pasadena, California
Graduation Rate: 35%
Tuition: $1,172
Since 1924, Pasadena City College has been a leading community college of California serving the needs of the San Gabriel Valley. The institution offers 124 associate degree programs and 88 certificate programs. This makes it one of the most robust colleges in the state. The college also offers an abundance of financial aid. Roughly 60% of students have their tuition fully or partially covered. 54% of students attend part-time with many of them working towards their academic degree through online distance learning. The institution ranks #1 in California in:
- degrees granted
- transfer degrees
- degrees obtained by minorities
#10 – Las Positas College
Livermore, California
Graduation Rate: 38%
Tuition: $1,168
Located 40 miles outside of San Francisco, Las Positas College breaks into the top ten on our list of best community colleges in California. The college offers a robust assortment of degrees. This includes:
- 24 occupational associate degrees
- 17 associate transfer degrees
- 44 certificate programs
More students are beginning to prefer online learning. The community college has responded by providing online classes that allow students to earn an associate’s degree completely online. Many of Las Positas’ students take their courses completely online. This enables them to keep their other commitments such as work and family. The institution offers several financial aid programs. Examples include the Pell and SEOG grants in addition to the California College Promise Grant Waiver Program that pays for two years worth of tuition, fees, and books.
#9 – Ohlone College
Fremont, California
Graduation Rate: 44%
Tuition: $1,202
Ohlone ranks #9 on our list of best community colleges in California due to its strong graduate rate and affordable tuition. The institution prides itself on its diverse student body, with students from over 40 countries seeking to earn one of Ohlone’s 195 degrees or certificates. Community college students can earn an associate degree entirely online or take a mixture of classes, including seated and hybrid. As an open door community college, admission requires students to possess a high school diploma or a GED. It does not require students take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. However, it will accept scores as placement into classes.
#8 – College of the Siskiyous
Weed, California
Graduation Rate: 24%
Tuition: $1,444
College of the Siskiyous ranks as one of the top community colleges in California. It provides students with an assortment of associate degrees in virtually any career field or bachelor’s degree major. The majority of students at the institution receive financial aid. Many of them pay little or nothing towards their:
- tuition
- books
- fees
Because of the low tuition costs, federal and state financial aid programs generally cover the majority of the costs to attend. Community college students are able to take distance learning classes. Using Canvas, the college’s online learning platform, they can earn an associate degree designed to transfer to a four-year institution.
#7 – MiraCosta College
Oceanside, California
Graduation Rate: 30%
Tuition: $1,152
MiraCosta College is a statewide leader in online education. It offers over 600 online and hybrid classes that allow students to work towards a degree without interrupting their other commitments. Alongside online classes, the institution provides several support mechanisms. These include:
- an online tutoring center
- writing center
- library support center, and more
Students are also able to receive academic and career counseling online. Students can apply online to the college using the application portal. Admission requirements for this community college include a high school diploma or a GED. No standardized testing is required.
#6 – Irvine Valley College
Irvine, California
Graduation Rate: 46%
Tuition: $1,150
Consistently one of the best community colleges in California, Irvine Valley College was a satellite campus before becoming a stand-alone institution in 1985. Currently, the institution offers:
- 39 associate in arts degrees
- 21 associate in science degrees
- 17 associate in arts transfer
- 7 associate in science transfer degrees
These degrees are designed to parlay into a four-year degree at a college or university or prepare the graduate for a sustainable career. Irvine Valley offers several hundred online and hybrid courses for students unable to attend seated classes. Community college students earn the same degree as their on-campus peers and the transcript says nothing about online classes.
#5 – Fullerton College
Fullerton, California
Graduation Rate: 31%
Tuition: $1,150
Fullerton College ranks #5 on our list of best community colleges in California. This is thanks to:
- a robust offering of degrees
- online student support
- generous financial aid packages
The institution has 122 associate degrees designed to transfer or move immediately into the workforce. In addition, the college has an entire Distance Education Department to provide support for students taking online or hybrid courses. Fullerton offers several financial aid grants. Examples include:
- the California College Promise Grant
- Cal Grant
- Student Success Completion Grant
- Pell Grant, and more
he college’s foundation also provided funding through several merit- and need-based scholarships.
#4 – Cypress College
Cypress, California
Graduation Rate: 30%
Tuition: $1,146
Cypress College consistently ranks as one of the top community colleges in California. Cypress offers:
- 56 university transfer majors
- 73 degree programs
- 176 certificates
These ensure students find the right credential to meet their personal and academic needs. In addition, Cypress is one of the few California Community Colleges to offer bachelor degrees in select majors. It is one of the leading institutions that feed transfer students to California four-year universities. To gain admission to this community college, students must complete an admission application and have a GED or high school diploma from an accredited high school.
#3 – Napa Valley College
Napa, California
Graduation Rate: 33%
Tuition: $1,156
California is Napa Valley College offers over 100 online courses designed to transfer to a four-year university or college or to prepare students for a career. As an online college, Napa Valley has full accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Napa Valley offers both state and federal financial aid for students who qualify. The institution also provides students with merit- and need-based funds. Admission is based on students having a high school diploma or GED.
#2 – Copper Mountain Community College
Joshua Tree, California
Graduation Rate: 23%
Tuition: $1,114
Copper Mountain Community College ranks as one of the best community colleges in California based on its strong student support services and commitment to making college affordable. The majority of community college students at Copper Mountain receive financial aid with little or no money required out-of-pocket. In addition, the college is one of the California community college institutions that offer the California College Promise Grant. This grant gives students two years’ worth of tuition, books, and fees when they maintain full-time status and an acceptable GPA. Students can choose from a wide range of two-year transfer degrees or workforce degrees, depending on their academic goals.
#1 – Taft College
Taft, California
Graduation Rate: 37%
Tuition: $1,108
Ranking #1 in California community college programs, Taft College provides students with options of 43 associate degrees and 30 certificate programs. These span majors such as:
- criminal justice
- dental hygiene
- engineering
- computer science, and more
The community college has an excellent graduation and transfer rate, along with low tuition costs, making it a great value. Taft is adding distance courses and degrees to its catalog every year. The online college continues to integrate the latest in distance learning technology while training faculty to help online learners achieve their goals. It has generous financial aid and scholarships available. The majority of online college students pay little or nothing at all towards their tuition, fees, and books.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of degrees do community colleges in California offer?
Community colleges in California offer a variety of degrees with two main purposes:
- transfer to a baccalaureate institution to obtain a bachelor’s degree
- preparation to move directly into the workforce
Community colleges also offer short certificate programs. These are mainly workforce credentials used to obtain immediate employment or a promotion.
Related: Best Online Colleges
Community college degrees are known as associate degrees or two-year degrees. Associate degrees designed to transfer to four-year colleges or universities are broadly based in the arts or sciences. They may be referred to as:
- associate of arts
- associate of science
A community college student intending on majoring in a non-science degree would select the associate of arts. Likewise, a science or math-based major would select the associate of science. These degrees are built to satisfy the lower division requirements for a college or university so the student can matriculate to the four-year institution as a junior. Most community colleges also offer associate of arts and science degrees for specific majors. For example, a student intending on earning a bachelor’s degree in biology would pursue an associate in science in biology. These degrees make transferring to the baccalaureate institution even more seamless.
Related: Cheapest Online Colleges
The other type of associate degree offered are workforce degrees. These are often called applied associate degrees. These degrees are designed to prepare students for a specific career. Among the most popular are associate of applied science degrees in:
- nursing
- computer programming
- automotive technology
- criminal justice
How long does it take to earn a degree at a community college in California?
Community colleges offer a great degree of flexibility when it comes to completing a degree or certificate. While they are commonly referred to as, “two-year degrees” the vast majority of students do not complete them within this time frame. Nationally, the average age of a community college students is 29, with over two-thirds choosing part-time study. Unlike residential four-year institutions, community college students are older and most work at least part-time. Most hold down full-time jobs while trying to take classes. With more non-academic responsibilities, most students progress at a much slower pace. It is not uncommon for community college students to take 3-5 years to complete an associate’s degree.
Associate degrees require anywhere from 60-90 credits. This depends on whether the institution uses a quarter or semester system. Students taking a minimum full-time course load of 12 credits per term would complete a 90-credit degree in 7.5 semesters. This equates to 2.5 years including summer semesters. So, it is not possible for minimum full-time students to complete in two years. At some point, they would have to take more than 12 credits per term.
Related: Online Associate’s Degrees
Community college administrators in California are understanding of the added challenges their students face. They generally give students as long as they need to complete their degrees.
What are the admission requirements for community colleges in California?
The mission of every California community college is to provide affordable education to those seeking to improve their social standing through education and job training. As such, community colleges are known as open-door institutions with very achievable admission standards that most people can meet.
The main criteria used for community college admission is:
- a high school diploma
- GED
- having finished a high school completion program
Anyone 18 or older may enroll in community college classes, but may take courses only towards a high school equivalency (GED) or adult high school diploma. Once the student achieves the GED or adult high school diploma, he or she may apply as a “regular” college student and begin taking courses towards a degree or certificate.
Currently enrolled high school students in grades 9-12 can also gain admission to take community college courses through a dual enrollment program. These programs allow current high school students to take classes at the community college that earn both high school and college credit. Tuition costs are generally waived, which makes dual enrollment programs very popular. Students wanting to enroll in a dual enrollment program typically have to test at the college level by completing the ACT, SAT, or the college’s own assessment test.
How do I afford attending a community college in California?
Community college in California is arguably the most affordable in the nation. This is due to $46 cost per unit/credit, which is the lowest in the country. For California residents, this means taking a 12-credit course load (full-time) would cost just $552 in tuition. In addition, students would have to pay fees, books, and supplies.
Aside from low-cost tuition, California has some of the most aggressive financial aid programs in the country. The most popular is the California College Promise Grant. It waives tuition for first-time college students who demonstrate financial need and are state residents. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Aid Application. Those who qualify have their full tuition covered for the year.
Over one million students take advantage of the opportunity per year. In addition, many local colleges have agreed to cover student fees and textbooks for those who have the grant. This means they attend college without having to pay:
- tuition
- fees
- books
For students who do not qualify for the California College Promise Grant, completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Aid Application opens them up to several financial aid grants and loans. Moreover, several institutions have grants similar to the Promise Grant for those who don’t qualify.
How much can I earn with a degree from a community college in California?
With the rising cost of a four-year degree, many students are matriculating to California community colleges to earn degrees that either transfer or prepare them for a career. For many Californians, this turns out to be a wise investment. According United States Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average annual wages for occupations requiring an associate’s degree is $53,000 compared to that of $36,100 for workers with high school level occupations. And when looking at salary data for specific community college degrees, you can see the return on investment increases as graduates continue in their occupational roles.
For example, the median salary for individuals two years before earning an associate degree in dental hygiene was $18,210. Two years after earning the degree the median salary jumped to $57,171 and $65,452 within five years after earning the degree. Similarly, pre- and post-nursing salary accretion were even more impressive, coming in at $23,459, $75775, and $86,592 respectively.
Other profitable community college degrees include:
- computer infrastructure and support
- computer programming
- business
- marketing
- humanities
- social sciences
In all of these examples, salaries double and in some cases triple or quadruple when comparing pre- and post-degree career data. In short, the data is definitive that community college degrees pay large dividends for graduates from California community colleges.
CVO Staff