2024 Best Community Colleges in California

• Los Altos Hills, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  519 reviews

Freshman: Foothill College has changed my view to greater education. The process has thought me my education credentials matters more than the school I attend. The importance of economical educations over a prestigious nationwide university, to feel proud of the knowledge and remember the impact we hold for society with the knowledge acquire at foothill. Many professors understand not all student have a supportive family therefore they check in with their students. All my professors have offer office hours to ensure all students are learning the material and know they are supported. The STEM center is available to all students to seek a snack or tutoring every weekday from 11-5 pm. All the needed resources to succeed at in Foothill.... Read 519 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,820

• SAT range —

• Livermore, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  638 reviews

Sophomore: I love LasPo! The faculty are very well-read and supportive, there's a lot to do in terms of student life and campus activities/extracurriculars, and there's a lot of diversity. The campus itself is also in a nice location. The counselors are particularly helpful, and walk you through every detail of your academic path to make sure you're on track for your goals. Overall a great experience and would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of attending community college!... Read 638 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,675

• SAT range —

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  1,033 reviews

Senior: My experience at SBCC has been very rewarding and empowering. There are fantastic professors and the vibe on campus is therapeutic. The Honors Program is one of the best parts about the school and is where you can really develop a sense of community and experience academic rigor. There are many programs within the school which aim to accommodate different challenges students might have, such as financial challenges, learning disabilities, or even navigating college as a first-time student. There are also (minimal) health services on campus. Overall, the quality of education is superb here if you really utilize the resources made available to you-- especially office hours and tutor sessions. Great price for in-state residents!!... Read 1,033 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,000

• SAT range —

• Pasadena, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,812 reviews

Sophomore: In my experience at PCC, I've found several commendable aspects. Firstly, the affordability and accessibility of parking facilities are a significant improvement compared to my previous institution. Additionally, the professionalism and dedication of the faculty at PCC stand out. They are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about teaching, enhancing the overall learning experience. However, there are areas for improvement. The lack of adequate lighting on campus poses safety concerns, especially during evening classes. Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering a secure environment for all. Furthermore, while the proximity of dining options is convenient, the high cost of cafeteria meals is burdensome for students on a budget. In summary, while PCC has many strengths, there are opportunities for enhancement. By addressing safety concerns and improving affordability, PCC can further support its diverse student body and continue to excel as an institution of higher learning.... Read 1,812 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,466

• SAT range —

• Walnut, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,972 reviews

Freshman: Mt. Sac is the perfect two year community college, that has a huge campus so you don’t feel left out of the University feeling. Has almost every sport, and every sport is taken really serious and all the professors are so helpful and understanding, wouldn’t chose to go anywhere else. Sac dawg!... Read 1,972 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,774

• SAT range —

• Fremont, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  461 reviews

Sophomore: Ohlone has a diverse community that makes sure everyone feels at home. Several different programs are available to help with any needs the students have. For me, classes have been easy to attend, and contacting the professors has been quite easy as well. I would like to see some changes in terms of classrooms and amount of classes offered for a specific subject.... Read 461 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,787

• SAT range —

• Santa Maria, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  767 reviews

Junior: Allan Hancock College is a place where people like myself go for humble beginnings. There are, unfortunately plenty of experiences with staff and professors who don’t bring passion or inspiration to students trying to build themselves up. Sometimes they bring students down. The campus and culture is very similar to that of a high school. However, the college related events and theater programs are wonderful for students. The resources to get people through their degrees of choice are easily available. Just today I had an appointment with a counselor and found that I can achieve a History degree by next Spring. I have had no help with college and career planning before AHC so I would say that is the best part of this school.... Read 767 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,629

• SAT range —

• San Francisco, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,023 reviews

Freshman: My college experience was transformative. I appreciated the diverse academic offerings, extracurricular opportunities, and the chance to meet people from various backgrounds. The supportive faculty, engaging courses, and access to resources like libraries and research facilities enriched my learning journey. However, I believe there's room for improvement in terms of mental health support services, as well as more emphasis on practical skill development and real-world application of knowledge. Additionally, fostering a more inclusive and equitable campus culture would enhance the overall experience for everyone. Overall, my college experience was positive, but there's always room for growth and enhancement.... Read 1,023 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,261

• SAT range —

• San Mateo, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  490 reviews

Sophomore: College of San Mateo offers a welcoming environment with diverse programs and dedicated faculty. The campus boasts modern facilities and ample resources, including tutoring and career services. With a strong sense of community and opportunities for involvement, it's an excellent choice for students seeking a quality education in a supportive atmosphere.... Read 490 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,427

• SAT range —

• South Lake Tahoe, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  73 reviews

Freshman: I love the overall experience this school offers, it feels safe and is full of nice students and staff. I would recommend this school to anyone.... Read 73 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,867

• SAT range —

• Glendale, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  688 reviews

Freshman: I appreciate Glendale community's college diverse student body and the sense of community it fosters. The faculty's dedication to student success stands out, with many professors going the extra mile to make sure us students have a good and fun learning experience.... Read 688 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,823

• SAT range —

• San Luis Obispo, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  590 reviews

Sophomore: I've had a great experience at Cuesta; getting the Cuesta Promise made it very affordable, as well as making my own schedule made my days lighter and more efficient. I've had lots of very authentic and passionate professors who have made my learning experience so much more enjoyable. San Luis Obispo is such a beautiful town and county which added to my positive experience. Cuesta also provides many student resources like mental and physical health tools, having a food bank, financial aid, free tutoring hours, etc.... Read 590 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,586

• SAT range —

• Santa Monica, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  2,163 reviews

Alum: Santa Monica College was beautiful over all! The campus was such a beach school vibe. The outdoor campus made your school days great because there were different study spots available. Professors were amazing especially the communication professors! Counselors and professors were always willing to help. I would say the financial aid office could’ve been more accessible but either way, they always replied to emails quickly. Overall the student life was very diverse and open for everyone. So many clubs you can join to learn about different cultures as well. If you can go to SMC i’d definitely say it’s worth it !... Read 2,163 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,380

• SAT range —

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  373 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Mission College was overall positive. The supportive faculty and diverse student body fostered a conducive learning environment. I appreciated the accessible resources, such as tutoring services and career counseling, which aided in my academic and personal growth. The campus facilities were well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant learning atmosphere. However, I believe there is room for improvement in terms of course availability and scheduling flexibility to accommodate students' varied commitments. Additionally, enhancing technology integration in classrooms could further enrich the learning experience. Despite these areas for improvement, Mission College provided a fulfilling educational journey with ample opportunities for success.... Read 373 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,727

• SAT range —

• Norwalk, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,344 reviews

Sophomore: My overall experience at Cerritos College has been a very good one so far! The professors I have taken were very willing to help you succeed in their classes. The college also have numerous support services for students who might be facing some kind of insecurity at home, or if they simply want to get their grades up. As for food choices, there aren't many on campus and I wish there were more, but there are plenty of restaurants outside of campus.... Read 1,344 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,557

• SAT range —

• Orange, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  381 reviews

Other: I have taken online classes at Santiago for credits and have been on campus/around the area a couple times. The online classes are fairly easy to register for and is a very easy way to get credits for university. The registration process can be confusing on your own but with the help of my counselor it was a super easy and quick process. The online classes I have taken all had clear instructions, assignments, due dates, and lectures. It was as if taking an actual class with many resources provided (lecture videos, easy communication with professors, textbook). My favorite part is the intersession semester where classes are only about a month long and all though it seems challenging to fit a whole curriculum into a month the professor I had made it easy to keep up with video lectures and did his best to keep the workload simple yet engaging. The campus looks pretty when I have visited and the people I interacted with were all nice and helpful.... Read 381 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,879

• SAT range —

• Santa Rosa, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  1,350 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love being a student at SRJC! I came here because I live close by, it’s an affordable way to complete my general education, and it gives me time to figure out what I wanted to do career-wise. The faculty is really good at what they do—providing information, resources, and teaching courses. The on-campus is very nice, especially with new renovations and great studying/tutoring workshops; the online courses are also a nice option if you have a tight schedule or if it fits your learning style. Overall, SRJC is a great school that has a lot to offer—go Bear Cubs!... Read 1,350 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,220

• SAT range —

• Oceanside, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  949 reviews

Alum: I think MiraCosta is great for a community college. Except for a few professors, most of the professors I had seemed to really care about each student and providing a great education for the students. A few of the professors exceeded my expectations by far. Even the online classes were made very engaging because of the great professors. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely still choose MiraCosta.... Read 949 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,946

• SAT range —

• Cypress, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,065 reviews

Sophomore: My experience was more about focusing on my academics and making connections with my peers. I was able to discover different aspects of subjects that allowed me to figure out that the major I was going into wasn't what I actually wanted to pursue. I learned what my proper skills are regarding the type of material I enjoyed learning, which led me to changing my major. It was a huge step in the right direction, I talked to a career counselor that helped me figure out that the major I was in didn't actually have anything to do with the workload I enjoyed. Instead I was able to be heard and given different options on how to figure out my next steps. When I was able to decide what I wanted to change my major to, I met with my major counselor who was able to help me come up with a schedule of all the classes I would need to take in order to pursue this major. What I would like to see change is more direct opportunities for students to join clubs or be involved in student life... Read 1,065 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,951

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  983 reviews

Freshman: My experience at San Diego Mesa College has been overwhelmingly positive. As a freshman, I've found the support and resources available on campus to be invaluable. The assistance provided for anything I need help with, whether it's academic or personal, has been exceptional. One aspect I particularly appreciate is the quiet and conducive environment of the library. Another highlight of Mesa College is its diversity. I'm also impressed by the accessibility of support services and the dedication of the professors. There are numerous resources and individuals willing to assist students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. The professors genuinely care about their students' academic growth. In terms of areas for improvement, while my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, there's always room for growth. Perhaps expanding certain facilities or services to accommodate the growing student population could enhance the overall experience even further.... Read 983 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,663

• SAT range —

• Redwood City, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  258 reviews

Sophomore: Canada College is a beautiful community college that boasts a high level of diversity and a great academic program, given its scope. The professors are outstanding, caring, and dedicated to their students. The campus is highly updated with many programs for those needing financial assistance (both on and off campus), disability resources, and a community of diverse and intelligent students. It's highly affordable, with many opportunities to lower the cost of attendance, given your situation.... Read 258 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,923

• SAT range —

• Moorpark, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,215 reviews

Sophomore: I had a great time at Moorpark College and would do it all over again! While there are a few unreasonable professors, especially in the Math department, I had a great experience with the majority of my professors. The campus is very safe and has many field trips, clubs, and events available for students.... Read 1,215 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,856

• SAT range —

• Oroville, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  721 reviews

Sophomore: I've been taking online courses at Butte for the past two semesters now, and I really enjoy it. My goal is to earn a Certificate of Achievement in Cybersecurity, and I've been enrolled in 12 units the past two semesters and couldn't be happier with the courses I've taken. I even got a job programming based on the information I attained in the Intro to Programming course I took my first semester. I'm now an E-Solutions Technical Assistant at my company, and learned everything I knew from April Browne who taught that programming course. A little bit about me, I have decided to go back to school after a 10 year break to potentially get a job as a Cybersecurity Practitioner. I have dedicated myself to bettering my life and have had a remarkable GPA since returning to school, mainly due to the instructors and how supportive they have been my entire experience with them.... Read 721 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,736

• SAT range —

• Cupertino, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,192 reviews

Freshman: Being at De Anza college is an amazing experience. The staff and students here are extremely supportive and never overwhelming. I recommend this college to all that’s looking for an opportunity to built academics or just to learn in general, the environment here is very diverse and I enjoy it so much!... Read 1,192 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,236

• SAT range —

• Joshua Tree, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  183 reviews

Sophomore: Copper Mountain College is a very helpful community college. As it is the only actual local college in the Morongo Basin area, it is great that the college provides a variety of selections of majors, and transfer degree options. The college also helps many adult become High School Graduates as well.... Read 183 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,749

• SAT range —