Top Community Colleges In California to Study
The best California community colleges are identified and discussed in this article to facilitate admission for those interested in attending a California community college.
California is the third largest state in the United States with an estimated population of 38 million, so it is a vibrant state with beautiful beaches, mountains, forests, and other attractions. This state includes Los Angeles - the seat of Hollywood - San Francisco and other cities and islands. All of this makes California an interesting place to study, and you will meet different types of people, broadening your experience just as much.
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| Best Community Colleges In California |
Some of the universities and colleges ranked among the best in the entire United States and even in the world are located in California. Here are the top institutions like UCLA, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, etc. that bring more people and innovations to the state.
There is no doubt that these institutions are expensive and highly competitive, and if you didn't know it before, you are doing it now. Also, it is more affordable and competitive for international students and living in the state is also expensive for both domestic and international students. However, the degrees you will get from here hold an international standing.
There is still a way that you can enjoy the liveliness of California and continue to get an education at a much cheaper rate and also enjoy a quality education and get a reputable degree. This way is to attend a community college, where you will gain the skills, knowledge, and techniques to be successful in life after school.
Some students prefer community colleges because of the lower tuition fees, less theory and more practical, and skills you can apply in real-life situations. For example, if you love professions like carpentry, electrician, plumber, medical programmer, physician assistant, etc. and would like to venture into the profession, then the community college is the right place for you.
Firstly, four-year universities and colleges do not offer programs of this type, only community colleges offer these programs and these colleges provide students with a high-quality, practical education that will get them to start working as soon as they complete their program.
Second, unlike four-year universities and colleges, it takes a maximum of two years to complete a degree program at a community college and earn the necessary associate degree, certificate, diploma or qualification recognized and accepted by employers all over the world. In addition, credit from your program can be transferred to a four-year university or college.
Finally, it's time to talk about the main topic and without further ado, let's get into it. You may want to use the table of contents below for easy navigation through the article.
What is a California community college?
California community colleges are a California post-secondary education system that requires two years to complete and offers a degree, diploma, or associate's degree depending on how long you've studied for the program. There are 116 accredited community colleges in California
Who can attend a community college in California?
A California resident can join, i.e. gain admission to any of the California Community Colleges if they hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and meet other eligibility and admission requirements.
Non-residents, who also include international students, may also be admitted if they also possess a high school diploma or equivalent, over the age of 18 and who, in accordance with the judgment of the School Board, are able to benefit from the instructions provided.
Furthermore, California community colleges may accept minors who do not hold high school diplomas or equivalent accredited courses as private part-time students or private full-time students.
What are the entry requirements for a California community college?
The requirements to apply for admission to a California community college are easy, you simply need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, just as discussed above. This is all you need to join a California community college.
Best Community Colleges in California
Below are the best community colleges in California, links have been provided to each of the institutions just in case you find any of the schools interesting, you can click on the link to know more about the school and start applying.
There are 116 accredited community colleges in California but only the top 13 have been selected and discussed in this article.
- Irvine Valley College
- Lake Tahoe Community College
- Santa Barbara City College
- De Anza College
- Pasadena City College
- Morepark College
- Imperial Valley College
- Hartnell College
- Canyon College Santiago
- Mount San Antonio College (Mt SAC)
- Las Positas College
- Diablo Valley College
- West Valley College
1. Irvine Valley College
Irvine Valley College is commonly referred to by its initials as IVC was established in 1985 as a public community college in Irvine, California, and is listed among the best community colleges in California. Nestled on over 60 acres of land, IVC boasts state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, dedicated staff, and an outstanding faculty dedicated to providing students with the necessary knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
Eleven academic schools at Irvine Valley College offer associate degrees in more than 70 majors in business, integrated arts, design, and social sciences. There are also 60 career and technical programs that offer certification for those who wish to train for a specific job or take courses for personal development.
The college also has a distance education program (online) that allows students to take and complete lessons online. IVC has approximately 15,000 students including 550 from out of state and country, so they accept international students. Tuition here costs $14,415 to $20,577.
2. Lake Tahoe Community College
Lake Tahoe Community College was established in 1975 to serve the residents of South Lake Tahoe, California. The college offers Associate of Arts and Sciences degrees in a wide range of academic programs over 40 years and includes business, social sciences and natural sciences that you can make a credit transfer to a four-year institution of your choice.
If you are also interested in earning a certificate or diploma in a technical profession or course, LTTC also offers over 20 degree programs for interested students to choose from. International students are now accepted into any of these degree and certificate programs. Tuition for non-California residents, out-of-state students, and international students is $205 per unit while tuition is waived for California residents who also attend a California high school.
3. Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara City College is one of the best community colleges in California and was founded in 1909 making it one of the oldest community colleges in California. The college has three campuses within a few hours' drive of each other. The main campus is on Cliff Drive, Schott Campus is on Padre Street, and the third is Wake Campus on Turnpike Road, all in Santa Barbara.
The college offers various credit programs designed to suit the type of education any student might desire. There is an Associate of Arts degree for transfer (AA-T) and an Associate of Science degree for transfer (AS-T), this is for students who want to transfer credit to a four-year university or college.
Then there are also the Ordinary Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs that offer a wide range of academic programs ranging from communications and the liberal arts to the humanities and natural sciences. The college also offers a Certificate of Achievement, a Skills Proficiency Award, and a Department Award. Online learning is also available.
4. College de Anza
De Anza is one of the best community colleges in California, the public college is located in Cupertino and was founded in 1967. More than 21,500 students are enrolled in this school for associate’s degrees and professional certifications in automotive technology, energy management, building science, wildlife science technician, etc. That, which offers credit transfers to California schools.
At De Anza College, you can earn a degree or certificate, transfer to a university, or get an apprenticeship. The school is top in transportation, accepts international students, and provides financial aid opportunities for everyone. The cost of tuition here ranges from $12,300 to $19,302.
5. Pasadena City College
This is a public community college in Pasadena, California, USA that was established in 1924 with a current enrollment of approximately 29,200 students pursuing 200-plus degree, transfer, and certificate programs. Through these academic programs, the college provides a high-quality, innovative and dynamic learning environment that inspires student success.
Pasadena City College has also been recognized by many rating platforms as one of the best community colleges in California. Furthermore, the college has a main campus, an affiliate campus, a community education center, and a child development center dedicated to the Pasadena community. With over 1,200 students from all over the world enrolled here, the college opens its doors to international students.
6. Moorpark College
Moorpark College is ranked among the best colleges in California and has around 12,000 students enrolled in various academic degree and professional certificate programs that students can decide to complete on campus, online, or in a blended environment. The different study options are designed to allow students to choose a flexible study type that best suits them while achieving their educational goals.
The college is located in Los Angeles, and living here is sure to be expensive, and provides students with the right education they need to achieve their academic and career goals. Associate and transfer degree options and certifications are provided in many departments of the school such as information, health, wellness, business, accounting, biotechnology, etc.
7. Imperial Valley College
As this college name may sound Asian, it is a public community college in California, USA, and one of the best colleges at that. Unlike the above populated colleges with more than 20,000 undergraduate students, this college has only 7,000 undergraduate students and the reason for such a low number of students may be because of the 50 degree and certificate programs it offers.
The colleges listed above offer about 200 undergraduate degree and certificate programs, and because of their wide range of programs, it is common for more students to apply there, while that one with fewer programs will have fewer students. However, popular programs such as Agriculture, Business, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are offered here.
In addition, the college offers academic opportunities to students who wish to transfer to a four-year university or college. IVC, located east of San Diego, offers flexible on-campus and online educational options and allows students to all-round shooting and correctional training programs.
8. Hartnell College
Founded in 1920 and located in Salinas, California, Hartnell College is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities to underserved populations. It is a Latino post-secondary institution that offers associate's degrees and professional certificates in academic programs such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, health sciences, fine arts, and performance, many of which can be completed via online learning options.
Hartnell College is recognized among the top colleges in California and has a current undergraduate student population of nearly 17,000, which means it has a wide range of degree and certificate programs. International students who wish to pursue an associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or professional certificate at any of the top California community colleges are welcome to apply here.
9. Santiago Canyon College
Are you interested in entering the job market, honing your skills, transferring to a four-year institution, climbing the academic ladder, or becoming more professional? Then Santiago Canyon College might be the right place for you. The college offers Associate of Arts and Sciences degrees and professional certificates in a wide range of academic disciplines designed to meet any of the above needs.
Some of the academic programs include economics, nursing, music, cosmetology, business, astronomy, medical programmer, accounting, etc. You can choose to learn online if you have some responsibilities.
10. Mount San Antonio College (Mt SAC)
Mt SAC, located in Walnut, is one of the best community colleges in California and offers more than 260 diverse academic and professional training programs and more than 3,000 online classes. The associate and certificate programs here include addiction counseling, applied laboratory science technology, fire and technology, computer systems technology, and more.
You can transfer to a four-year institution at the end of the program to help you save costs and quickly earn a bachelor's degree. If you wish to enter the workforce instead, the skills and knowledge you will gain along with your degree or certificate will make you the best choice for employers.
11. Las Positas College
Would an online learning mode or a face-to-face study option suit you better? Whatever it is, Las Positas College makes it available to students who want to pursue and earn either an associate's degree or a professional certificate in no time in an environment that they find very favorable. The programs offered at this institution are designed to get you a high paying job or transfer you to a four-year institution.
Las Positas College is located in Livermore and is one of the best community colleges in California, it has about 6,500 students enrolled annually and provides student services such as financial aid and mental health services.
12. Diablo Valley College
Home to a diverse group of learners, including high school graduates, transfer students, and lifelong learners, Diablo Valley College is one of the best community colleges in California. It has campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon that provide students with more than 80 undergraduate degree and certificate programs.
Classes are offered via traditional and online formats but here at this college you can complete an associate's degree 100% online in areas such as administration of justice, business, and history.
13. West Valley College
In our definitive list of the best California community colleges at West Valley College. It is located in Saratoga, San Francisco Bay Area, with a low student population of 2,510 undergraduates. There are over 120 selected undergraduate, certificate and transfer programs to choose from. Some of the programs include accounting, marketing, engineering, paralegal, choreographer, and more.
These are the details of the 13 best community colleges in California, find more information about any of the colleges that interest you by following the attached attached links.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Community Colleges in California
What is the #1 community college in California?
The number 1 or highest community college in California is Irvine Valley College.
What community college in California has the highest graduation and transfer rates?
Diablo Valley College is the community college in California with the highest graduation and transfer rates.
What is the best community college to transfer to UCLA?
More than 100 California community colleges send transferred students to UCSD, but Santa Monica College is the best to do so, sending about 400 to 500 students annually to UCLA.
Is a 3.7 GPA good at California Community College?
The average GPA for California community colleges is 3.0, so a 3.7 GPA is much higher and it's good for a California community college
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