Looking for the best community colleges in California? This article provides a comprehensive guide to the top community colleges in the state, highlighting their popularity and the benefits of choosing a community college for your education. Learn about key factors to consider when selecting a college, such as programs offered, campus facilities, and transfer opportunities. Discover why community colleges are a popular choice for students seeking affordable, quality education with flexible learning options. Stay informed and make the best decision for your educational journey with our detailed coverage.
Picking the perfect local community college in California proves challenging, especially with a whopping 116 options at hand. However, delving into the benefits and services each college offers can simplify the decision-making process. Renowned for their quality education and flexible learning schedules, California’s community colleges also boast a plethora of support services. Furthermore, many of these institutions extend financial aid and grants, ensuring accessibility to higher education for California residents from diverse backgrounds. This financial support eliminates the burden of hefty student debt, allowing students to pursue their educational aspirations freely. In this article, we will explore the top community colleges in California and provide insights into crucial factors to consider when selecting the ideal institution for earning an Associate’s Degree. From evaluating academic programs and campus facilities to assessing transfer options, we’ll cover everything you need to make a well-informed decision.
Rank 1 Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Overview
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Online Enrollment | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Santa Barbara City College | A | 5,498 | $65,039 |
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Overview
Historical Background
- Establishment: Founded in 1909 by the Santa Barbara High School District.
- Significance: One of California’s oldest community colleges.
- School of Media Arts: Specializes in digital media, film production, and photography.
- Automotive Program: Certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
- Unique Offering: The only accredited community college program in scuba diving in the U.S.
- Location: 72-acre state-of-the-art campus located across from the beach.
- Student Life: Inclusive environment with clubs and societies for diverse backgrounds and identities.
- Mental Health Support: Organizations for mindfulness and peer-to-peer support groups.
- Programs Offered: 244 degree and certificate programs.
- Transfer Options: Guaranteed admissions to top universities like UCSB, UCSC, and UCD.
Financial Aspects
- Net Price: Average annual cost after financial aid, grants, or scholarships is $14,000.
Post-Graduation Earnings
- Median Earnings: $36,800 per year, six years after graduation.
RANK 2 Irvine Valley College Overview
Rankings
| Rank | Organization |
|---|---|
| #1 | Best Colleges |
| #6 | Career Karma |
| #6 | College US |
| #12 | Successful Student |
School Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Irvine, CA |
| Graduation Rate | 32% |
| Admission Rate | 100% (Open-Admissions) |
| Urbanicity | City |
| School Size | Medium |
| College District | South Orange County Community College District |
Academic Programs
- Degrees and Certificates: Offers 159 associate degrees and certificate programs.
- Popular Transfer Degrees:
- Associate of Science in Chemistry
- Associate of Arts in Political Science
- Associate of Arts in Live Entertainment Technology
- Transfer Focused: 24 transfer-focused associate degrees.
- University Partnerships:
- Guaranteed transfer admission to six UC schools: UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside, UC Merced.
- Transfer agreements with private universities such as Chapman University, Brandman University, and Concordia University.
Transfer Success
- Student Intent: Nearly 60% of the 14,000 students plan to transfer after earning an associate degree.
- Transfer Rate: Highest rate of students transferring to four-year institutions among California’s 116 community colleges.
- Destination Universities: Graduates transfer to prestigious universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Brown, Columbia, and Caltech.
Estimated Cost Per Credit
| Residency Status | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|
| Resident | $46 |
| Non-Resident | $365 |
Financial Aid
- Annual Aid: More than $20 million through scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
- Irvine Valley Promise: Two years of free tuition for eligible first-time, full-time students, including bookstore vouchers, academic counseling, and career resources.
Athletics
- Sports Culture: Robust athletics culture with the Irvine Valley Lasers part of the Orange Empire Conference.
- Achievements: Men’s soccer team has won national championships twice.
Irvine Valley College, established in 1985, offers a variety of arts and sciences courses, associate degrees, and certificate programs. It stands out as one of the top community colleges in California, particularly for its high transfer rate to four-year universities. The college provides substantial financial support and has extensive resources to ensure student success both academically and athletically.
RANK 3 Pasadena City College
Pasadena City College (PCC) is a well-regarded public college in Pasadena, California, part of the Los Angeles area. Founded in 1924, PCC is a mid-size institution with 7,165 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 100%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Business. The college has a 47% graduation rate, with alumni earning a median starting salary of $24,400 and median earnings of $33,800 six years post-graduation. The average net price is $6,466 annually after financial aid.
Academic and Career Programs
- Over 200 associate degree and certificate programs.
- Career communities in STEM, Business, Health, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Arts.
- Notable transfer programs guaranteeing admission to CSU, HBCUs, and private universities.
Diversity and Student Life
- Strong ethnic studies departments and a renowned music program.
- Over 80 cultural and academic societies.
- Active campus life with events like the PCC flea market.
Support Services
- Comprehensive Transfer Center and career support with counselors and success coaches.
Pasadena City College is dedicated to providing accessible, diverse, and supportive education, preparing students for both academic and career success.
RANK 4 Foothill College
Foothill College Overview
Quick Facts
- Student Enrollment: 13,000 students across Los Altos Hills and Sunnyvale Center campuses.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Popular Majors: Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, Business.
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Starting Salary of Graduates: $33,400
- Median Earnings Six Years Post-Graduation: $46,500
- Net Price: $9,820 per year (average cost after financial aid).
Academic Programs
- Degrees Offered:
- 82 associate degrees
- 108 certificates
- 1 bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene (not open-admissions)
- Associate in Arts for Transfer Degrees: Includes art history, social justice, and elementary teacher education.
Student Life
- Student Activities:
- Dozens of pre-professional, affinity, and recreational organizations, such as the Black Student Union, Women in STEM Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club Team, and the Gender and Sexualities Alliance.
- Active student government, dance squad for athletic events, and the Community Ambassador Program.
- Athletics: 12 varsity sports.
Foothill College, serving 13,000 students, offers diverse academic programs and a lively student community. Renowned for its high acceptance rate and various degree options, including a unique bachelor’s program in dental hygiene, the college fosters inclusivity and dynamism. Active student organizations, strong athletics, and ample transfer opportunities make Foothill College a well-rounded choice for both local and international students.
RANK 5 LAS POSITAS COLLEGE
Las Positas College, situated in Livermore, California, ranks prominently among California’s community colleges. Offering 24 occupational-focused associate degrees, 44 certificate programs, and 17 transfer-focused associate degrees, the institution provides a diverse range of academic and vocational pathways. Noteworthy features include:
- Small class and lab sizes, fostering personalized learning experiences.
- Renowned performing arts program with degrees in theatre arts and music.
- Free Tuition Promise for eligible first-time, full-time students.
- Sanctuary campus status for undocumented students.
- Athletics program featuring ultimate frisbee and water polo teams.
- Active student clubs and organizations catering to various interests.
- Guaranteed admission to over 50 colleges and universities for transfer-focused degree graduates.
With a net price of $7,675 per year, popular majors like Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Psychology, and Biology, and high grades for diversity, safety, and student life, Las Positas College offers a compelling educational environment for students seeking academic excellence and community support.
