Community Colleges

CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM 

The California Community College system of 2-year public institutions is composed of over 100 statewide colleges organized into 72 districts and serving more than 1.5 million students, representing the largest system of higher education in the world. Community colleges are publicly supported and locally oriented colleges that offer programs for transfer to a 4-year college, career education programs, continuing education and enrichment programs as well as remedial programs. There are also several private 2-year colleges in California, some focused on preparation for specific careers and others offering general education programs in preparation for transfer to a 4-year college.  Click here for more information.

About Community Colleges

California community colleges provide a great variety of high quality programs. A community college is a good choice for any student who may want to attend a 4-year college later, but who is not yet academically, personally or financially ready to begin study at a 4-year school. In a community college, students can choose to take courses that will fulfill transfer requirements to a 4-year college, where they can complete a Bachelor’s Degree (4-year degree); work toward an Associate Degree (2-year degree); or they can complete degrees or certificate programs in specific occupational fields, including various health professions, skilled vocational fields, and/or advanced technology fields.

TRANSFER ADMISSION GUARANTEE

Six UC campuses offer the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program for California community college students who meet specific requirements.  By participating in TAG, you will receive early review of your academic records, early admission notification and specific guidance about major preparation and general education coursework.  Find more information here.  

Enrolling in a Community College

A student must meet one of the following qualifications to enroll in a community college:

There are no SAT or ACT test requirements for general admission to community colleges.

Diablo Valley College:    This is part of the Contra Costa Community College District and also includes Contra Costa College and Los Medanos College.  Representatives from DVC come to your school in the spring to provide information about the programs offered and the application/transfer process. There is also information about DVC in the College & Career Center. 

Berkeley City College:  Many students like the vibe of the Berkeley campus.

Applying to other community colleges:   CA residents may attend any community college in the state for the same registration fees. For admissions, registration and testing information, contact the individual college’s admission office—through the website above, or by telephone.

There is information about many of California’s community colleges here and on MAIALearning (login with Clever). 


CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES WITH RESIDENCE FACILITIES

Some community colleges and two-year schools offer residence facilities where students have the opportunity to live away from home and be a more integral part of the college community. These schools often offer a similar “going away to school” experience as students receive at many four-year schools, and can be a wonderful opportunity for students to learn, grow, and become more independent if they are ready for it.


Columbia College:  Sonora

Cerro Coso Community College:   Mammoth Lakes

Feather River College:   Quincy

Lassen College:   Susanville

College of the Redwoods:   Eureka

Reedley College:   Reedley

Santa Barbara City College:   Santa Barbara

Shasta College:   Redding

Sierra College:   Rocklin

College of the Siskiyous:   Weed

Taft College:   Taft

West Hills College:   Coalinga

Marymount College in Rancho Palos Verdes is a private 2-year college that offers full residence facilities.