10 Best Community Colleges in California

If you’re looking for an affordable and flexible way to start your college journey, California’s community college system is one of the best places to begin. With 116 colleges statewide, it’s the largest higher education system in the country, and it’s built to support you whether your goal is transferring to a top university, earning a vocational certificate, or upskilling for a new career.

Community colleges in California do more than keep costs low. They consistently lead the nation in successful transfers to schools like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and other UC and CSU campuses. Many also offer cutting-edge programs in fields like clean energy, biotech, cybersecurity, and healthcare, all of which are closely tied to California’s economy.

Beyond academics, these schools are deeply committed to equity and student success. That means access to tutoring, mental health services, food pantries, and tech support, especially for first-generation students, working adults, and returning learners. Plus, they’re embracing online learning and workforce partnerships to stay relevant in today’s rapidly changing world.

Why Should You Consider Community Colleges in California?

California’s community colleges offer one of the most affordable paths to a college degree and are open to just about everyone. With annual in-state tuition typically under $1,400 (or $46 per unit), these schools make higher education possible for thousands of students who might otherwise be priced out.

They also offer clear, guaranteed transfer pathways to both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. That means you can spend two years at a community college and finish your bachelor’s degree at a top-tier university, saving tens of thousands in the process.

Whether in a big city or a rural area, there’s likely a college near you with small class sizes, experienced faculty, and personalized support services. Most campuses offer academic counseling, tutoring centers, job placement help, and specialized services for veterans, parents, and English learners.

The bottom line? Community college is an incredibly smart place to start if you want quality education at a fraction of the cost, with a direct line to some of California’s best universities or job markets.

10 Best Community Colleges in California

California’s community college system offers unbeatable value with consistently low tuition, strong academic programs, and extensive student support services. Whether your goal is to transfer to a UC or CSU campus, gain technical skills, or explore new career opportunities, these ten colleges offer some of the best combinations of affordability, flexibility, and academic excellence in the state.

Mt. San Antonio College

Mt. San Antonio College, located in Walnut, serves the eastern Los Angeles area with one of California’s most expansive and well-equipped community college campuses. It consistently ranks among the state’s top schools for both transfer and workforce readiness.

Main Courses

Mt. SAC is especially strong in aviation and aeronautics, nursing and health sciences, business administration, animation and design, and its award-winning forensics and speech team.

Pros

• Extensive facilities including a planetarium, art gallery, and aviation center
• Honors program and support for transfer to UC and CSU schools
• Excellent workforce preparation and industry partnerships

Cons

• High enrollment can make it hard to get into popular classes
• Limited parking and campus congestion during peak hours

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$5,186 – A strong value for access to one of California’s most comprehensive and career-focused community colleges.

Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College is known for its academic rigor and outstanding transfer record, especially in the case of UCLA and USC. Located near downtown Pasadena, it offers a high-achieving, university-prep environment at a fraction of the cost of a four-year school.

Main Courses

Top programs include design and tech, performing arts, biology and chemistry, computer science, and a wide range of humanities and general education courses built for transfer.

Pros

• Beautiful, historic campus with modern classroom facilities
• High transfer rates to UC, CSU, and elite private universities
• Active student life, clubs, and research opportunities

Cons

• Competitive academic culture may not suit all learning styles
• Large class sizes in some lower-division courses

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$5,492 – A highly affordable choice for students focused on academic excellence and four-year university transfer.

Long Beach City College

Long Beach City College has two campuses and serves a diverse student population. It offers strong academic and technical programs aligned with California’s major employment sectors.

Main Courses

LBCC offers excellent programs in digital media, culinary arts, trade technology, nursing, business management, and automotive services.

Pros

• Strong ties to California State University Long Beach
• Free tuition for eligible first-year students through the Promise Program
• Centrally located between the LA and Orange County job markets

Cons

• Urban location presents some safety and traffic concerns
• Limited parking and transit options

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$6,215 – A smart investment for students looking to build job-ready skills or transfer to a CSU campus.

West Valley College

West Valley College, located in the Saratoga foothills, offers a peaceful campus with high-quality academic programs and direct ties to Silicon Valley industries.

Main Courses

Strong options include paralegal studies, environmental science, computer programming, healthcare, and transfer pathways in business and social sciences.

Pros

• Scenic, park-like campus with updated facilities
• Close proximity to internships and job opportunities in the tech industry
• Personalized attention with smaller class sizes

Cons

• Higher cost of living in the surrounding area
• Fewer public transportation options for commuters

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$6,541 – Great value for students who want to study in a quiet environment with easy access to California’s tech hub.

Allan Hancock College

Allan Hancock College serves the Central Coast with Santa Maria and Lompoc campuses, offering affordable education and strong community ties through vocational and academic programs.

Main Courses

AHC is especially known for programs in viticulture, agriculture, public safety, automotive technology, and the performing arts.

Pros

• Hancock Promise covers first-year tuition for local high school graduates
• Wide variety of career-focused and academic programs
• Supportive campus environment with small class sizes

Cons

• Students may need to commute between campuses for certain classes
• Fewer housing options near campus

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$6,701 – An affordable choice for students in the Central Coast region with strong local support and practical degree paths.

College of San Mateo

Located just south of San Francisco, the College of San Mateo offers a striking campus view and some of the Bay Area’s most respected academic and career programs.

Main Courses

CSM is known for its dental assisting, digital media, engineering, fire technology, and nursing programs, all supported by industry-standard facilities.

Pros

• Panoramic hilltop campus with advanced technology and labs
• Excellent transfer programs to UC Berkeley, San Francisco State, and others
• Strong support services and student success initiatives

Cons

• A steep hillside location may be difficult to navigate for some students
• High local housing costs in San Mateo County

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$6,877 – A worthwhile investment for Bay Area students seeking strong academics and transfer success.

Santiago Canyon College

Santiago Canyon College, located in eastern Orange County, provides a spacious, modern learning environment with a growing reputation for academic excellence and transfer preparation.

Main Courses

Notable programs include water utility science, mathematics, surveying, apprenticeship training, and general education for university transfer.

Pros

• Clean, well-designed campus with great classroom and lab space
• High-performing honors program and good CSU/UC transfer pathways
• Supportive community atmosphere

Cons

• Limited public transit options in suburban area
• Commute and access can be challenging without a car

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,144 – A solid value for students seeking technical programs or transfer opportunities in a peaceful campus setting.

Fullerton College

As California’s oldest continuously operating community college, Fullerton blends history with innovation in the heart of North Orange County.

Main Courses

The college offers top programs in printing technology, horticulture, paralegal studies, music, and fashion design, alongside a wide general education curriculum.

Pros

• Beautiful historic campus with modern facilities
• High transfer rates to CSU Fullerton and other universities
• Active student organizations and the performing arts scene

Cons

• Aging infrastructure is still being modernized in some areas
• Parking can be limited during peak times

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$10,316 – A strong choice for students interested in creative fields or university transfer near Orange County.

Santa Barbara City College

With a campus perched above the Pacific Ocean, SBCC consistently ranks among the nation’s best community colleges for academics and campus life.

Main Courses

SBCC excels in marine diving technology, film and television production, addiction counseling, culinary arts, and environmental science.

Pros

• One of the most scenic college campuses in the country
• Exceptional transfer success to UC Santa Barbara and other UCs
• The SBCC Promise covers two years of tuition for local graduates

Cons

• High housing and living costs in Santa Barbara
• Student housing availability can be a challenge

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$12,833 – While more expensive than other options, SBCC offers exceptional quality and a truly unique location.

Cuesta College

Cuesta serves San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, offering affordable programs with strong ties to nearby Cal Poly.

Main Courses

Cuesta is well-known for its nursing, agriculture technology, engineering, and EMS programs and high-quality transfer options.

Pros

• The Promise Scholarship covers first-year tuition
• High transfer rate to Cal Poly–SLO
• Beautiful campus locations with outdoor recreation access

Cons

• Limited housing and rising cost of living in San Luis Obispo
• Transportation between campuses may be necessary

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$15,899 – On the higher end for community colleges, but worth it for students targeting Cal Poly or regionally aligned careers.

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Best Community Colleges in California

California community colleges are designed to be accessible to as many students as possible. Still, you’ll need to meet a few key steps and requirements before enrolling.

High School Diploma

While most California community colleges have open admission policies, having a high school diploma or GED is usually required for financial aid and some academic programs. Students without one may still be eligible for non-credit courses or special programs.

Completed Application Form

You’ll apply through CCCApply, the centralized online application system used by all 116 California community colleges. It’s free, easy to use, and allows you to apply to multiple colleges with one account.

California Residency Status

In-state tuition is about $46 per unit, but you’ll pay significantly more if you’re not a California resident. To qualify for in-state rates, you typically need to show you’ve lived in California for at least one year and intend to stay.

Placement Assessment

Instead of standardized tests, colleges now use your high school coursework, grades, and GPA to place you in English and math classes. This system, part of AB 705, helps students get into transfer-level courses faster.

Financial Aid Application

Fill out the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to access aid. Don’t forget the California College Promise Grant, which can waive your tuition entirely if you qualify.

How Do California Community College Costs Compare to National Averages?

California’s community colleges are the most affordable in the country. At just $46 per unit, or roughly $1,380 per year for full-time in-state students, tuition is significantly lower than the national average of over $5,000.

Even with extra fees like books, student services, and campus costs, many students qualify for full tuition waivers through programs like the California College Promise Grant. Compared to four-year institutions, where tuition alone can reach $10,000 to $15,000 per year, community college offers major savings, especially for your first two years of study.

Remember, though, that living costs in California can be high. Housing, food, and transportation may add significantly to your budget, especially in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Santa Barbara.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Community Colleges in California?

If you’re an international student, tuition is higher, but still more affordable than most U.S. universities. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $10,000 per year in tuition, or about $290–$360 per unit. You’ll also need to budget for additional fees like SEVIS registration, health insurance, and living expenses.

International students can’t receive state financial aid, but many colleges offer scholarships and on-campus job opportunities to help offset costs. Just remember that some areas, especially coastal or urban, have high housing costs, so plan ahead for those additional expenses.

How Does University of the People Compare with the Best Community Colleges in California?

If you’re looking for maximum affordability and flexibility, University of the People might be worth considering. It offers tuition-free degrees, charging only assessment fees (about $100–$200 per course), which adds up to around $4,000 for a full bachelor’s degree.

UoPeople is 100% online, so you don’t have to worry about commuting, campus fees, or California’s high cost of living. That makes it especially appealing if you’re working or balancing other responsibilities.

However, it’s worth noting that UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and WASC, the same regional accreditation held by California’s community colleges. This could impact transfer options if you plan to continue at a UC or CSU campus.

Ready to Choose the Best Community College?

Choosing the right California community college depends on your goals. Do you want to transfer to a UC or CSU? Get a certificate in a technical field? Or explore your academic interests while staying on a budget?

Look beyond tuition. Consider the programs offered, campus location, student services, and financial aid options. Research transfer agreements, internship programs, and industry partnerships. And don’t forget to think about living costs and transportation.

California’s community colleges offer something for everyone, and with the right planning, you can get a high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of a four-year university.

FAQs

How many community colleges are in California?

California has 116 accredited community colleges, making it the largest public higher education system in the country.

Do California community colleges offer guaranteed university admission?

Yes, many have guaranteed admission agreements with California State University (CSU) and some University of California (UC) campuses through programs like ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer).

Do California community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees?

A growing number of community colleges in California now offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields like dental hygiene, respiratory therapy, and biomanufacturing.

Which California community colleges have the highest transfer rates?

Pasadena City College, Santa Barbara City College, and De Anza College are consistently ranked among the top for successful transfers to UC and CSU campuses.

Which California community colleges have the highest graduation rates?

Colleges like Irvine Valley College, Foothill College, and West Valley College have some of the highest graduation and completion rates in the state.

What online degrees do California community colleges offer?

Many offer fully online associate degrees and certificates in areas like business, health science, computer information systems, and early childhood education. Some even participate in statewide online initiatives for broader course access.