25 Best Community Colleges in California – 2024
November 10, 2024
Community colleges are popular options for students at any stage in their education. Whether a recent high school graduate or a student returning after entering the workforce, community colleges offer beneficial and practical pathways for those seeking an advanced degree. With lower costs in tuition, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to earn competitive associate鈥檚 degrees, it鈥檚 no wonder community colleges are so essential to higher education. Before we look at the best community colleges in California, let’s cover the basics.
What is Community College?
If you are looking for a California community college, then you鈥檒l be happy to know that there are over 100 community colleges in the state. The best community colleges in California are also located throughout the state in many populous cities. At these institutions, the colleges usually provide 2-year programs, at the end of which, students graduate with an associate鈥檚 degree or another type of certification.
Additionally, community colleges can also offer specialized training or technical education for students. At select schools, students may also be able to earn their bachelor鈥檚 degree, though this is generally not as common.
Typically, students at community colleges will transfer into a four-year university after completing their associate鈥檚 degree program. That way, they can save on the cost of their tuition and have already earned credits toward their bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Looking for help with the transfer process?
Check out the following blogs:
Best Community Colleges in California
For this list, we ranked the best community colleges in California based on several factors. One of the most important factors is related to the percentage of students who successfully transferred into a . Overall, there are 10 campuses as part of the UC system, and our ranking takes each of these campuses into account.
Therefore, the highest ranked schools on this list also tend to have the highest percentage of successful transfers in the 2023-2024 academic year. For reference, each California community college on this list had a minimum of 67% successful transfer rate into a UC school.
Additionally, we also paid attention to the average GPA of the community colleges. The average GPA factors into the ranking, as each school had an average of 3.4 or higher for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Therefore, the best community colleges in California are those with a high percentage of successful transfers into a UC school and competitive average GPAs.
Best California Community College Ranking
1)
- Los Altos Hills, California
With over 90 degree and certificate programs, the and degrees account for the most offerings. At this community college, students can also earn a degree in one of two disciplines: Dental Hygiene or Respiratory Care. At number one on our list, Foothill College is ranked as one of the best community colleges in California.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 520 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 428 students of those applicants were admitted. (82% admitted). Finally, the average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.60.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 31%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
2)
- Santa Monica, California
Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree or receive technical training in over 70 programs and areas of study. More specialized programs include welding technology, sports medicine, sound technology, medical billing and coding, and even fashion design. Additionally, for those looking for their perfect career path, the college offers a to help students choose the best major for them.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 141 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 111 students of those applicants were admitted. (79% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.43.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 30%
3)
- Pasadena, California
From four different associate degrees, 34 transfer majors, and over 100 certificate programs, students can study in a wide variety of areas. To help students pick, they can select a program from a specific . These communities include areas of study in STEM, Liberal Arts, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Health Sciences & Wellness, and more.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 1,314 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 1,028 students of those applicants were admitted. (78% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.64.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 35%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
4)
Santa Clara, California
Academic variety is a big component of this community college. Overall, there are nearly 80 associate degree programs, over 100 academic certifications, and over 1,800 course offerings. Additionally, all associate degree offerings a minimum of 90 quarter unites to complete.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 1,424 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 1,184 students of those applicants were admitted. (83% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.65.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 23%
5)
- Walnut, California
Among associate degree programs, students can explore continuing education programs, noncredit programs, and other in their chosen field. Further, if students are interested in transferring to a 4-year university, then they can consult the to connect with community representatives and explore the best options for university enrollment.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 827 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 635 students of those applicants were admitted. (77% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.63.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 36%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
6)
- San Mateo, California
Among programs in STEM, Health & Wellness, Arts & Media, Business & Public service, and Language Arts & Social Services, students have the opportunity to enroll in a cross-disciplinary program. This program is called and offers a holistic educational experience and foundational understanding of liberal arts, sciences, and/or business. This option is ideal for those still undecided on a major.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 352 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 291 students of those applicants were admitted. (83% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.57.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 27%
Best California Community College Ranking 鈥 cont鈥檇
7)
- Santa Barbara, California
Alongside Associate in Arts and Associate in Science , students can earn certain certificates of achievement. These certificates can be combined with a student鈥檚 general education coursework and can be applied in conjunction with their degree. Alternatively, the also offers noncredit programs for furthering education.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 1,230 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 1,021 students of those applicants were admitted. (83% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.50.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 21%
8)
- Santa Monica, California
With 7 main areas of interest, students can earn an associate degree or certificate through both on-campus and online programs. Plus, there is an option to earn a degree in Interaction Web Design. Overall, there are over 170 programs to choose from.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 1,784 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 1,357 students of those applicants were admitted. (76% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.59.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 36%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
9)
- San Luis Obispo, California
There are over 80 associate degree and over 120 certificate programs to choose from at this community college. Of these 80 degree programs, majority of these options fall into the Associate of Art or Associate in Arts for Transfer categories. Students can earn certificates of achievement or certificates of specialization in their chosen field.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 211 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 158 students of those applicants were admitted. (75% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.43.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 17%
10)
- Orange, California
There are over 250 certificate and degree programs to choose from, including over 25 associate degrees for transfer. Plus, this community college has established transfer relationships with four-year universities to make the process of applying to these institutions as easy as possible. Additionally, those with military backgrounds will be happy to know that this community college is recognized as a U.S. Military-Friendly School.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 345 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 257 students of those applicants were admitted. (74% admitted). Also, the average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.59.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 33%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
11)
- Livermore, California
Some of the course offerings at this community college include Dance, Theater Arts, Marketing, Film Studies, ASL, Nutrition, and more. Within each , there are several programs available for students. For example, students interested in business can choose a specific concentration, from entrepreneurship to business administration, and more.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 338 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 265 students of those applicants were admitted. (78% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.61.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 28%
Best California Community College Ranking 鈥 cont鈥檇
12)
- San Francisco, California
There are 8 academic and to choose from, including education and child development, tools and trades, communications and languages, health and safety, and more. Plus, students can also get a head start on their college credits with certain .
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 446 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 373 students of those applicants were admitted. (84% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.61.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 30%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
13)
- Fullerton, California
With over 120 associate degree programs and more than 25 transfer programs, there are plenty of options available for prospective students. Plus, there are also specialized offered.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 383 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 277 students of those applicants were admitted. (72% admitted). Lastly, the average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.57.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 24%
14)
- Long Beach, California
For prospective students, there are over 90 to choose from. Among the course offerings are opportunities to study many subjects, from engineering, to fashion, geology, history, and more. Additionally, students can take advantage of opportunities.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 302 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 201 students of those applicants were admitted. (67% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.57.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 27%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
15)
- San Diego, California
Students can choose from a wide variety of and courses to study. Overall, students can earn an associate鈥檚 degree or associates for transfer, along with certain certification programs. Plus, there is an opportunity to earn a degree in Health Information Management.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 533 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 368 students of those applicants were admitted. (69% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.56.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 27%
Best California Community College Ranking 鈥 cont鈥檇
16)
- Saratoga, California
Along with the ability to take courses on campus, students can also earn their degrees and certificates . Overall, there are 91 certificate programs, 58 associate degree programs, and 30 associate degrees for transfer available.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 291 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 238 students of those applicants were admitted. (82% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.57.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 34%
17)
- Glendale, California
Depending on the chosen major and degree, there are certain Overall, the campus accounts for more than 25,000 students in a variety of programs.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 531 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 400 students of those applicants were admitted. (75% admitted). Additionally, average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.57.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 35%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
18)
Redwood City, California
Along with studying on campus, students have the option to study fully to earn their degrees and certificates. Though, not all programs are available online. On campus, there are also many to choose from, from studying in the fields of accounting to the biological sciences, and digital art and fashion design.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 106 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 84 students of those applicants were admitted. (79% admitted). Lastly, the average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.54.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 18%
19)
- Cypress, California
Overall, there are 56 university-transfer majors available to study with over 100 programs. Students can earn their associate degree, a transfer degree鈥攊ncluding two specific UC transfer degrees. Additionally, there are over 160 career-certificate programs.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 255 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 189 students of those applicants were admitted. (74% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.65.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 32%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
20)
- San Diego, California
There are 6 specific to choose from at this community college. Students can also learn more about the creative arts, business and technology, languages, communication, and humanities, the health sciences, and more. Additionally, the campus also offers fee-based .
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 435 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 364 students of those applicants were admitted. (84% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.67.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 38%
Best California Community College Ranking 鈥 cont鈥檇
21)
- Aptos, California
This community college works with 5 specific in academics: Business, English & Language Arts; Health, Athletics, Wellness & Kinesiology; Human Arts & Social Sciences, Natural & Applied Sciences, and Visual and Preforming Arts. Students can also learn more about courses that offer hands-on learning.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 308 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 249 students of those applicants were admitted. (81% admitted). Additionally, the average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.52.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 34%
22)
- Santa Clara, California
With more than 5,000 students, this community college is the sister college to West Valley (#16 on this list). Those looking for job training and can find so here.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 116 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 88 students of those applicants were admitted. (76% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.53.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 31%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
23)
- Moorpark, California
Students here can study from a wide variety of . Programs include animal science, child development, criminal justice, education, hospitality, and more. Overall, there are more than 60 areas of study to choose from.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 650 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 522 students of those applicants were admitted. (80% admitted) and the average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.66.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 36%
24)
- Santa Rosa, California
Eligible students at this college have the opportunity to apple for specific scholarship, if applicable. There are also over 600 options, and students can apply for each one with only one application.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 330 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 268 students of those applicants were admitted. (81% admitted). The average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.53.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 36%
Best Community Colleges in California (Continued)
25)
- Norwalk, California
At this community college, students have the opportunity to learn online, 100% in person, or in a setting. These custom options are great for students looking for flexible learning. Overall, there are over 80 degree and certificate programs available.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 246 students applied for transfer to a UC college. 180 students of those applicants were admitted. (73% admitted). Lastly, the average GPA of admitted students from this college was 3.54.
UCLA Transfer Acceptance Rate: 29%
Best Community Colleges in California 鈥 In Review
With so many options for degrees to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming. While it鈥檚 good to have options, it鈥檚 also good to help narrow the focus on your career choices and academic strengths. That鈥檚 where the ACCUPLACER test comes into play.
While the ACCUPLACER test is similar other standardized testing, it does not provide a score to be used for college admission. Instead, the test evaluates in which subject areas a student is uniquely prepared and which areas require a little extra focus. Essentially, it is a test which evaluates a student鈥檚 readiness to take on college work.
If you are looking to apply for one of the best community colleges in California, you may be required to take this test. However, if it鈥檚 not required, it could be a useful tool to help gauge where your interests and strengths align.
In conclusion, we hope this list of California community colleges was helpful in preparing you for your decision. No matter which school you decide on, it is sure to be the right fit for you and offer prospers opportunities.
Best Community Colleges in California – Additional Resources
