Best Online Community Colleges in California (2024)

Overview of Online Community Colleges in California

California has the largest higher education system in the nation, with 73 districts and 116 community colleges serving nearly two million students. The Los Angeles Community College district alone is the largest in the country with nine colleges, and the biggest campus by enrollment is East Los Angeles College. Cumulatively, California community colleges offer over 10,000 online courses, 90 fully online associate degree programs, and 80 fully online certificate programs.

California community colleges offer over 10,000 online courses, 90 fully online associate degree programs, and 80 fully online certificate programs.

Many of California's community college students pursue associate degrees to enter the workforce or transfer to four-year universities. Approximately half of community college students enroll in the California State University system and nearly a third transfer to the University of California system. Nationwide, popular associate degree disciplines include liberal arts, healthcare, business, interdisciplinary studies, social science, and the performing and visual arts, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Students can also earn certificates of achievement through the California Virtual Campus program in such areas as public safety, cybersecurity, creative writing, graphic design, and accounting.

View our comprehensive list of the best online community colleges and learn more about the online learning experience.

Cost of Online Community Colleges in California

California has the lowest community college tuition rate in the U.S. As of the 2021-22 school year, in-state tuition averaged $1,430, compared to $3,800 nationally and as much as $8,600 in Vermont. In addition, a 30% boost in funding per full-time enrolled student since 2009 may have been a contributing factor to college affordability in California. As a result, students in California may also carry less student loan debt than students in other states.

California has the lowest community college tuition rate in the U.S.

Tuition for online programs is also generally cheaper than those on campus. Some schools waive campus fees or charge flat tuition rates regardless of state residency for online students. There are also other ways to help mitigate higher education expenses in California. High school students may opt to dual enroll in a community college program, so classes count towards high school diplomas and college credits, potentially saving time and money. Military veterans may use their GI Bill benefits to help pay for school, while others may work for employers who provide tuition assistance to their staff. Applying for private scholarships can also reduce the expense of distance education.

Financial Aid for Community College Students in California

Many students rely on financial aid to attend college. The first step to determine eligibility for federal assistance is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may be eligible for federal grants, scholarships, or may qualify for work-study programs or low-interest federal student loans.

The state awards the highest amount of financial aid in the nation with an average of $1,751 spent per undergraduate student.

California lawmakers have also worked to establish several state financial aid programs to help increase higher education accessibility and affordability. The state awards the highest amount of financial aid in the nation with an average of $1,751 spent per undergraduate student, and approximately 47% of community college students do not pay fees.

California College Promise Grant

Established by AB-19, the CCPG allows for waiving enrollment fees for some students with low income. A total of $46 per unit may be waived.

California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment

The CCCSE provides more than 3,000 scholarships each year. Students must also qualify for the CCPG to be eligible, must have financial need, be enrolled in college at least part-time, and have completed a minimum of 24 degree-applicable units to apply. Awards are $600 per semester for a total of $1,200 per year and students can opt to renew their awards up to $3,600 over three years.

California Dream Act

Undocumented and non-resident students may qualify for financial aid by completing a California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Qualified students may receive state financial aid, scholarships through California colleges and universities, Cal Grants, and fee waivers through the CCPG. Amounts vary.

Cal Grant Program

There are three types of grants in the Cal Grant program. Grant A is for high school and college students interested in attending four-year universities, Grant B is for students interested in attending community college, and Grant C is for students interested in technical or occupational programs. Awards vary from $1,094 to $12,570 and do not have to be paid back.

California Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ,California's unemployment rate was 6.5% as of December 2021. While this was higher than the 3.9% national average during that time, it has been steadily declining since the highs of 2020. Employment projections in general are high for the following sectors through 2030:

Leisure and hospitality

Health care and social assistance

Professional and business services

A recent survey shows that California's cost of living is significantly higher than the national average. The cost of living index measures how far income goes to pay for living expenses such as food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. California's overall cost of living index is at 150 compared to 100 for the U.S. Housing costs alone are indexed at 239. As a result, students may seek higher education to increase their salary potential to make ends meet.

The California Community Colleges notes that for every dollar spent on education, students could potentially see a $5 increase in future earnings and that those with an associate degree could earn $11,000 more per year than those who only have a high school diploma.

Careers for California Community College Graduates

Major employers in California cover many industries, including government, healthcare, high tech, education, semiconductor devices, and film and television. These employers include NASA, Kaiser Permanente, Google, the University of California-Los Angeles, Intel, and Sony Pictures.

Based on the most current data provided by the BLS and its partner site O*NET Online, the following occupations requiring a minimum of an associate degree expect to see some of the highest job growth:

Medical Sonographers

Median Annual Salary: $104,390

Job Outlook: 28%

Medical sonographers operate scanning equipment to examine patients. They check for image quality, patient comfort, and provide physicians with oral and written summaries of findings.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Median Annual Salary: $61,520

Job Outlook: 14%

Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by organizing and maintaining records, conducting research, and drafting legal documents. These professionals may also file legal documents with the court or the opposing attorney in a case.

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Median Annual Salary: $93,650

Job Outlook: 16%

Radiologic technologists and technicians perform CAT scans and X-rays while monitoring patients' safety. Technicians may also inject nonradioactive materials into a patient's bloodstream for diagnostic purposes.

Respiratory Therapists

Median Annual Salary: $85,620

Job Outlook: 28%

Respiratory therapists help care for patients with chronic breathing issues, such as COPD, emphysema, or asthma. These therapists may also monitor a patient's progress and consult with physicians, administer treatments, or perform diagnostic tests.

Web Developers and Digital Designers

Median Annual Salary: $89,420

Job Outlook: 17%

Web developers and digital designers create and maintain websites. They measure a site's performance and capacity, create content, and test a site for the quality of user interface and experience.

Best Online Community Colleges in California (2024)

FAQs

Can you do community college online California? ›

Anyone can attend online community colleges in California — even those living out of state. Students can take classes through their local community college or other public community colleges across the state through the California Virtual Campus program.

What is the number 1 community college in California? ›

By Sarah Aholt
RankSchoolLocation
1Pasadena City CollegePasadena, California
2City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco, California
3De Anza CollegeCupertino, California
4Foothill CollegeLos Altos Hills, California
16 more rows
30 May 2022

Which community college has the best transfer rate California? ›

Diablo Valley College has the highest graduation and transfer rate of all the community college in California, earning a top spot in the nation.

Is it true that community college is free in California? ›

Free college isn't a new idea in California: The state's Promise program gives full-time students at some colleges scholarships to cover tuition, and students with a low-enough income can also apply to have their fees waived.

Do online colleges accept everyone? ›

While some schools do have a policy of accepting 100% of all students who apply, other programs are much more selective. Some traditional schools offer students the chance to complete their degrees online, but those students will still need to submit the proper paperwork and face rejection from the school.

Who qualifies for free community college in California? ›

To qualify for the California College Promise Program, you must meet the following criteria: You must be a California resident or AB 540 eligible student (the California Dream Act waives enrollment fees for non-resident “Dreamers”). You must be a full-time student. You must be a first-time student.

What is the easiest California college to get into? ›

The easiest colleges to get into in California include the Academy of Art University, California State University-Fresno, California Northstate University, Azusa Pacific University, Sonoma State University, California State University-Channel Island, and California State University-Monterey Bay.

What is the most prestigious community college? ›

Best Community Colleges in the U.S.
Overall RankCommunity CollegeTotal Score
1State Technical College of Missouri71.02
2Northwest Iowa Community College68.4
3Alexandria Technical & Community College67.23
4Manhattan Area Technical College67
26 more rows
16 Aug 2022

Can you transfer to UCLA from community college? ›

We give highest priority to applicants from California community colleges and other UC campuses. UCLA admits students for fall quarter only. Following are many of the criteria we consider: Junior-level standing (60 semester or 90 quarter transferable units completed) by the end of the spring term before you transfer.

What is the newest community college in California? ›

And it's not just Lomas and Singh who feel new beginnings at the campus. Madera Community College officially became its own college in summer 2020, breaking off from its status as a satellite campus for Reedley College, which is more than 40 miles away.

What community colleges does UCLA accept? ›

Participating Colleges
  • Antelope Valley College.
  • Cerritos College.
  • Chaffey College.
  • Citrus College.
  • College of the Canyons.
  • Compton College.
  • Cypress College.
  • East Los Angeles College.

How do I choose a community college in California? ›

5 Steps to Choosing the Best Community College for You
  1. Step 1: Consider Your Professional Pathway.
  2. Step 2: Investigate the Industry.
  3. Step 3: Audit Several Classes.
  4. Step 4: Meet with an Academic Adviser.
  5. Step 5: Master the Tricks of Transferring.
26 Jul 2022

Who is eligible for California Promise grant? ›

Be classified as a resident of California or be a non-California resident eligible for tuition exemption AB 540, or AB 1899 student by Admissions and Records, and for California resident homeless youth as determined by the Financial Aid Office at your college.

Who is eligible for California promise? ›

Eligibility. To qualify for CCPG, you must be a California resident or eligible AB 540 student and meet the eligibility requirements for Method A, B or C. Each type of CCPG has different eligibility requirements.

How much does it cost to go to a community college in California? ›

For California community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,997 per year for in-state students and $7,123 for out-of-state students (2022-23). For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $21,060 per year.

How many hours a day is online college? ›

4-5 hours doing the related readings, papers, etc. Total: 8 hours per course per week. Or a little more than 1 hour per day per course.

Is it harder to get into college if you do online school? ›

As long as a school is regionally accredited, colleges won't typically have any issue with whether the school is online or in-person. For students looking at more competitive universities, there are obviously additional considerations, such as AP courses or extracurricular activities.

How many hours a day should I do online college? ›

Apply the “rule of 1.5.” That means that for every credit hour you earn in a course, you should expect to study for about 1.5 hours a week. So if you are taking a college course online like Western Civilization I that is earning 3 credit hours, your basic time commitment should be about 4.5 hours a week.

How do you get 2 years for free from community college in California? ›

California residents or nonresidents under the California Dream Act may be eligible for the California College Promise Grant if they:
  1. Demonstrate financial need.
  2. Complete a FAFSA or California Dream Act application.
  3. Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
  4. Remain a California community college student.

How much is the California Promise grant? ›

What is the California College Promise Grant (CCPG)? The California College Promise Grant is a state sponsored program, which waives enrollment fees ($46 per unit) for eligible California/AB540 residents and a portion of students' parking permit fee for Fall and Spring Semesters.

Is community college easier than university? ›

In terms of tuition, ease of admission, flexibility, school-life balance, and many other factors, community colleges are definitely “easier” than a university.

What are the 3 hardest colleges to get into? ›

What Are the Hardest Colleges to Get Into in 2022?
  • Harvard.
  • Columbia.
  • Caltech.
  • Stanford.
  • MIT.
  • Princeton.
  • Yale.
  • Brown.
2 Sept 2022

What is the hardest Cal State to get into? ›

The hardest Cal State to get into is the Cal Poly San Luis, Obispo. It has an acceptance rate of 28%, the lowest among CSUs. It also has the highest average SAT score requirement of 1340 and an average ACT score of 29, also the highest among the CSUs.

What is the least accepted college? ›

10 Colleges With the Lowest Acceptance Rates
  • California Institute of Technology: 4%
  • Harvard University: 4%
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 4%
  • Princeton University: 4%
  • Stanford University: 4%
  • Yale University: 5%
  • Brown University: 6%
  • Dartmouth College: 6%
2 Sept 2022

What college has the happiest students? ›

Top 25 Happiest Colleges
  • Princeton University.
  • Brown University.
  • Vanderbilt University.
  • College of William and Mary.
  • Kansas State University.
  • University of Iowa.
  • Fairfield University.
  • University of California, Berkeley.
28 Aug 2022

What college is #1 in the world? ›

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

What college impresses the most? ›

Takeaways: What Looks Good on a College Application
  • Good grades and a challenging course load.
  • Strong test scores.
  • Honest, specific, and eloquent essays.
  • A spike in your extracurricular activities.
  • Compelling letters of recommendation.
  • Volunteer experience with clear impact on the groups or places you've helped.
30 Oct 2021

What GPA is required for Yale? ›

In truth, you need close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA to get into Yale. That means nearly straight As in every class.

What GPA is required for Stanford? ›

There is no minimum GPA or test score, nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to have your application reviewed or be admitted to Stanford.

Can I get into UCLA with a 3.3 GPA? ›

California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement.

Can you get a 4 year degree at a community college in California? ›

Did you know that you can earn a bachelor's degree from a California community college? Thanks to the Bachelor's Degree Program, you can get a four-year degree in a variety of subjects at 15 different colleges throughout the state.

What is the biggest community college in California? ›

The largest community college in California is East Los Angeles College with 36,885 students.

Do Ivy Leagues accept community college? ›

Yes! Community college transfer students are accepted by Ivy League schools on merit. Applicants can be accepted into Ivy League schools as transferees whether or not they have already completed their associate degrees, as long as their college applications fulfill or even exceed the admissions requirements.

Can a community college student go to Harvard? ›

Gaining admission at Harvard is never easy. In recent years, they've accepted an average of 12 transfers out of roughly 1,500 transfer applicants—around 1 percent, just a sliver of its regular 4 percent admissions rate. However, that select group of transfers has included community college students.

What GPA do you need to get into UCLA after community college? ›

Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3. The grade point average will be calculated for all courses taken, including all grades for any repeated courses.

What is the easiest class to take in community college? ›

That being said, here's a look at some college classes that tend to be easier than some core classes.
  1. Film History. ...
  2. Creative Writing. ...
  3. Physical Education. ...
  4. Psychology. ...
  5. Public Speaking. ...
  6. Anthropology. ...
  7. Art History. ...
  8. Acting.

Do California community colleges accept everyone? ›

California community colleges are required to admit any California resident or nonresident possessing a high school diploma or the equivalent. Additionally, California community colleges may admit anyone over the age of 18 without a high school diploma or equivalent with the approval of the judgment board.

Is it hard to get into UCLA from community college? ›

UCLA is committed to being a transfer-friendly institution. Strong academic preparation and performance make you a more competitive candidate during the admission review process. The average GPA of admitted transfer students is above 3.5, and admitted students have completed most or all major preparatory courses.

What is the minimum GPA required for the California Promise program? ›

California College Promise Grant Academic/Progress Eligibility Requirements. Academic - Sustain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive primary terms (fall/spring semesters, or fall/winter/spring quarters), you may lose your eligibility.

What college grants are available in California? ›

Cal Grants A, B, and C

Cal Grant A Awards are reserved for students attending public and private colleges. California State University students qualify for as much as $5900 annually. Private colleges are granted up to $9200 each, for tuition and fees for every eligible student.

What is the California Dream grant? ›

The California Dream Fund Grant Program (CDFG or Dream Fund) was created in 2021 by Senate Bill No. 151 (Government Code Section 12100.63) to provide microgrants up to $10,000 to seed entrepreneurship and small business creation in underserved small business groups that are facing capital and opportunity gaps.

Do you have to pay back a grant? ›

A grant does not have to be paid back so is better than a loan.

Do I qualify for the California Dream Act? ›

Who can apply for the California Dream Act? Students who live in California and meet the eligibility requirements for a non-resident exemption, as well as students who have a U Visa or TPS status, can use the California Dream Act application (CADAA).

Does the promise grant give you money? ›

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) permits enrollment fees to be waived for eligible California residents. CCPG gets awarded based on financial need when a student is determined a California resident or exempt from non-resident fees under the California Dream Act.

What is the number 1 community college in California? ›

By Sarah Aholt
RankSchoolLocation
1Pasadena City CollegePasadena, California
2City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco, California
3De Anza CollegeCupertino, California
4Foothill CollegeLos Altos Hills, California
16 more rows
30 May 2022

Who qualifies for free community college in California? ›

To qualify for the California College Promise Program, you must meet the following criteria: You must be a California resident or AB 540 eligible student (the California Dream Act waives enrollment fees for non-resident “Dreamers”). You must be a full-time student. You must be a first-time student.

Does California provide free community college? ›

Free college isn't a new idea in California: The state's Promise program gives full-time students at some colleges scholarships to cover tuition, and students with a low-enough income can also apply to have their fees waived.

› Student-Service › What-we-do ›


The California Promise

https://www.cccco.edu › Student-Service › What-we-do
https://www.cccco.edu › Student-Service › What-we-do
As part of the California Promise, colleges can, but not required to, waive enrollment fees for all first-time, full-time students who do not qualify for the Ca...
Are a student at a California community college, and have been determined to be a resident, or to be exempt from non-resident fees under AB 540, and; · H...
Did you know that you may qualify for free community college in California? On this page, you will find information on the California College Promise Program an...

Are California colleges online? ›

Cal State Online delivers high-quality online and hybrid (online and classroom) education across the entire California State University system, allowing students to pursue bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees while eliminating distance and scheduling challenges.

Can you attend UCLA online? ›

Experience a UCLA Education, no matter where you live.

With online learning through UCLA Extension, you can upgrade your current skills—or explore an entirely new area of interest —with flexibility and convenience. 24/7 access to materials and interactive course elements, means you can study when you have time.

Does California have online school? ›

California Virtual Academies (CAVA) are full-time online public schools for TK–12 students. We're dedicated to inspiring and empowering students through an education experience tailored to each child's needs.

Is there online school in California? ›

A California Online Public School That's MADE FOR YOU

Our tuition-free online public schools offers students in grades TK–12 a safe, engaging environment where they can learn in the way that works best for them.

Is online college even worth it? ›

Online programs are absolutely worth it, depending on the student's circ*mstances. Contrary to popular belief, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. Online programs aren't necessarily more affordable, but they can be.

Are online colleges trustworthy? ›

Online colleges are becoming more popular, but prospective students may still worry about their credibility. We're here to set the record straight: An online degree holds just as much weight as a traditional degree. In fact, data shows that most employers don't even differentiate between the two types of degrees.

Are online colleges worth it? ›

The opportunity cost of your degree is less because you can continue to earn income while pursuing your degree (plus tuition and fees can be lower than on-campus programs). You experience the incremental worth of a degree, as you can apply the skills you learn to your day-to-day job from day one.

Does Harvard do online degrees? ›

Yes, Harvard has a wide range of online educational offerings for people who want to broaden their knowledge on a particular topic but who do not intend on pursuing an advanced degree.

Do Ivy Leagues accept online students? ›

Yes, and the number of online degrees that you can earn at the Ivy League level continues to grow. However, there are some limitations, especially where online bachelor's degrees are concerned. We explore both the opportunities and limitations. Online college is growing in popularity.

What GPA do you need to get into UCLA? ›

You might find yourself asking – “What GPA do you need to get into UCLA?” UCLA candidates must additionally meet the UCLA GPA requirements for admission in-state. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, while out-of-state students must have a 3.4 GPA or greater.

Is California Virtual Academy accredited? ›

Each of the nine California Virtual Academies is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for all academies, grades K–12.

Is online school harder than regular? ›

Online classes may be more challenging for those with poor time management or lack of motivation,” explains Chris Lee, adjunct professor and founder of Purpose Redeemed. “Many students, however, report online classes as being easier than, or only as difficult as, in-person classes.”

Is online school easier than public school? ›

For some people, online programs are easier because they offer a flexible schedule. In addition, people with great time management skills and a sense of responsibility can excel in online classes. However, online education may be more challenging for those who enjoy learning in a classroom environment.

How many online schools are in California? ›

For the 2022-23 school year, there are 17 online public schools in California. Learn more about how online public schools and online high schools work.

How long is online schooling? ›

How Long are Online Degree Programs? Online degree programs take the same amount of time as in-class programs for most students. This means an associate degree will take approximately two years to complete, while a bachelor's degree will take about four.

Is online school better than real life school? ›

Scientists looking at the effectiveness of distance learning found that in some studies, distance education students performed slightly better in exams and grades than traditional classroom students, but that overall the average performance outcomes weren't that different.

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