Community College
Community colleges are schools where students can explore their interests, learn job skills, earn certificates, and plan their next steps—whether that’s a career or transferring to a university.
What is a Community College?
Community colleges are schools you can attend after high school to continue your education. This path usually takes about 2 years to complete, awarding students an Associate's Degree.
At a community college, students can choose a major, which is the main subject they want to study. Students can earn an associate’s degree or a certificate in different fields. Many students also use community college as a step toward a 4-year college or university. If they complete the required classes, they can transfer as a junior (third-year student) while earning their associate’s degree.
One of the exciting parts of college is having more choice. While there are some required classes, students also get to choose many of their own classes, including general education courses and classes connected to their interests.
Degrees
Associate's Degree, and certificates. You can also follow complete your lower division courses and transfer to a 4-year college.
Tuition
Costs vary by campus ($1,100 on average). Click here to learn how you can afford college!
Class Size
Courses can have 25-35 students. You will have more opportunities to interact with your professors and peers.
A college "major" is your field of study- like Engineering, Business, Art.
Applying for Community Colleges in California:
Many Community Colleges in California-like City College, Southwestern and Grossmont-use the California Community Colleges platform to apply. The application usually opens in February and closes in April for priority registration, for admission for the Fall semester.
There is no application fee to apply. After you submit your application, you will set up your student portal, complete an educational plan and new student orientation, and then enroll in classes.
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How to get to a community college:
High School Graduation
You must have graduated from high school, passed the California High School Proficiency Exam or if you did not graduate high school, but passed the GED exam with an average score of 450 or higher.
English/Math Placements
You will enroll in courses that match your abilities and skills. You will complete an assessment to determine your English and Math level before you start registering for classes.
It is okay to not know yet! Start exploring colleges and majors, and remember to ask questions to your school counselor and staff!
After you've applied:
Attend Orientation
Sign up for a new student orientation, where you'll be registering for classes, receive an introduction to your campus, resources, advising services, student life, and policies and procedures, among other important information.
Create an Ed Plan
You can attend a workshop or an appointment with a counselor to plan your educational goals and the classes you need to take in order to transfer or get an associate degree. It is highly recommended that you follow up to revise your Ed Plan each semester.
Submit Documentation
Make sure all the documentation and fees required by your college are taken care of on time in order to avoid holds on your financial aid and/or class registration. Set up your college student portal and monitor your email for important messages and enrollment tasks.
Register for Classes
You've applied, you've been accepted, you've paid your enrollment deposit, you are very close to being the ready for the first day of classes! You will receive a date/time where registration will be open for you so you can pick your classes/schedule.
Transferring to a 4-year institution
Many of the classes you take at community college can count toward both your Associate’s degree and your Bachelor’s degree. This means you do not have to repeat those classes after you transfer.
At a 4-year college or university, students usually complete three types of classes:
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Lower-division classes: introductory courses for your major, usually taken during the first two years of college
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Upper-division classes: advanced courses for your major, usually taken during the last two years
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General education classes: required courses in subjects such as English, Math, Science, or Humanities that every student needs to complete, regardless of their major
At a community college, you can complete most lower-division courses and most general education classes for your major. When you transfer to a 4-year college, you typically focus on upper-division courses and any remaining general education requirements.
For many majors, this pathway means you will spend about four total years in college:
2 years at a community college + 2 years at a 4-year college or university.
Steps to transfer to a 4-year institution
Complete Coursework
It is very important that you follow and update your Ed plan every semester. Some classes need to be sequential, but you might need to adjust depending on their availability. Read more about Educational plans and selecting the right classes here.
Apply for transfer
You will apply to a 4-year college during the application period (October-December) for admission for the following year. When you transfer (and complete the required coursework), you will enter the 4-year college as a sophomore (3rd year) student.
Complete enrollment steps
Once accepted, you will still need to complete your college's requirements (pay the Student Intent to Register fee, submit your transcript, attend orientation, register for your classes, submit any missing documents, and continue applying for financial aid).