Business Details
Your Pathway to Higher Education in California
We are the largest system of higher education in the nation, serving 2.1 million students across 116 colleges. Our mission centers on providing accessible, equitable education that empowers students to achieve their goals through transfer pathways to four-year universities or career-focused training. With a commitment to innovation and equity, we deliver personalized support and guidance to students at every stage of their educational journey. Our strategic initiative, Vision 2030, aligns our efforts with evolving workforce needs while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a leader in workforce development, we equip students with skills for family-sustaining wages, driving economic and social mobility across California.Our system serves the state's most diverse student population, with 70% of students representing diverse ethnic backgrounds. We take pride in our role as a catalyst for success, evidenced by the achievements of notable alumni like Dolores Huerta and Steve Jobs. Our leadership team, including Chancellor Sonya Christian, advances academic excellence through collaborative governance and transformative policies. We maintain transparency through key performance metrics, including a 19.6% average annual return on student investment. By fostering partnerships with institutions like the California State University and University of California systems, we ensure seamless transfer opportunities for students pursuing advanced degrees.
Services
Find a College
Apply Online
Career Education
Transfer Programs
Online Courses
Financial Aid Assistance
Student Support Services
Highlights and features
- We serve 2.1 million students across 116 colleges statewide
- Our system enables 51% of CSU graduates and 29% of UC graduates
- We offer guaranteed transfer options to four-year universities
- 50% of students qualify for fee waivers and financial aid
- Our online education initiative provides flexible learning options
What people say
Life-changing opportunities
Affordable education
Career pathways
Transfer success
Diverse community
Services
Find a College
Our college locator tool helps students identify the right community college based on location, programs offered, and career goals. With 116 campuses across California, we provide personalized guidance to match students with institutions that offer specific degree paths, certificate programs, and transfer agreements with four-year universities. Our system ensures accessibility to quality education for all Californians.
Apply Online
We offer a streamlined online application process for all California community colleges. Students can apply for free through our centralized system, which simplifies enrollment across multiple campuses. The platform provides step-by-step guidance, application status tracking, and access to financial aid resources, making higher education more accessible to prospective students statewide.
Career Education
Our career education programs deliver workforce-ready skills through certificate programs and vocational training. Designed in collaboration with industry partners, these programs address California's workforce needs while providing students with pathways to family-sustaining wages. We offer specialized training in high-demand fields with direct connections to employment opportunities.
Transfer Programs
We facilitate seamless transfers to four-year universities through guaranteed admission agreements. Our programs ensure course compatibility with institutions like the University of California and California State University systems. Academic advisors help students navigate transfer requirements, maximizing credit acceptance and minimizing time to degree completion at partner institutions.
Online Courses
Our online education initiative provides flexible learning options through the California Virtual Campus. Students access high-quality courses from multiple colleges while maintaining the support of local campuses. The platform includes Calbright College, offering innovative online programs with mobile learning apps and apprenticeship opportunities for career advancement.
People
Sonya Christian
Chancellor
Chancellor Sonya Christian leads California Community Colleges with a focus on equity and academic excellence. She oversees Vision 2030, our strategic roadmap for student success, and works with state leaders to advance educational access and workforce development across California.
Rowena Tomaneng
Deputy Vice Chancellor
Dr. Rowena Tomaneng supports Chancellor Christian in implementing system-wide initiatives. She plays a key role in advancing Vision 2030 and ensuring equitable access to education through policy development, strategic planning, and collaboration with educational partners statewide.
Questions
How do I find the right community college for my needs?
Use our college locator tool to search by location, program offerings, and transfer agreements. Each campus page provides detailed information about academic programs, campus resources, and local partnerships to help you make an informed decision.
What financial aid options are available?
Most students qualify for financial aid through federal and state programs. We offer fee waivers for eligible students, grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Our financial aid advisors help navigate application processes for Cal Grant, Pell Grant, and other assistance programs.
Can I transfer to a four-year university after attending community college?
Yes, California Community Colleges have guaranteed transfer agreements with University of California and California State University campuses. Completing an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) ensures priority admission with junior standing at partner institutions.
Are online courses available?
Yes, our California Virtual Campus offers online courses from multiple colleges. Calbright College provides fully online programs with flexible scheduling, mobile learning apps, and apprenticeship opportunities for students seeking career advancement through distance education.
What career education programs do you offer?
We provide career education programs in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. These certificate programs combine classroom instruction with practical training to prepare students for immediate employment in California's key industries.
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