Skip to main content
College and Career Center » Community Colleges

Community Colleges

Community
Community Colleges in CA 
Use the links below to help you research 
CCC
CERTIFICATE & DEGREE PROGRAMS

Certificate Programs

Students interested in obtaining career training without committing to several years of school can earn a Certificate of Achievement in a shorter period. Certificate programs are designed for students interested in career training that leads to a specialized career field. Students with certificates can earn more money than those with high school diplomas. Programs vary in length and generally require less than 2 years of full-time study. Successful completion of certificates is noted on official college transcripts. There is no limit to the number of certificates a student can earn.

Career Program Degrees (AA/AS)

These programs are designed to provide better-rounded career training than a certificate program and typically require 1½ to 3 years to complete. Career degrees include requirements for significant, specialized occupational courses, and general education courses that broaden a student’s understanding of self and the world. Some units/credits in career programs may transfer to 4-year colleges and universities and may fulfill lower-division requirements.
 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
  1. Research programs at different community colleges to find the right one for you. Go to Explore Colleges.
  2. Submit FAFSA or CADAA  (Add the community colleges you are considering)
  3. Apply Online. 
    1. Click on "Apply Now"  on the community college's home page.
    2.  Create an account with the CA community colleges (CCC) if you don't have one yet.
    3. Submit the online application for Fall 2025.

After the application: 

  • 3-5 DAYS after you submit your application, you will receive an email with your community college ID number. 
  • Complete the virtual/online orientation once you have received your ID from the community college.
  • Make an online appointment with a counselor to create your educational plan
    • They might ask for your transcripts
    • Note: Students with disabilities or an IEP must also meet with a counselor at the DSPS office
  • Register for classes: Check your portal for your assigned registration date. Plan your schedule and have alternative courses in case the ones you want are filled.
TRANSFER ADMISSION GUARANTEE 

All community colleges offer a full range of academic courses that enable a student to prepare for a transfer to a four-year college or university. If you are a "transfer" student and plan carefully, you may enter the four-year university as a junior after two years of community college work. Your community college counselor will help you organize a program that will be acceptable to the four-year college, so that you will not lose any credits when you transfer.

Use assist.org to help you select the proper courses at the community college that will meet the specific GED requirements for your major at the university to which you plan to transfer.

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) is a commitment that four-year colleges and universities make with community college students. It is a contract of understanding, guaranteeing that upon completion of the conditions of the agreement, the student will be admitted to the university. Some of the advantages of completing a TAG are early notification of admission, waived application fees, priority registration, and having courses outlined. Below is the list of local community colleges and their TAGs.