Why did you choose your community college?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
,
1

I noticed that there’s sometimes posts from international students or their parents asking which community colleges in California are better. I’m hoping this could be a resource for them.

I chose Foothill College because it’s not my closest community college, but it’s a reasonable distance from my home and it is on the quarter system. It also is one of the schools that participates in UCLA’s TAP. It also is one of the community colleges where UC Irvine’s Honors to Honors Program is available. And it’s part of the HTCC (Honors Transfer Council of California), a consortium of over fifty community colleges in California.

After joining I learned that it also is one of the 45 community colleges affiliated with Berkeley’s TAP. It has high transfer rates, but isn’t a big community college like DeAnza, which is in the same district and has better transfer rates. Lastly, it’s beautiful. It regularly makes the list of most beautiful community college campuses in America, most scenic community colleges, etc.

It doesn’t have the views of College of San Mateo, which was closer, but it has gorgeous architecture which CSM lacked. And CSM is on the semester system, which I was trying to avoid. However, one thing I regret is that it’s not part of UC David’s Transfer Opportunity Program, unlike CSM.

1 Like
2

Hey there, I’m an international student in CA. Even though I’m not currently enrolled in a community college, I did my research and chose Coastline Community College to take summer courses. They have a department to help international student and resources for visa applying, housing, insurance, etc. Another factor is that they provide online classes as well as in-person classes and especially the math course MATH C285 (Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equation) which is a math requirement for CS major at many schools, so it helps if you are a CS major. I’m not sure about the area (Orange County) because I’m taking the courses online but I think Asian students like it there. I hope this helps!

2 Likes
3

I wanted to make a list of the community colleges where it’s easier to compare them. It’s not perfect, but hopefully it helps.

Northern CA

  1. AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 27%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCD TOP, UCB TAP, AvenueB, AvenueE; Most popular xfer- UCD
  2. BUTTE COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 32%; Programs- UCD TOP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  3. COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 25%; Programs- UCLA TAP, UCD TOP, UCB TAP, AvenueB, AvenueE, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCD
  4. FEATHER RIVER COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 18%; Most popular xfer- Tie (Unknown)
  5. FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 35%; Programs- UCD TOP, AvenueB, AvenueE; Most popular xfer- UCD
  6. LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 28%; Most popular xfer- UCD
  7. LASSEN COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 20%; Most popular xfer- UCB
  8. MENDOCINO COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 22%; Most popular xfer- UCD
  9. NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 33%; Programs- UCD TOP, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  10. REDWOODS, COLLEGE OF THE: Graduation rate- 24%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  11. SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 21%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCD TOP, UCB TAP, AvenueB, AvenueE, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCD
  12. SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 37%; Programs- UCD TOP, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  13. SHASTA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 20%; Most popular xfer- UCD
  14. SIERRA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 35%; Programs- UCD TOP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  15. SISKIYOUS, COLLEGE OF THE: Graduation rate- 24%; Most popular xfer- UCD
  16. SOLANO COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 28%; Programs- UCD TOP, UCB TAP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCD
  17. WOODLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 26%; Programs- UCD TOP, AvenueB; Most popular xfer- UCD
  18. YUBA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 26%; Programs- UCD TOP, AvenueB; Most popular xfer- UCD

Southern CA

  1. ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 33%; Most popular xfer- UCSB
  2. BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 18%; Programs- Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCI
  3. BARSTOW COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 27%; Programs- Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCR
  4. CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 26%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  5. CHAFFEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 25%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCR
  6. COASTLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 21%; Programs- Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCI
  7. COLLEGE OF THE DESERT: Graduation rate- 24%; Programs- Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCR
  8. COPPER MOUNTAIN COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 23%; Most popular xfer- UCR
  9. CRAFTON HILLS COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 28%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCR
  10. CUESTA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 33%; Most popular xfer- UCSC
  11. CUYAMACA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 30%; Programs- UCSD University Link; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  12. CYPRESS COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 30%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCI
  13. FULLERTON COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 31%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCI
  14. GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 35%; Programs- Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCI
  15. GROSSMONT COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 29%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCSD University Link, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  16. IMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 32%; Programs- UCSD University Link; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  17. IRVINE VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 46%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCI
  18. MIRACOSTA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 30%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCSD University Link, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  19. MOORPARK COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 38%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCSB
  20. MORENO VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 19%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP; Most popular xfer- UCI
  21. MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 37%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCI
  22. MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 27%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars, UCR Smart Start Transfer Academy; Most popular xfer- UCR
  23. NORCO COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 28%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP; Most popular xfer- UCR
  24. ORANGE COAST COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 41%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCI
  25. OXNARD COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 29%; Programs- Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCD
  26. PALOMAR COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 29%; Programs- UCSD University Link, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  27. PORTERVILLE COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 24%; Programs- Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  28. RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 26%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCR
  29. SADDLEBACK COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 38%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCI
  30. SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 18%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP; Most popular xfer- UCR
  31. SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 20%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCSD University Link, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  32. SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 24%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCSD University Link, UCB TAP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  33. SAN DIEGO MIRAMAR COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 38%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCSD University Link; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  34. SANTA ANA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 24%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, ADELANTE, Edison Scholars, UCI Summer Scholars Research Program, UCI Summer Scholars Transfer Institute, UCI Transfer Leadership Collaborative, UCI U-Link, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCI
  35. SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 36%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCSB
  36. SANTIAGO CANYON COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 42%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars, UCI Transfer Leadership Collaborative; Most popular xfer- UCI
  37. SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 22%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCSD University Link, UCB TAP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  38. TAFT COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 37%; Most popular xfer- UCD
  39. VENTURA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 36%; Programs- Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCSB
  40. VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 20%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCR

Central CA

  1. CABRILLO COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 30%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCSC
  2. CLOVIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 29%; Most popular xfer- UCD
  3. COLUMBIA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 25%; Most popular xfer- UCD
    FRESNO CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 20%; Programs- California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCSC
  4. GAVILAN COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 36%; Programs- UCSC TPP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCSC
  5. HARTNELL COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 33%; Programs- UCSC TPP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCSC
  6. MERCED COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 25%; Most popular xfer- UCM
  7. MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 22%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors; Most popular xfer- UCD
  8. MONTEREY PENINSULA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 30%; Programs- UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCSC
  9. REEDLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 26%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  10. SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 28%; Programs- UCD TOP, UCB TAP, AvenueB, AvenueE, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCD
  11. SEQUOIAS, COLLEGE OF THE: Graduation rate- 28%; Programs- Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCR
  12. WEST HILLS COLLEGE COALINGA: Graduation rate- 35%; Most popular xfer- Tie (Unknown)
    WEST HILLS COLLEGE LEMOORE: Graduation rate- 36%; Most popular xfer- Tie (Unknown)

Bay Area

  1. BERKELEY CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 25%; Programs- UCB TAP, AvenueE; Most popular xfer- UCB
  2. CAÑADA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 34%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCSC
  3. CHABOT COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 35%; Programs- UCB TAP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCB
  4. CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO: Graduation rate- 38%; Programs- UCLA TAP, UCD TOP, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCB
  5. COLLEGE OF ALAMEDA: Graduation rate- 22%; Programs- UCB TAP, AvenueE, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCD
  6. COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO: Graduation rate- 42%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCD TOP, UCB TAP, UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  7. CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 20%; Programs- UCD TOP, UCB TAP, AvenueB, AvenueE; Most popular xfer- UCD
  8. DE ANZA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 65%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCB TAP, UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCSD
  9. DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 46%; Programs- UCB TAP, AvenueB, AvenueE; Most popular xfer- UCB
  10. EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 32%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  11. FOOTHILL COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 63%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, UCSC TPP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCB
  12. LANEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 26%; Programs- UCD TOP, UCB TAP, AvenueE; Most popular xfer- UCB
  13. LAS POSITAS COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 38%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  14. LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 39%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, AvenueB, AvenueE; Most popular xfer- UCD
  15. MARIN, COLLEGE OF: Graduation rate- 30%; Programs- UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCB
  16. MERRITT COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 17%; Programs- UCB TAP, AvenueE; Most popular xfer- UCD
  17. MISSION COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 20%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  18. OHLONE COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 44%; Programs- UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  19. SAN JOSE CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 32%; Programs- UCD TOP, UCB TAP, UCSC TPP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCB
  20. SKYLINE COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 35%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCD TOP, UCB TAP, UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCD
  21. WEST VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 36%; UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCSC TPP; Most popular xfer- UCSC

Los Angeles Area

  1. ANTELOPE VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 26%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  2. CANYONS, COLLEGE OF THE: Graduation rate- 40%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  3. CERRITOS COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 26%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCI
  4. CITRUS COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 36%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- Tie (Unknown)
  5. COMPTON COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 19%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, Edison Scholars, UCI Transfer Leadership Collaborative; Most popular xfer- UCR
  6. EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 35%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCI
  7. EL CAMINO COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 32%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  8. GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 32%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  9. LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 18%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars, UCI Transfer Leadership Collaborative; Most popular xfer- UCI
  10. LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 19%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  11. LOS ANGELES HARBOR COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 27%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  12. LOS ANGELES MISSION COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 17%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  13. LOS ANGELES PIERCE COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 28%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  14. LOS ANGELES SOUTHWEST COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 13%; Programs- UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  15. LOS ANGELES TRADE-TECH.COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 27%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  16. LOS ANGELES VALLEY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 23%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  17. PASADENA CITY COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 35%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  18. RIO HONDO COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 18%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars, UCI Summer Scholars Transfer Institute, UCI Transfer Leadership Collaborative, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  19. SANTA MONICA COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 28%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, UCB TAP, Edison Scholars, California LAW; Most popular xfer- UCLA
  20. WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE: Graduation rate- 18%; Programs- UCI Honors to Honors, UCLA TAP, Edison Scholars; Most popular xfer- Tie (Unknown)
4

If you have a specific major in mind, you can check https://www.assist.org to see which community colleges have the best coverage of major-prep courses for your major at various UCs and CSUs that you may target. Some community colleges target a nearby UC or CSU to match their courses to.

Also, note that different academic calendars (semester versus quarter) can affect alignment of courses. Most community colleges are on the semester system (De Anza, Foothill, and Lake Tahoe are on the quarter system), but most UCs are on the quarter system (Berkeley and Merced are on the semester system). Most CSUs are on the semester system.

Going from semester (15 weeks) to quarter (10 weeks) may require you to take an entire semester to cover a quarter course. Going from quarter to semester may require you to take two quarter courses to cover one semester course.

1 Like
5

I wanted to share a link. If you are joining community college for the first time after attending high school in California, and are going to be a full time student, these are the California community colleges that allow you to apply online to have your tuition waived for up to two years: California College Promise Grant