Basic Introduction
Community colleges in the U.S. are an important part of the American education system, providing two-year associate degrees. There are over 1,200 community colleges in the United States, enrolling over 10 million students.
International student tuition generally ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 per year, much cheaper than typical four-year universities. Moreover, the admission requirements for community colleges are relatively simple, and students can later transfer credits to elite universities, making them highly popular among many students.
If you've already decided to attend a community college, which ones are the most popular and favored by students?
Recommended Popular Community Colleges
East Los Angeles College
Founded in 1945, the college is located in Monterey Park, California, about 6 miles from downtown Los Angeles. It is one of the top community colleges in California and a leading institution in the Los Angeles community.
This college belongs to the Los Angeles two-year college system, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and is also recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Official Website: https://www.elac.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 45 or IELTS 5.0
Application Deadlines: June 15, November 1
Approximate Tuition: $8,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 272 students
Santa Monica College
Established in 1929, Santa Monica College is a public community college in Southern California, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is one of the best community colleges in California and the nation.
Compared to similar schools, Santa Monica College has more students transferring to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and the University of Southern California (USC), as well as other prestigious public and private universities in California and across the country, thus attracting a large number of both domestic and international students.
Official Website: http://www.smc.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 45 or IELTS 5.0
Application Deadlines: July 1, November 15
Approximate Tuition: $12,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 1,197 students
City College of San Francisco
City College of San Francisco (CCSF) awards associate degrees to graduates, enabling them to transfer to four-year colleges or universities nationwide. Many CCSF graduates have successfully transferred to top schools such as the University of California and California State University.
Additionally, the college offers short-term vocational training programs designed for employment, including culinary arts, food service, ornamental horticulture, computer art and design, film production, broadcasting, and child development education.
Official Website: https://www.ccsf.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 56 or IELTS 5.5
Application Deadlines: June 1, November 1
Approximate Tuition: $10,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 323 students
Fullerton College
Founded in 1913, Fullerton College is the oldest continuously operating college in California. Since its first classes in 1913, it has grown into one of the nation's finest community colleges. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. A comprehensive multi-disciplinary institution, Fullerton College offers over 90 majors and 68 vocational certificate programs.
Fullerton College also has one of the highest transfer rates in California, sending large numbers of graduates to the University of California, California State University, and other higher education institutions each year.
Official Website: https://www.fullcoll.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 61 or IELTS 5.0
Application Deadlines: July 1, December 1
Approximate Tuition: $7,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 264 students
San Diego Mesa College
Established in 1964, San Diego Mesa College is one of the finest community colleges in California. The college offers a wide range of programs and courses in both academic education and vocational training, including over 50 majors such as accounting, biology, mathematics, linguistics, business, chemistry, computer science technology, computer business technology, dance, engineering, English, French, Japanese, history, hotel management, mathematics, music, nursing, psychology, architecture, sociology, nutrition, and multimedia. San Diego Mesa College boasts highly qualified faculty and excellent facilities.
Official Website: http://www.sdmesa.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 61 or IELTS 6.0
Application Deadlines: June 1, November 1
Approximate Tuition: $7,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 296 students
De Anza College
De Anza College is renowned for its excellent education and student transfer success. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, it ranks second nationwide in international student enrollment among associate degree-granting institutions.
De Anza College is ranked the third best community college in the U.S. and offers one of the top 15 animation programs in the country. Its annual number of students transferring to the University of California and California State University consistently ranks among the top two nationwide.
Official Website: http://www.deanza.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 61 or IELTS 6.0
Application Deadlines: July 31, January 31
Approximate Tuition: $7,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 811 students
Orange Coast College
Since its establishment, Orange Coast College has consistently ranked among the top community colleges in the nation. It is one of the largest and best community colleges in the U.S. Situated on a beautiful and modern 162-acre campus, the college enrolls over 25,000 students each semester and features excellent facilities and state-of-the-art computing and high-tech equipment.
Each year, more OCC students transfer to four-year universities than any other community college in Southern California.
Official Website: http://www.orangecoastcollege.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 61 or IELTS 5.5
Application Deadlines: July 17, December 13
Approximate Tuition: $8,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 419 students
Diablo Valley College
Diablo Valley College is located in Pleasant Hill, a scenic and safe suburban area in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the most cosmopolitan and beautiful cities in the world. Founded in 1949, DVC is a two-year public community college in California, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), providing quality education to its students.
DVC offers over 45 university transfer majors and 40 vocational training programs. It ranks first among two-year public institutions in transfers to UC Berkeley.
Official Website: https://www.dvc.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 61 or IELTS 5.5
Application Deadlines: June 1, May 22
Approximate Tuition: $9,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 824 students
Irvine Valley College
Since 1979, IVC has become a leader among community colleges. IVC aims to enhance students' career skills and assist them in earning university degrees.
Its annual transfer rate ranks first in Orange County and seventh in California. The college offers over 60 majors, including liberal arts and sciences, economics, social sciences, and technology. IVC not only guarantees admission to UC Irvine but has also established transfer agreements with other UC campuses.
Official Website: http://www.ivc.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 52 or IELTS 4.5
Application Deadlines: July 1, December 1
Approximate Tuition: $8,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 677 students
Grossmont College
Grossmont College was officially established in 1961. It currently has nearly 30 student clubs and a wealth of activities that provide students additional opportunities to pursue their hopes and dreams while developing leadership skills. As one of the 110 community colleges in the California Community Colleges system, it was voted the best college in San Diego by readers of The San Diego Union-Tribune in 2004, and again in 2007 and 2008.
The college's courses are closely aligned with emerging industries and societal needs, and many students transfer to their ideal universities each year. The college has transfer agreements with numerous renowned four-year universities.
Official Website: https://www.grossmont.edu/
Application Requirements: TOEFL 45 or IELTS 4.5
Application Deadlines: June 1, October 15
Approximate Tuition: $7,000/year
2019 Successful Transfers to UC: 137 students
If you plan to transfer to a four-year university later, such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc., it is easier to transfer by first attending a community college located near that university.
