Do you want a technical education to prepare you for a specific job or do you want to go to a liberal arts school and explore higher education opportunities? At the best community colleges in San Francisco, you can do both. Read our article to learn more about getting a quality higher education at an affordable rate.
You can also choose from some of the best online community colleges in San Francisco to get a completely online or hybrid education. Whether you choose online classes or an on-campus program, attending a community college in San Francisco will prepare you for an entry-level job or for academic programs at a four-year school.
How Many Community Colleges Are in San Francisco?
The San Francisco Bay Area has 28 community colleges. City College of San Francisco is the only one in the city of San Francisco. With multiple campuses around the city, it is one of the largest community colleges in the area.
What Is the Biggest Community College in San Francisco?
The biggest community college in San Francisco is the City College of San Francisco. This urban school has over 60,000 students enrolled annually in on-campus programs and distance learning. This public institution with a diverse student body offers more than 250 degree and certificate programs to students at its eight campuses and online learning platform.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in San Francisco?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | De Anza College | 69% | 29:1 |
| 2 | Ohlone College | 52% | 26:1 |
| 3 | Diablo Valley College | 47% | 25:1 |
| 4 | Las Positas College | 46% | 23:1 |
| 5 | College of San Mateo | 41% | 19:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in San Francisco: Explained
The best community colleges in San Francisco offer a wide variety of academic programs taught by dedicated teachers where students learn about their chosen subject and critical thinking skills. Part-time and full-time students have access to an array of courses perfect for career preparation or an eventual transfer to four-year colleges or major universities. Read on for detailed information about each of our top five schools.
Best Online Community Colleges in San Francisco
- Diablo Valley College. The college offers over 46 completely online programs and more hybrid study programs. Online courses include business, computer information systems, computer science, geography, and computer networking technology, and students can earn a certificate or degree.
- Ohlone College. Ohlone eCampus offers online degree and certificate programs through different online learning formats including live, asynchronous, and hybrid programs. Online courses use Canvas, Office365, and Zoom to facilitate distance learning.
- Santa Rosa Junior College. Santa Rosa Junior College offers online and hybrid courses in a wide variety of fields, including associate degree and transfer associate degree programs. Online tutoring and counseling are available for distance learning students.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other San Francisco Community College Rankings
There is more than one way to rank the best San Francisco community colleges. Here are different rankings of community colleges in San Francisco for different types of students and degrees.
Best Community Colleges in San Francisco for Transfer
- De Anza College. De Anza College is one of the best community colleges for transfer since it offers many transfer associate degree programs and has high transfer rates. The transfer center for students helps students continue their education at colleges like Arizona State University, University of California Berkeley, San Jose State University, and University of California Santa Barbara.
- Diablo Valley College. Diablo Valley College (DVC) offers associate degrees for transfer in different courses leading students to transfer to top universities. DVC has an office of College Transfer Services that offers transfer counseling and hosts on-campus events with university representatives.
- West Valley College. West Valley College has a well-established Transfer Center that assists students in enrolling in transfer associate degree programs. Students can transfer to any of the nine University of California campuses, California State University campuses, or to any private school after completing their respective transfer requirements.
Best Community Colleges for Business in San Francisco
- Diablo Valley College. Diablo Valley College offers a wide range of program topics relevant to the business. It offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in this field. You can choose a program based on your area of interest, such as marketing, management, leadership, and accounting.
- College of San Mateo. College of San Mateo offers certificates of specialization in different business areas, including marketing, entrepreneurship, and business information. You can also earn an Associate in Science and transfer credits to a four-year degree program.
- De Anza College. If you want to study business with a flexible learning format and moderate class sizes, De Anza College might be the best option for you. It offers business programs in both online and on-campus formats. You can get an Associate Degree in Business Administration, transfer to a four-year school, or earn a certificate in entrepreneurship, information systems management, or business information.
Best San Francisco Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
- Skyline College. Skyline College offers a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care as a pathway for associate degree holders to complete their undergraduate degree without transferring to a university. Graduates can become licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners.
- Solano Community College. The Biotechnology Department of Solano Community College offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomanufacturing. It requires you to complete 120 credit hours with a minimum of 2.5 GPA and focuses on developing professional skills.
- Foothill College. Foothill College, located near San Jose, offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. This degree is for students who are already licensed dental hygienists.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in San Francisco
The best community college programs in San Francisco prepare students for a four-year degree or technical career opportunities. The section below covers some of the best programs offered at the best San Francisco community colleges.
Computer Information Systems
Computer information systems programs are offered by most community colleges in San Francisco. You can earn a certificate of achievement, certificate of accomplishment, associate degree, or transfer associate degrees. These programs usually offer specializations in areas such as web graphics, database management, and project management.
Business Administration
You can study business administration in any of the top community colleges in San Francisco. Colleges offer professional certifications, associate degrees, and transfer programs in this field. Business-related degrees introduce students to marketing, management, and finance.
Network Administration
Computer networking, computer science, and computer network administration are some of the common names for network administration programs. These programs are usually for students who want an entry-level IT job after graduation. They can also prepare you for popular majors at a four-year institution that will further your career in the tech field.
Construction and Building Management
You can learn about construction technologies, effective building management practices, safety management, and building inspection. The programs offered in this field of study include associate degrees and certificate programs. Graduates of these programs can become building inspectors.
Environmental Science
Environmental science or environmental studies are popular program topics in San Francisco community colleges. You can get an associate degree, certificate of achievement, or transfer to a bachelor’s degree program under a transfer associate degree. Different programs focus on public policy, conservation, or natural resources.
San Francisco Community College Admission Requirements
The main admission requirement to attend a community college in San Francisco is for applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Most community colleges have an open admissions policy, which means they do not look at GPA or standardized test scores. The next section covers common admission requirements to get accepted into community college.
San Francisco Community College GPA Requirements
Most community colleges in San Fransisco do not have a minimum GPA requirement for general admission. However, some more specialized or competitive programs like nursing or an honors program might have a minimum GPA requirement ranging from 2.0 to 3.5.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in San Francisco
Students do not need to be residents of California to attend a community college in San Francisco. However, in-state residents are eligible for lower tuition rates, fee waivers, and certain scholarship programs. For instance, De Anza College charges $31 per credit for residents, while non-residents and international students have to pay $252 per credit.
To be considered a resident of California, students must have had a physical presence in the state for over a year and intend to live in California permanently. Living in the state while attending college is not enough to be considered a resident.
San Francisco Community College Age Requirements
The minimum age requirement to attend a community college in San Francisco without special authorization is 18 years. Students younger than 18 will need authorization from a parent or legal guardian. High school students who have not yet graduated can attend college courses through dual enrollment programs.
San Francisco Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed online application
- Minimum 18 years of age or parent/guardian authorization
Why Study in San Francisco?
You should study in San Francisco because it has some of the best educational institutions, a rich art and culture scene, great job opportunities, and public transportation options. We’ll go into some of these factors in more detail below.
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Educational Institutions
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to some of the best schools in the US, such as University of California Berkeley, Stanford University, San Francisco State University, Academy of Art University, and Santa Clara University. San Francisco Community College students can transfer into these institutions after completing their associate degree.
Easy Commute Options
San Francisco offers one of the best public transport systems in the country, with plenty of options for students to travel to in-person classes or campus events, according to US News & World Report. You can walk through the city or use affordable, public transport options like buses, cable cars, ferries, and trains.
Cultural Diversity
San Francisco is a culturally diverse city and is home to a large number of international students. There are socializing and networking opportunities for local and international students to meet each other. The cultural diversity of the city enriches art and language classes and supports restaurants with a wide range of cuisines.
San Francisco Employment Outlook for Community College Students
Studying in San Francisco opens doors for many job opportunities. As the home of Silicon Valley, there has been a steady increase in employment in San Francisco over the past few years. The industries where you can find lucrative employment opportunities in the city include business administration, manufacturing, education, health, and information.
Getting a certificate or degree in San Francisco makes it easier to find a job in this competitive environment. Community colleges have student services to help students find career opportunities, and many programs include internships where students can network and make professional connections.
5 In-Demand San Francisco Jobs
There are many job opportunities in San Francisco, mainly in science, technology, business, and construction. Below is a list of five of the most in-demand jobs available in San Francisco. For most of these positions, an associate degree is a great starting point, but applicants will need further education to be successful.
What Community Colleges in San Francisco Have Dorms?
No community colleges in San Francisco have dorms. Students who need to find housing facilities can consult their program advisors to learn about housing options in the city. There are usually neighborhoods close to campus with housing options for students.
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in San Francisco?
Some community colleges in San Francisco that offer winter intersession include West Valley College and Diablo Valley College. Winter intersession is a short academic session that takes place between the fall and spring semesters. It allows students to focus on one or two intensive, accelerated classes.
San Francisco Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- West Valley College
- Diablo Valley College
What Community Colleges in San Francisco Have Summer Classes?
Some community colleges in San Francisco that have summer classes include Las Positas College and Berkeley City College. Many students like to attend summer classes since the classes are shorter than spring or fall semesters. There are also fewer students on the campus, so students tend to get more attention in class.
San Francisco Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- Berkeley City College
- City College of San Francisco
- Las Positas College
- Napa Valley College
- West Valley College
How to Apply to Community College in San Francisco
You can apply to a community college in San Francisco by submitting an application and the required supporting documents. Community colleges in San Francisco follow a similar admission process with a slight modification in some steps. Below are the steps you need to take to apply to a community college in San Francisco.
San Francisco Community College Application Steps
- Fill out and submit an application form.
- Submit official high school transcripts.
- Submit residency documents.
- Apply for available financial aid programs.
- Complete placement assessment tests.
- Create an educational plan with the help of your academic advisor, and register for your classes.
Cost of Community Colleges in San Francisco
The average cost of public community colleges in California is $1,270 per year for in-state students, as reported by the National Center of Education Statistics. The average projected cost for out-of-state students at community colleges in California is $8,194 per year.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in San Francisco?
No, community colleges are not free in San Francisco, but there are financial aid programs that can cover the full cost of tuition. Programs such as the California College Promise Program and Free City Program are available to low-income residents of California.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in San Francisco?
No community colleges are free in San Francisco, however residents of San Francisco can attend City College of San Francisco free through the Free City Program. This program does not cover college fees or the cost of books and supplies.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in San Francisco?
Low-income California residents are eligible for the California College Promise Program, and all San Francisco residents are eligible for the Free City Grant. There are other scholarship programs that cover some or all of tuition costs for students that meet certain academic standards.
How to Apply for Free Community College in San Francisco
- Complete an application for admission at California Community Colleges.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the Free City application for San Francisco residents.
- Complete the California College Promise Program application for California residents.
Scholarships for Community Colleges in San Francisco
You can find many scholarships for community colleges in San Francisco. These include statewide scholarships, college-specific scholarship programs, and other external scholarships offered by private donors or organizations. You can explore available scholarship options at your college’s website or reach out to your school’s financial aid office.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in San Francisco
- Apply to a community college in San Francisco.
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Check the official website of your community college or contact the financial aid office to learn about available scholarships.
- Apply for the scholarships for which you are eligible.
- Submit all the required documents, including transcripts and recommendation letters.
San Francisco Community College Scholarships List
- California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment Osher Scholarship | Amount: $1,200. This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled at a community college in California who demonstrate financial need, have already completed 24 credits, are enrolled in at least six credits per semester, and are recipients of the California College Promise Grant.
- California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship | Amount: $1,500-$2,500. This scholarship is offered to current high school students who plan to attend a private or public institution in California within a year of graduating from high school. Students need to submit an essay on the importance of having good financial credit in college.
- San Mateo County Community Colleges Kathleen A. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund | Amount: $ 7,000. Students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university and who have demonstrated financial need qualify for this scholarship.
Other San Francisco Community College Financial Aid Options
Besides scholarships, there are other San Francisco community college financial aid options. Federal grants, California grants, student loans, and work-study programs are some of the other financial aid options we’ll cover in the next section.
Federal Grants
Students of community colleges in San Francisco can apply for several federal grant programs available for them. Some common federal grants available for students include the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental and Educational Opportunity Grant. These are available to students with financial need who submit the FAFSA.
California Grants
There are many state grants available for students of the community colleges in San Francisco. These grants are considered gift aid, and the issued funds are not required to be repaid by students. Some state grants available for students include California College Promise Grant, California Grant, Student Success Completion Grant, and Chafee Grant.
Student Loans
The federal government and private organizations offer student loans to pay for costs associated with attending college. These loans must be repaid along with interest. It is better to get federal direct loans first and consider student loans from private organizations as your last option due to high interest rates.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs allow students to earn money through on-campus jobs while enrolled in their degrees. Eligible students can find a list of available work-study jobs through their school’s financial aid office.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in San Francisco?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in San Francisco are based on financial need. For federal financial aid, a student must be a US citizen and meet other eligibility requirements. Non-residents can get financial aid options from other sources.
San Francisco Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- US citizen or eligible non-resident
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Enrolled in a college in California
- Enroll in at least six credits per semester
Should You Attend Community College in San Francisco?
Yes, you should attend a community college in San Francisco. The proximity of Silicon valley makes San Francisco an ideal place to learn science and technology, as well as other fields of study. After getting a certificate or an associate degree from one of the best community colleges in San Francisco, you can enroll in a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year institution to keep learning.
If you aren’t interested in getting an associate degree but do want to work in the tech industry, you can consider enrolling in one of the best coding bootcamps. A coding bootcamp will teach you in-demand tech skills and have you ready for an entry-level job in only a few months.
San Francisco Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of San Francisco community colleges is based mainly on graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best San Francisco Community Colleges FAQ
San Francisco community colleges are funded through state, federal, and private funds. Most money comes from federal funds from the US Department of Education. Other resources include contracts, grants, and the collection of tuition and fees from students.
Yes, community colleges are better than universities for associate degrees. They are an affordable education option that are accessible to all kinds of students and have many online classes. There are many fields of study available from science programs to social justice. Community colleges also have a high transfer success rate for students who want to move on to a bachelor’s degree.
City College of San Francisco, an urban school in the heart of San Francisco, offers various non-credit courses with no tuition fee. These courses are at different campuses around the city as well as through online classes.
Yes, all top-ranking San Francisco community colleges are accredited. The accrediting agency for San Francisco community colleges is the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
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