Price Tag on Education: Expensive Community Colleges in California

Hello all, I'm from California and considering community college as an affordable first step. But even so, I've heard that some can be quite expensive. What are the most expensive community colleges in California?

That's a good question. While community colleges are generally more affordable than 4-year colleges, costs do vary somewhat between institutions. Keep in mind, though, that the tuition rates don't always paint the full picture of the cost. Sometimes, higher-priced colleges might offer more scholarship opportunities or have better student support systems which could mitigate the costs.

In California, the standard cost to attend a community college as a resident is currently $46 per unit or credit for 2024-2025 academic year. Full-time students taking 12 credits will pay around $552 per semester or $1,104 per year. However, there are fees aside from tuition, like health fees, parking fees, and costs for books and supplies that can add to your overall cost.

Santa Monica College (SMC) is one example of a community college in California where students might pay a little more than the norm if they're coming from out of state or if they're participating in a specific program like nursing. In 2024-25, tuition and fees for in-state students were around $1,380 per year, while out-of-state residents paid almost $11,220.

Another one to keep in mind is Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. Their tuition can be under $1,000 for in-state students but jumps up to $7,350 for out-of-state residents.

That said, there are also plenty of financial aid opportunities available to students at these schools, so don't let the sticker price deter you. If you qualify for in-state tuition and you qualify for the California College Promise Grant (formerly the BOGW waiver), you could potentially attend any community college in the state tuition-free!

Remember to check the net price (including living costs, books, etc) of attending, minus any grants and scholarships, when comparing schools. Consult with a financial aid officer at the schools you're interested in for the most accurate information about costs.