Colleges of Contra Costa

COVID-19 update

International students admitted for the Fall 2022 semester have the option of taking classes online while abroad for the first semester or \deferring enrollment until January of 2023. International students who are transferring from colleges within the U.S. can also enroll in online classes while residing in the country. International students who are currently studying must maintain their enrollment for a full course of study even if they are studying from outside of the U.S.

At the Colleges of Contra Costa, students receive a solid education in their chosen academic area, helping them to transfer to university in their current or even new majors. Faculty are hired to teach, not to do research, so students always have classes with professors and not graduate students. With five different start dates throughout the year, programs incorporate tutor sessions and academic counseling, so students can be sure their choices are right for them.

Teaching staff at each of the three colleges are dedicated to helping their students enrich their skills and competencies so they're successful learners for life. They ensure program content is up to date with industry developments, and designed around preparation for their students' next steps, whether that be to university or into a career.

Students regularly comment that teachers are supportive, friendly, willing, and accessible. Professors go the extra mile to assist their students, through innovative and interactive classes, and by being available outside of the classroom.

There are numerous degree options across the three Colleges of Contra Costa. Each college offers AA-T and AA-S transfer degrees in different specializations that guarantee students direct entry to California State University and University of California institutions.

Contra Costa College (CCC)

Founded in 1949 in San Pablo, CCC has around full-time 1,600 students. It offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs. Some of its top programs include nursing, automotive services, and culinary arts.

Los Medanos College (LMC)

Founded in 1974 in Pittsburg, LMC has approximately 2,800 full-time students. It offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, offering career-technical opportunities in areas such as engineering, communication studies, child development, mathematics, nursing, instrumentation technology, process technology. It also has an honors program, which is part of an alliance with ten partners, including UCLA.

Diablo Valley College (DVC)

Also founded in 1949, DVC is located in Pleasant Hill. It's home to approximately 6,500 full-time students, and offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs. Many have a career-technical focus, helping students prepare for skills-based work. DVC ranks among the top California community colleges (EDsmart).

To study at one of the Colleges of Contra Costa, students will need to provide proof of their academic records. No SAT/ACT scores are required for admission.

English language requirements

Students whose native language is not English must provide evidence of their English language abilities. They need to meet one of the following minimum test scores, or equivalent:

• TOEFL iBT – 61
• IELTS Academic – 5.5 with no band lower than 4.5
• Duolingo English Test – 90
• CAE – 160
• iTEP Academic – 3.5
• PTE Academic – 45
• GTEC CBT – 1,100
• EIKEN – 2A
• TOEFL iTP (*only for international students spending one/two semesters at the colleges)

There are also TOEFL/IELTS waivers available. For partner intensive English programs, students will receive a conditional letter of admission if they have the following:

• ELS Language Centers – Level 109 (EAP)
• Kaplan International – Kaplan Higher Intermediate (UPS)
• UC Davis Intensive English Program – Completion of UC Davis's highest level of Community College Pathway Track with a 3.0 GPA or better
• IEC@OCC Advanced B Level Certificate

Transfer opportunities

The Colleges of Contra Costa strive to help students reach their educational goals, by providing programs where they can transfer to top U.S. colleges and universities. It offers transfer guarantees to California State University and University of California schools.

Over 1,000 American and international students from the colleges continue their learning and enroll at respected institutions throughout the U.S., such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Barbara. DVC is the top international student transfer college to UC Berkeley.

The Colleges of Contra Costa have a global alumni network of over 10,000 members who have transferred to a four-year college or university and earned a bachelor's degree.

Career support

Current students and alumni members can receive career support from the Colleges of Contra Costa. Help on offer includes career advice, interview preparation tips, application help, and job search support. The career services team is dedicated to helping the student community reach their career goals.

Tuition costs

At the Colleges of Contra Costa, students can enjoy quality education with low tuition costs. Tuition fees are around USD 10,000 per year, which is an affordable pathway to earning a bachelor's degree. Included in these fees are free tutoring and one-on-one academic counseling.

Scholarships

Each of the three colleges offers its own merit scholarships, and there are also external scholarship opportunities from donors, organizations, and foundations. These are in place to financially support students with their college costs.

Most merit scholarships range from USD 100 to USD 1,000. Awards have their own eligibility requirements, which students will have to meet. This could be based on criteria such as GPA, field of study, and community service participation.

International students are encouraged to check what might be available from each of the colleges.