College Costs

California residents are charged $46 per unit for community college courses. A typical course is 3 or 4 units, for a cost of $138 to $184.  A student who enrolls in 12 units is considered a full-time student - that student would pay $46 x 12 units = $552 per semester. Colleges may also charge for class materials and add fees for things like health services, parking and student government.  Fees are generally due when you register for classes.

Students who are not California residents are charged out-of-state tuition in addition to the enrollment fee. Out-of-state tuition rates are set by each community college district but are generally between $140 and $170 per unit.

Other costs associated with your education include books, supplies, transportation to campus and food and housing.  Other than housing, books represent the greatest cost at a community college. The cost of books varies due to number of courses and number of books required for each course. A full-time student should generally plan on spending approximately $420 each semester for books and supplies.  Many bookstores offer used books at a lower price.

So although California’s community colleges are the least expensive all-round colleges in the nation, these costs add up.  That’s why financial aid is provided, to make sure that no one with the determination to succeed in higher education is left out because of money.