Contra Costa College
Contra Costa College General Information
Overview
Contra Costa College (CCC) is a public community college located in San Pablo, California, serving the West Contra Costa County area and beyond. Founded in 1949, the institution sits on 83 acres in a landscaped suburban setting and acts as a vital gateway to higher education, workforce training, and lifelong learning for a diverse student population. CCC provides associate degrees, certificates, transfer preparation programs, and continuing-education opportunities, emphasizing both academic and career pathways.
The college is known for its commitment to equity and inclusion and is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, which underscores its focus on serving historically underserved populations. With small class sizes, strong support services, active student engagement, and connections to local industry and four-year institutions, CCC offers students an accessible, responsive, and community-connected educational experience. Its mission highlights transformational educational experiences, responsive services, and inclusive, integrated decision-making to ensure effective student learning and institutional effectiveness.
Contact Informations
Address: 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo, California 94806, United States
Phone Number: (510) 235‑7800
Email Address: welcome@contracosta.edu (Welcome Center)
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1949 |
| Institutional Type | Public community college |
| Location | San Pablo (West Contra Costa County), California, USA |
| Campus Size | Approximately 83 acres |
| Parent System | Contra Costa Community College District |
| Student Enrollment | ~5,997 undergraduate students (1,539 full-time / 4,458 part-time) |
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open admission) |
| Motto/Tagline | “Transformational educational experiences… inclusive, responsive services” |
Contra Costa College Rankings
| Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| National Overall Grade | B‑minus |
| Acceptance Rate | 100% open admission |
| Net Price After Aid | ~$9,094 per year average for students receiving aid |
Contra Costa College Academics
Contra Costa College Faculties / Departments
- Arts & Cultural Studies Division
- Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology Division
- Health, Wellness & Athletics Division
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Division
- Social Justice, Education & Human Services Division
- Career Education & Workforce Preparation Division
- Transfer & General Education Division
Contra Costa College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Associate of Science in Business Administration
- Associate of Science in Nursing (pre-RN)
- Certificate in Cybersecurity & Networking
- Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing
- Associate of Science in Computer Science (Transfer)
- Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
- Dual-Enrollment/High School “Middle College” Pathways
- Various career technical education certificates in areas such as media, culinary arts, and automotive
Online Learning
Contra Costa College offers many courses online and in hybrid formats, enabling flexibility for working adults, commuters, and those balancing other responsibilities. The college supports remote access to advising, tutoring, and library services to ensure that online learners receive robust assistance alongside classroom students. The emphasis on instructional modal flexibility reflects the institution’s commitment to accessibility and serving diverse student schedules.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Data / Requirement |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not required for admission to most programs |
| ACT | Not required for admission to most programs |
| GRE | Not applicable (community college level) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The graduation rate for full-time students at CCC is approximately 36%. Retention, completion, and transfer rates are influenced by the institution’s diverse student body, many of whom are part-time learners, working adults, or first-generation college students. The college places emphasis on student support services, guided pathways, learning communities, and equity-minded initiatives to improve completion outcomes over time.
Contra Costa College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Contra Costa College is open to all applicants who hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission. Some programs may require placement assessments in math or English depending on course readiness.
Contra Costa College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~100% (open admission) |
Contra Costa College Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed application for admission, provide proof of high school graduation or GED equivalent, and may be required to complete placement testing in English or mathematics if necessary. International students must meet additional requirements including English proficiency and visa documentation. All students are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to develop an educational plan aligned with their goals—whether transfer, workforce, or personal enrichment.
Application Process
- Complete the online application for admission
- Submit high school diploma or GED documentation
- Complete placement assessment in English or math if directed
- Attend orientation and meet with an advisor to select program/coursework
- Register for classes and enroll
Contra Costa College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester Registration | Typically begins the preceding spring/summer |
| Spring Semester Registration | Generally opens in the prior fall |
| Rolling Admissions | Applications accepted throughout the year |
Essay Prompt
Normally an essay prompt is not required for most programs at CCC. Some specialized or competitive programs may request a short statement of interest or additional documentation but standard admission is open access.
Contra Costa College Scholarships
CCC offers a range of scholarships including merit-based, need-based, program-specific awards, and emergency grants. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and engage with the financial aid office and campus scholarship office early to maximize available resources.
Contra Costa College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Cost Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition (California) | Approximately $1,312 per year for resident students |
| Net Price After Aid | ~$9,094 per year average for students receiving aid |
| Out-of-State Tuition | Higher for non-residents, estimate ~$9,012 per year |
Contra Costa College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body at CCC includes approximately 59.9% female and 40.1% male students. About 35% of students are age 25 or older, reflecting the presence of adult learners and part-time students. The racial and ethnic makeup is diverse; the college is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and draws substantial representation from Hispanic/Latino, Asian, African American, and multiracial students.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant proportion of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating substantial representation of low-income backgrounds. The college offers comprehensive support services including disability accommodations, tutoring, counseling, basic-needs assistance (food/housing), and specialized programs for foster youth and justice-involved students.
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | ~5,997 students (1,539 full-time / 4,458 part-time) |
University Diversity
Diversity is foundational to CCC’s identity. The college serves learners from a multitude of backgrounds including first-generation students, working adults, high school dual-credit participants, and career-change individuals. Its status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution means CCC fosters inclusive culture, serves historically underserved populations, and implements equity-minded practices. Learning communities, culturally responsive pedagogy, and support services are integral to student success at CCC. The presence of multiple age groups, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds enhances peer collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and professional preparedness in a globalized community.
Average Earnings
While precise recent data for CCC graduate earnings are limited, community college graduates from California’s system typically enter jobs or transfer to four-year institutions and benefit from career advancement. The low tuition combined with transfer pathways positions students for meaningful work and upward mobility. Graduates entering technical fields or transfers may see increases in earning potential as they complete credentials and certificates.
Contra Costa College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty at CCC include full-time and adjunct instructors who specialize in both academic transfer disciplines and career technical education. The student-to-faculty ratio is around 19:1. In addition to instructional faculty, the college employs student services staff, academic advisors, tutoring coordinators, disability services specialists, and career development professionals who support holistic student success.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at CCC bring a mix of academic credentials and professional experience. The college has accomplished faculty recognized for awards and national recognition of student programs. Faculty engage with industry partners, community collaborations, and curricular innovation in areas like aerospace, automotive services, and media production.
Contra Costa College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The campus is primarily a commuter campus; CCC does not provide on-campus housing. Students live nearby in the San Pablo, Richmond, or West Contra Costa region and commute to campus. Student life includes many opportunities: student clubs, leadership organizations, student newspaper, honor societies, transfer support events, STEM competitions, and cultural activities. The campus’s landscaped grounds add to the environment and provide spaces for student engagement.
Transportation
The campus is accessible via major Bay Area transit systems (BART), local bus services, and campus parking. Students may access regional transit options to commute. The college provides parking permits for students ($48 per semester, $3 per day) for commuting vehicles. Class schedules include evening and weekend options to accommodate commuting students, working adults, and those with family responsibilities.