The Colleges of Contra Costa are three community colleges that enroll over 600 international students from nearly 60 countries. The colleges are:
- Contra Costa College
- Diablo Valley College
- Los Medanos College
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the colleges offer over 125 degree programs of study, along with a range of certificate programs. The colleges offer transfer guarantees to 29 out of 32 public universities in California, as well as excellent transfer records to private four-year institutions in California and to public and private colleges and universities elsewhere in the United States. In addition, Diablo Valley College is the number one transfer institution to UC Berkeley among international students. Almost 40% of international transfer students have been admitted to UC Berkeley since 2010 (1,000+ students).
With average class sizes ranging from 24 to 30 students, faculty are known for being welcoming, accessible, and dedicated to their students. Along with support services such as one-on-one counseling and robust transfer and career centers, international students can be assured that college staff is available to help them at every step of their student journey.
Annual tuition is just over USD 10,000 for 30 units per year, making the colleges one of the most affordable options for university transfer students. International students are also eligible for merit scholarships, as well as on-campus employment options that assist with their education and living costs. Accommodation includes private or shared apartments and friendly homestays in the vicinity of the college locations.
When not in class or studying, there are over 130 clubs and organizations for students to join. The San Francisco area also provides many exciting opportunities for outdoor activities and entertainment.
