Public Institution

Cerro Coso Community College — Ridgecrest, California

Annual Tuition $1,384

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 3,496

Active Students

Avg. Salary $34,963

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Ridgecrest, California
Institution type Public
Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Founded 1/1/1973

Academic Mission & Environment

"Cerro Coso Community College stands as a pillar of higher education in Ridgecrest, providing a robust academic foundation for 3,496 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Cerro Coso Community College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Cerro Coso Community College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities
45.7%

Enrollment Share

Family & Consumer Science
8.2%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
7.8%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
7.7%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
7.6%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
4.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Family & Consumer Science College

The Family & Consumer Science program at Cerro Coso Community College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Cerro Coso Community College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Cerro Coso Community College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 42.7%
Women Enrollment 57.3%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Cerro Coso Community College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Cerro Coso Community College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Cerro Coso Community College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $1,384
Out-of-State Tuition $10,264

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 14.1%
Median Student Debt $N/A

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $1,384, graduates see a median starting salary of $34,963, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Cerro Coso Community College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $34,963

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $6,078
Median Salary (6yr) $29,462
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest?

3,496 Students

Gender Comparison

42.7% Men
57.3% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
1.6%
Pacific Islander
0.3%
Asian
4.1%
Black
6.8%
White
38.2%
Unknown
0.5%
Hispanic
44.2%
Two or More Races
4.2%
International
0%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 28
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First-Generation 51.3%
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Married Students 19.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $54,392
Average Family Income $18,216
Median Family Income $13,834

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

55.4%
44.6%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Ridgecrest Campus Environment

Located at 3000 College Heights Blvd, Cerro Coso Community College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity

Common Questions about Cerro Coso Community College

Is Cerro Coso Community College a good college in Ridgecrest, California?
Cerro Coso Community College is a recognized institution in Ridgecrest with an enrollment of 3,496 students. It is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in California based on Department of Education data.
Is Cerro Coso Community College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Cerro Coso Community College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $34,963. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Cerro Coso Community College cost for California residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Cerro Coso Community College is approximately $1,384. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $10,264. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Cerro Coso Community College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Cerro Coso Community College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately a significant percentage% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Cerro Coso Community College good for Humanities and Family & Consumer Science programs?
Cerro Coso Community College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Family & Consumer Science programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Cerro Coso Community College?
Graduates of Cerro Coso Community College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $34,963, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Cerro Coso Community College?
Cerro Coso Community College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Cerro Coso Community College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Cerro Coso Community College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Cerro Coso Community College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Cerro Coso Community College earn a median salary of $34,963 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Cerro Coso Community College a good investment compared to other CA colleges?
Cerro Coso Community College stands out as a high-value investment in California. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Cerro Coso Community College located and what is the campus like?
Cerro Coso Community College is located at 3000 College Heights Blvd in Ridgecrest, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 3,496 learners.
Who typically attends Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, CA?
The student body at Cerro Coso Community College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 51.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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