Overview
Cerro Coso Community College was founded in 1973 and is part of the Kern Community College District, serving a vast and geographically remote region of California including Ridgecrest, the Eastern Sierra, and the Indian Wells Valley. The college was established to provide accessible higher education to sparsely populated desert and mountain communities, and it has become known for its distance education programs that reach students across a service area larger than many states. It offers associate degrees and certificates designed for transfer to four-year universities as well as direct workforce entry.
At a Glance
| Type | Community College |
| Location | Ridgecrest, California |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Total students | 4,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 100% |
| Graduation rate | 32% |
| Average starting salary | $38,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $1,380 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,700 |
| Room & board | $9,000 |
| Average financial aid | $5,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Fire Technology
- Business Administration
- Early Childhood Education
- Liberal Arts
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.