Higher Education

With one of the best higher education systems in the world, the U.S. offers many paths for obtaining a higher degree—but so many choices can overwhelm those unfamiliar with our system. Students can choose from both public (subsidized by the state) and private higher education. Both types participate in financial aid programs, which can be complex, so it is important families learn about how to apply for aid. High school students need to plan ahead and meet with their school’s counselor to ensure they meet both admission and financial aid application deadlines. Adults looking to enroll may have no idea what to do. Newcomers Access Center volunteers help families learn about options and take the right steps. Another local group that can help guide local high school students is Uncommon Good, a Claremont-based nonprofit that has a Connect to College program. For information for younger students, please see our Primary Schools page.

State of California Higher Education—The public higher education system in California consists of three systems. Eight out of every 10 college students in the state attends one of these public systems. Half of them attend a community college. Each system has its own features.

California Community College System (CCC)

The California Community College system is the largest system of higher education in the United States, with more than 100 colleges throughout the state serving more than two million students. Community colleges are a great choice for refugee and immigrant families due to to their low cost, easy entrance requirements, variety of study areas (both vocational and academic), and opportunity for transferring to a four-year institution. Students often live at home while attending community college. The CCC system offers two main types of programs:

Transfer Programs: These courses are equivalent to the first two years of a four-year college or university program. The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) was developed to ensure a smooth transition for students transferring to UC or CSU institutions. They may also transfer to a private school.
Career and Technical Education Programs: These courses are designed to train students in specific careers, from automotive technology to digital media.

Community colleges also offer two additional types of classes:

Noncredit and Continuing Education: Courses for those wanting to improve job skills, pursue personal interests, or seek lifelong learning opportunities.
Basic Skills: Foundational courses in subjects like math and English, designed to prepare students for college-level work.

Community colleges have diverse student bodies and are open to both high school graduates and older adults. Many students are part-time, balancing jobs and family commitments. Fees at the CCC system are low and are often waived for low-income students. You can learn more about the community colleges closet to you by visiting the CCC website. Community colleges in the Inland Valley include Mt. San Antonio College (nickname Mt Sac), Citrus College, and Chaffey College.

The California State University System (CSU)

The CSU system is the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university, with 23 campuses across the state. With more than 4,000 majors, the CSU system offers a diverse range of education opportunities. Application is more competitive than at the CCC system, but less competitive than at the UC system. Tuition at CSU is more than at CCC but less than at UC. Financial aid is available to low-income families. CSU is open to transfer students from the CCC system. Cal State campuses in the Inland Valley include Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, and Cal State San Bernardino.

If you want to apply to a CSU campus, it is vital you understand admission requirements early on so you take required classes in high school. CSU’s priority application period is almost a full year in advance, so students need to review deadlines and plan accordingly. You can learn more at the Cal State website.

The University of California System (UC)

The UC system consistently ranks as one of the top public four-year universities in the world for both graduate and undergraduate education, research, and service. It has 10 campuses and more than 800 degree programs. Admission to UC is competitive, especially at certain campuses, such as UCLA and UC Berkeley. Fees are higher than CCC or CSU, but financial aid covers costs for many students from low-income families. UC is open to transfer students from the CCC system, and in recent years, more than a third of all UC students transferred from CCC. The closest UC campus in the Inland Valley is UC Riverside.

If you want to apply to a UC campus, it is vital you understand admission requirements early on so you take required classes in high school. The UC application period is almost a full year in advance, so students need to review deadlines and plan accordingly. You can learn more at the UC website.

Private Colleges

Students from low-income families often do not apply to private colleges and universities because the tuition is higher than at a public school. However, many private colleges offer generous financial aid to top students, sometimes enabling to attend college for free. Private schools can offer smaller class size, a tight alumni network, and prestige. If you are a top student, you may want to research private colleges with good financial aid. Many private colleges are associated with an organization called Common App, which allows you to research and apply for different colleges. Other private colleges are independent and you must research and apply directly through their website. Private schools in the inland Valley include The Claremont Colleges, the University of La Verne, and Azusa Pacific University. You should discuss options with your high school counselor.

Trade Schools

Trade schools offer highly focused training programs designed to teach students how to perform a job in the skilled trades. They often prepare students to pass a licensing test and to become ready to enter the workforce. Trade schools typically last between two to four years. In a trade school, you study just the subjects you need for the career you want; in college, you take a broader range of classes in your major area as well as classes in different subject areas. Trade schools cost money, and often students will take out loans. Some community colleges also offer vocational classes, which is a less expensive option.

Financial Aid

High School counselors direct students to basic financial aid information, but students should also do their own research. Many scholarships can be found by searching online, and NAC volunteers can help with the process.