Community College 101: Dual Enrollment, Open Access, and How to Apply
Two Ways to Start at a Community College
There are two primary entry paths into community college:
- Dual Enrollment (High School Students): You can apply to a community college while still in high school and take college classes for free. This option lets you earn college credit early and build momentum toward your degree.
- Open Access (Age 18+): Anyone who is 18 or older can apply to a community college. Whether or not you graduated from high school does not prevent you from applying.
Who Is Eligible?
- High school students may enroll through dual enrollment and pay no tuition for those college courses.
- Adults 18+ may apply regardless of high school completion status.
California’s Community College Landscape
California has 116 community colleges across the state. These campuses share many similarities in admissions steps and student services.
Choosing a Campus: Size and Majors
While most aspects are consistent, one meaningful difference is size:
- Larger colleges generally offer more majors and program options.
- Smaller colleges may offer fewer majors but often provide a more intimate campus environment.
Select a campus based on your academic interests, available majors, location, and the kind of learning environment you prefer.
How to Apply
All California community college applications are submitted through the same portal: cccapply.org.
Create an account, choose your college, and complete the application online.
Keep Going
Community college offers a flexible, affordable path to your educational and career goals—whether you start through dual enrollment or apply as an adult. Take the first step today at cccapply.org, and share this guide with someone who could benefit from a clear, accessible way to begin college.
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