Cerritos College is a thriving two-year community college located in Norwalk, California. With a focus on student success and excellence in education, Cerritos offers an accessible and enriching academic experience.
Introduction to Cerritos College
Established in 1955, Cerritos College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The college has a main campus in Norwalk and a satellite in Gardenia.
Cerritos offers associate degree and certificate programs in liberal arts, professional fields, and career technical education. Students can choose from over 180 majors. Popular options include business, computer science, allied health, fine arts, and automotive technology.
The college enrolls 20,000+ students annually. Cerritos is one of the largest community colleges in Los Angeles County and serves over 25 communities in southeast Los Angeles County and northern Orange County. Cerritos promotes small class sizes, individualized attention, and instructor mentorship. The student-faculty ratio is 26:1.
Cerritos College Tuition Fees
As a public California community college, Cerritos has affordable tuition:
- In-state: $48 per unit
- Out-of-state: $264 per unit
- International students: $264 per unit
For a full-time 15 unit semester, expect total tuition around $720 for California residents. Cerritos also charges a $13 health fee and $8 student activity fee each term.
Many students qualify for fee waivers, grants, scholarships, and work study assistance to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Academic Programs at Cerritos
Cerritos College confers the following types of awards:
Associate Degrees
- Cerritos offers
- Associate of Arts
- Associate of Science
- Associate of Arts for Transfer
- Associate of Science for Transfer programs across a diverse range of majors.
Cerritos offers 87 associate degree programs in total.
Skills Certificates
Cerritos has short-term skills certificates providing focused career training in areas like welding, computer programming, medical assistant, and child development. Cerritos offers 98 certificate programs in total.
Transfer Programs
Cerritos prepares students to transfer smoothly to the UC, CSU, and private college systems. Honors, guaranteed admission, and counseling assist the process.
Cerritos also offers award-winning programs in areas such as automotive technology, cosmetology, paralegal studies, and wood manufacturing technology. These programs provide hands-on learning, industry certification, and job placement.
Campus Environment
Cerritos offers many extra-curricular activities and support services:
- New Falcon Orientation
- Counseling, advising, tutoring
- Library, writing lab, and learning center
- 60+ campus clubs and organizations
- Fitness center, pool, and athletics
- Theater, art gallery, and music performances
- Student government and leadership
Cerritos also offers facilities and resources such as the Student Center, the Falcon’s Nest, the STEM Center, the Veterans Resource Center, and the Student Success Center. Cerritos also hosts events and activities such as the Falcon Games, the Student Art Show, the Cerritos Festival of World Cultures, and the Cerritos College Speaker Series.
Admissions Process
As an open access institution, Cerritos has basic admissions requirements:
- Online application
- High school diploma or equivalent
- College placement tests
- No transcripts required
Students may apply for fall, spring or summer sessions. There are no application deadlines.
Cerritos has a priority registration system that gives preference to students who complete the online orientation, assessment, and counseling services. Cerritos also has a dual enrollment program allows high school students to take college courses for free.
How to Apply to Cerritos College
Applying to Cerritos involves:
1. Submit the online application.
2. Take the English, math, and reading placement tests.
3. Submit high school or college transcripts (optional).
4. Apply for financial aid through FAFSA.
5. Complete new student orientation online.
6. Meet with a counselor and register for classes.
With strong academics, excellent career-focused training, accessible costs, and vibrant student life, Cerritos is an exceptional community college.
