Bakersfield College Photo

Best Kern County Community Colleges

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 community colleges serving 42,400 students in Kern County, California.
The top-ranked community college in Kern County, CA is San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield.
Kern County, CA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.59, which is lower than the national average of 0.74 (compared to national diversity statistics).
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic).

Top-Ranked Kern County Community Colleges (2026-27)

College
Location
Quick Facts
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield
Private for-profit
201 New Stine Road
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(559) 734-9000
Enrollment: 798 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Private-state tuition: $16,492 Minority enrollment: 86%
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield College Photo
Public
1801 Panorama Dr
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 395-4011
Enrollment: 30,746 students Acceptance rate: 100% In-state tuition: $1,324 Out-state tuition: $7,008 Minority enrollment: 80%
California Aeronautical University
Private for-profit
1450 Boughton Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 615-5915
Enrollment: 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Private-state tuition: $13,663 Minority enrollment: 61%
Cerro Coso Community College
Public
3000 College Heights Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 384-6100
Enrollment: 5,549 students In-state tuition: $1,290 Out-state tuition: $7,086 Minority enrollment: 64%
3000 Ming Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93304
(661) 404-7575
Enrollment: 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Taft College
Public
29 Cougar Court
Taft, CA 93268
(661) 763-7700
Enrollment: 4,464 students In-state tuition: $1,380 Out-state tuition: $7,170 Minority enrollment: 84%
[+] Show Closed Community Colleges in Kern County, CA

Community Colleges in Kern County, CA (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
1914 Wible Road
Bakersfield, CA 93304
(661) 836-6300
Enrollment: 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 44:1 Minority enrollment: 87%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many community colleges are located in Kern County, CA?
There are 6 community colleges serving 42,400 students in Kern County, CA.
What is the community college diversity score in Kern County, CA?
Community colleges in Kern County, CA have a diversity score of 0.59, which is lower than the national average of 0.74 (compared to national diversity statistics).
How diverse are community colleges in Kern County, CA?
Community colleges in Kern County, CA have approximately 78% minority enrollment, with the majority being Hispanic.

Recent Articles

Licensure Pass Rates: What Students Should Check
Licensure Pass Rates: What Students Should Check
Learn how to evaluate licensure pass rates before enrolling in community college career programs, compare exam results, identify warning signs, and choose training that supports professional licensing and employment goals.
Do Your Transfer Credits Count Toward Your Major?
Do Your Transfer Credits Count Toward Your Major?
A college course may transfer without counting toward your major. Learn how to check degree requirements, identify elective credits, avoid graduation delays, and protect your community college transfer plan.
Transfer With 45 Credits, 60 Credits, or a Degree?
Transfer With 45 Credits, 60 Credits, or a Degree?
Should you transfer with 45 credits, 60 credits, or an associate degree? Compare university requirements, tuition savings, graduation timelines, and transfer benefits to choose the best path for your goals.

Quick Links