For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 community colleges serving 42,400 students in Kern County County, California.
The top-ranked community college in Kern County, CA is San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield. The student:teacher ratio is :1.
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
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 Bakersfield College Photo]()

Public
1801 Panorama Dr
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 395-4011
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
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
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 384-6100
Enrollment: 5,549 students In-state tuition: $1,290 Out-state tuition: $7,086 Minority enrollment: 64%
Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield
Private for-profit
3000 Ming Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93304
(661) 404-7575
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
Taft, CA 93268
(661) 763-7700
Enrollment: 4,464 students In-state tuition: $1,380 Out-state tuition: $7,170 Minority enrollment: 84%
Community Colleges in Kern County, CA (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Kaplan College-Bakersfield (Closed 2017)
Private, for profit
1914 Wible Road
Bakersfield, CA 93304
(661) 836-6300
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.
Recent Articles
Online vs. Hybrid vs. HyFlex: Understanding Community College Course Formats
Learn what online, hybrid, HyFlex, synchronous, and asynchronous course labels really mean at community colleges, including attendance, meeting, testing, and participation requirements students should verify before registering today.
Working Student Schedule Test: Night and Online Community College Programs
Learn how working students can test whether a community college program is truly available at night or online, including labs, prerequisites, exams, internships, advising, and course rotations.
Is the Employer Advisory Board Real or Ceremonial?
Learn how to evaluate a community college employer advisory board, verify industry participation, identify meaningful employer influence, and determine whether career connections can benefit students after graduation today.
