For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 community colleges serving 19,077 students in Monterey County County, California.
The top-ranked community college in Monterey County, CA is Central Coast College.
The average community college acceptance rate in California is 80% (compared to national acceptance rates).
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), and the student:teacher ratio is 44:1.
Top-Ranked Monterey County Community Colleges (2026-27)
College
Location
Quick Facts
Central Coast College
Private for-profit
111 E Navajo Drive, Suite 100
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 424-6767
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 424-6767
Enrollment: 631 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Hartnell College
Public
411 Central Avenue
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 755-6700
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 755-6700
Enrollment: 11,273 students In-state tuition: $1,420 Out-state tuition: $7,060 Minority enrollment: 85%
Monterey Peninsula College
Public
980 Fremont St
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 646-4000
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 646-4000
Enrollment: 7,173 students Student-teacher ratio: 39:1 In-state tuition: $1,170 Out-state tuition: $5,586 Minority enrollment: 69%
Community Colleges in Monterey County, CA (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Heald College-Salinas (Closed 2024)
Private, for profit
1450 N Main St
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 443-1700
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 443-1700
Enrollment: 682 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Private-state tuition: $13,620 Minority enrollment: 94%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many community colleges are located in Monterey County, CA?
There are 4 community colleges serving 19,077 students in Monterey County, CA.
What is the community college acceptance rate in Monterey County, CA?
The average community college acceptance rate in California is 80% (compared to national acceptance rates).
How diverse are community colleges in Monterey County, CA?
Community colleges in Monterey County, CA have approximately 79% minority enrollment, with the majority being Hispanic.
Recent Articles
Can Your Two-Year Degree Really Be Finished in Four Semesters?
Learn how to test whether a two-year community college degree can actually be completed in four semesters by checking prerequisites, course rotations, availability, sequencing, and hidden scheduling barriers.
Program Seat Test: Are You Really Admitted to Your Major?
Learn how to determine whether community college acceptance includes admission to your intended major, and evaluate selective programs, prerequisites, seat limits, deadlines, waitlists, and backup options before enrolling.
Build Your Community College First-Semester Stress Test
Build a realistic first-semester stress test before registration by checking course load, work hours, commuting, finances, family duties, study time, and support systems before your schedule becomes unmanageable later.