- The mission of Cerro Coso Community College is to provide high quality degree and certificate curricula in lower division arts and sciences and in vocational/ technical/ occupational education. Essential to this mission is providing support services which enhance student opportunities for success. As part of this mission, the college will respond to the interests, aspirations, and capabilities of students while encouraging them to develop as useful, contributing members of society.
School Highlights
Cerro Coso Community College serves 5,549 students (16% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 5,549 students
- In-state tuition: $1,290
- Out-state tuition: $7,086
- Minority enrollment: 64%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 105 teachers has declined by 45% over five years.
Cerro Coso Community College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Colors
Blue and Gold
Total Faculty
105 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cerro Coso Community College has grown by 7% over five years.
The Cerro Coso Community College diversity score of 0.64 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has declined by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,549 students
2,140 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
53:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
876 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
4,673 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
5,549 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
876 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,673 students
5,816 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
5%
12%
% Hispanic
47%
46%
% Black
5%
7%
% White
36%
23%
% Two or more races
5%
5%
% Unknown races
1%
6%
Diversity Score
0.64
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
29%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,200
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,290 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,086 is more than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 24% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,290
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,086
$6,577
Tuition Notes
Estimated tuition is competitive, and financial aid options are available to help make education accessible.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
62%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates (Year 2008)
$6,787
$6,625
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,500
$3,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Cerro Coso Community College was established in 1973 as a separate college within the Kern Community College District. Cerro Coso has five instructional sites (Eastern Sierra Center Bishop & Mammoth, Indian Wells Valley, Kern River Valley, and South Kern), which together form the largest geographical service area (18,000 square miles) of any community college in California and which serve a population of approximately 85,000. A leader in online education, Cerro Coso has been offering online classes since 1997 and offers 9 Associate's degrees entirely online and as many as 100+ classes online each year, with approximately 100 sections per semester. The 320-acre Indian Wells Valley Campus is located in the upper Mojave Desert in the community of Ridgecrest, with a population of 28,000. Ridgecrest is located 130 miles northeast of Los Angeles and 120 miles east of Bakersfield. Cerro Coso Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college and its programs are also approved by the California Community College Board of Governors, the California Board of Licensed Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Examiners, and the California Department of Education for the enrollment of veterans. The University of California and other universities and colleges give full credit to appropriate lower division courses completed at Cerro Coso Community College. CCOnline, Cerro Coso Community College's virtual campus, currently offers associate degrees online, the general education courses necessary to meet transfer requirements to a four year institution, and student support services. CCOnline has an international reputation for excellence and provides an extraordinary opportunity for those too distant from a community college or too involved in business or family to pursue higher education during traditional hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cerro Coso Community College cost?
Cerro Coso Community College's tuition is approximately $1,290 for In-State students and $7,086 for Out-State students.
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