Cerritos College: Comprehensive Education and Career Training in Los Angeles County

Cerritos College, situated in Norwalk, California, stands as one of the leading community colleges in Los Angeles County. Founded in 1955, the college is committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable education and career training. Named after Rancho Los Cerritos, a local 19th-century ranch, Cerritos College has a rich history. The college's establishment even inspired the renaming of the neighboring city of Dairy Valley to Cerritos.

A Focus on Student Success

At Cerritos College, students come first. The institution fosters a welcoming and supportive environment designed to help students achieve their academic and professional aspirations. The college's award-winning faculty and staff play a crucial role in student success, offering guidance and support every step of the way.

Support Programs

Cerritos College offers a range of support programs to help students remain focused on their education and achieve their goals. These programs include:

LINC/NextUP: Provides holistic services to support current and former foster youth students with their academic and career goals. Every community college campus has a foster youth liaison to help support students throughout their educational journey.
Dream Program: Providing a safe space and support to Undocumented/Dreamer/AB540 and mix-status students.

No matter where you are in life, Cerritos College is there to support you. It's a perfect time to start thinking about what you want to study. You can even get a head start on college and enroll in community college classes while still in high school. Community college helps returning veterans make a smooth and affordable transition from military service into the highly competitive job market.

Academic Offerings

Cerritos College offers more than just a degree. The college provides a wide array of academic programs, including Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees, as well as certificates in various fields. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 97 different fields. Popular programs include: Business Administration and Management, General, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, and Biological and Physical Sciences.

Campus and Location

Cerritos College is one of the five largest community colleges in Los Angeles County. Its campus is easily accessible via the 605, 105, and State Route 91 freeways. The college serves students from surrounding communities such as East Compton, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs, and South Whittier.

Affordable Education

Cerritos College offers an exceptional value for education. With tuition at $46 per unit, students can receive a high-quality education with less debt. This affordability allows students to stay close to home and save on career training, ultimately securing high-paying jobs.

Admission and Enrollment

Any person who is 18 years old and not currently enrolled in high school or any person possessing a high school diploma or its equivalent is eligible for admission to Cerritos College.

Application Process

Complete the admission application online.
Upon receipt of the admission application, the Admissions and Records Office will issue a student identification number.
A student identification number is necessary to complete orientation, counseling, and enrollment.
Application assistance is provided by the Welcome Center and the Admissions & Records Office.

Students entering any of the public community colleges of California are subject to the residence requirements as determined by the State of California. The Admissions & Records Office determines a student’s residency classification when they apply to the college. A student whose legal residence is within California is eligible to attend Cerritos College. The legal residence of any unmarried student under 18 years of age is considered to be that of the parent or guardian. Further inquiries may be directed to the Admissions and Records Office at (562) 860-2451, Ext.

International Students

The Office of International Student Services (OISS) welcomes “F-1” non-immigrant students to enroll at Cerritos College. The college is a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved institution. They also support international students seeking to submit a Change of Status Petition through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Interested students with other visa types (e.g., B-2, H-2, F-2, H-4, E-2, etc.) are encouraged to apply and receive assistance with the Change of Status process from the OISS. F-2 students attending high school should consult with the OISS before enrolling at Cerritos College for guidance on enrollment and change of status.

Dual Enrollment

A parent/guardian must approve the student’s participation and give consent by signing the Dual Enrollment Application. Students who require accommodation due to a disability should make arrangements through their K-12 school district, in consultation with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office at Cerritos College. Please call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2335, for assistance. Students are able to take up to 11 units in the fall and spring semesters. It is recommended that Dual Enrollment students meet with a Cerritos College Dual Enrollment counselor and participate in Falcon Edge Orientation. For more information, please call (562) 860-2451, Ext.

Placement

Placement is the process of gathering information about an individual student to facilitate his or her success and provide them a recommended college-level placement for English/English as a Second Language (ESL), math, and reading. Students who already possess an Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college are not required to complete the placement process, but will be required to verify the degree by presenting official transcripts to the Admissions and Records Office at least 10 working days prior to their enrollment appointment date. Any student with a verified disability may arrange accommodations for the placement process. A current Cerritos College application must be on file to receive accommodations. Accommodation requests should be made at least 7 days in advance to Student Accessibility Services (SAS). For more information or an appointment, call (562) 860-2451, ext. It may be necessary to submit official transcripts from previous schools, colleges and universities for the establishment of prerequisite eligibility.

Campus Life

Cerritos College offers a vibrant campus life with various activities and organizations for students to participate in. The Associated Students of Cerritos College (ASCC) serves as the student government, advocating for student interests and organizing campus events. The college's mascot is the Falcon, symbolizing the soaring aspirations of its students.

Key Facts and Figures

Location: Norwalk, California
Founded: 1955
Enrollment: 20,406
Academic Calendar: Semester-based
Student-Faculty Ratio: 29-to-1
Highest Degree Offered: Associate Degree
Open Admissions Policy: Yes
Credit for Life Experiences: Yes
In-State Tuition and Fees: $1,346
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $10,026
Application Fee: None
Percentage of Undergraduates Receiving Aid: 65%
Average Scholarship or Grant Award: $3,985

Recent Developments

On February 15, 2017, Cerritos College opened two new buildings: a new Math and Computer Information Sciences building, and a Fine Arts complex.

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