• What programs are available?
• How much does community college cost?
• Is financial aid available?
• Which local campus will work best?

Educational Goals for Your 
Family's Student(s)

Community colleges represent a valuable resource in meeting the educational goals of you and/or your child. You can see a list of all of the programs currently available at Cypress College and Fullerton College on the Academic Options page.

Community colleges are an attractive, affordable way of attaining higher education.

• For those seeking certification in a specific area of vocational training
• For those seeking background education and training in order to enter a profession
• For those intent on transferring to a 4-year institution to ultimately obtain a bachelor level degree.

The district's college campuses have counseling departments specifically organized to help new and continuing students plan coursework to support their educational and career goals. These counseling centers also provide assistance in assessment, career counseling, resources for students with disabilities and other issues. 

At Cypress College:   www.cypress.cc.ca.us/counseling/index.htm

At Fullerton College:  counseling.fullcoll.edu/

What Programs Are Available?

For an overview of all programs currently available at Cypress and Fullerton colleges, see Academic Options. And research the college Web sites for more information on their programs (linked from Home).

How Much Does Community College Cost?

Community college is possibly the most affordable form of higher education available to California residents. Currently, the tuition cost is very low, but there are other costs of which you should be aware. Here is a rough guideline for your planning purposes. Carefully consider your specific circumstances to see where your budget may need to be larger or smaller in each area:

*Note that non-resident tuition (including for international students) is substantially higher.

The amount required for books and supplies will vary considerably, depending on the number and type of classes you are carrying. For example, art supplies can be costly. Certain class textbooks are more expensive than others. Internet access at the student's residence is certainly not required, but can be a powerful tool for completing study assignments and staying in touch with the educational community.

Two excellent resources to help you understand the costs of attendance and how to budget for these costs: the campus counseling centers (see comments in Educational Goals for Your Family's Students) [ bookmark ] above, and the campus financial aid [ internal link to our page ]offices.

Is Financial Aid Available?

Yes.

If you intend to apply for Financial Aid, it is a good idea to start your planning process as soon as possible. You will be required to fill out a budget as a part of your financial aid application.

Which Local Campus Will Work Best?

Generally, you should be considering location and curriculum. Balance these two factors in choosing your community college campus. Some families choose the campus that is geographically nearest to the student's residence. Other students are quite willing to travel to the more distant campus because they are attracted to a specific instructional program offered there. It is also possible to attend classes at more than one campus, if it suits your personal and academic needs.