About Cerritos College
The financial picture makes Cerritos particularly accessible to working families. Students typically pay just $693 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable options in California. Graduates earn a median of $41,156 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid returns on such a modest investment. Those who borrow money graduate with manageable debt of $8,447 and monthly loan payments around $90.
The student body reflects the diversity of greater Los Angeles, with Hispanic students comprising 70% of enrollment and women slightly outnumbering men at 54%. Cerritos fields 19 varsity sports teams with 500 student-athletes competing as the Falcons. The large student-faculty ratio of 38:1 means students need to be proactive about seeking help. With a 29% six-year completion rate and 91% employment rate, many students successfully transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 38:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 25.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,156
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,351 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $60,578 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $54,713 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $51,169 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $35,594 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,281 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $28,236 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Associate | $18,087 |
Campus Life
The 135-acre campus buzzes with commuter energy as 98% of students live off-campus and many juggle jobs alongside classes. Students often study between the modern library and outdoor courtyards lined with palm trees. The 38:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls, but professors know the community well after decades of serving local families. Weekend life centers around the bustling local community rather than campus events. Many students head to nearby Cerritos Towne Center for shopping or drive 30 minutes to reach LA's beaches and entertainment districts. The 500 student-athletes competing across 19 varsity sports add school spirit, though most students focus on academics and work.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1955
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–67°F
- July Avg
- 64°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.4%
- Women
- 53.6%
- White
- 9.8%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 70.3%
- Asian
- 7.1%
- In-State Students
- 98.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.0%
Location
- Address
- Norwalk, California 90650-6298
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,156
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,070
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 34.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $90/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,447
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Cerritos College?
Cerritos College maintains an open-door admission policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming nearly all applicants who apply. With 18,710 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the diverse Los Angeles metropolitan area.
How much does Cerritos College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of just $693 after aid, making it one of the most affordable educational options in California. With in-state tuition at $1,364 and 35% of students receiving financial aid, families earning $30,000-$48,000 typically pay only $670 annually.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Cerritos College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 38:1, reflecting the large class sizes common at community colleges. Despite this challenge, the college has built a strong reputation for career and technical education programs that prepare students for immediate employment in high-demand fields.
What career outcomes do Cerritos College graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $41,156 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 90.6% employment rate. The college excels at connecting students to local job markets, particularly in healthcare, automotive technology, and business sectors that thrive in the greater Los Angeles area.
Where is Cerritos College located and what is the campus like?
The college sits in Norwalk, a large suburban community in southeast Los Angeles County that provides easy access to both urban opportunities and residential tranquility. Nearly 98% of students come from California, creating a close-knit community feel despite the substantial enrollment of 18,710 students.
Does Cerritos College offer athletic programs?
The Falcons compete in 19 varsity sports with 500 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. Founded in 1955, Cerritos has developed a reputation for competitive athletics while maintaining focus on academics and career preparation for its predominantly Hispanic student body of 70.27%.
