Cerro Coso Community College: $1,384 Tuition

$1,384Tuition

3,496Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,963Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Cerro Coso Community College

Cerro Coso Community College serves 3,496 students in the high desert of Ridgecrest, California, where the Mojave Desert meets the Sierra Nevada mountains. This rural-fringe college draws almost entirely from California, with 99.32% of students coming from in-state. The school operates on a semester system and offers the typical community college mix of transfer preparation and career training programs. Students here are often first-generation college goers or working adults returning to education, fitting the community college mission of serving local needs.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. With in-state tuition at just $1,384, and an average net price of $6,078 after aid, students graduate with minimal debt. Only 1.02% take federal loans, which is remarkably low. Graduates earn a median of $34,963 after ten years, which represents solid middle-class income for the rural California region. For students from families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to $5,151, making college accessible even for low-income households.

The graduation rate of 26.10% reflects the reality of community college life, where many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working. With 57.27% women and a student body that's 44.22% Hispanic and 38.16% white, Cerro Coso reflects the changing demographics of rural California.

Academics & Faculty

Cerro Coso serves as the main community college for the Mojave Desert region, offering career training programs that match local job markets around the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and surrounding areas. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means classes fill up quickly, especially in popular programs like nursing, automotive technology, and emergency medical services. About 44% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse communities from Ridgecrest to Bishop that the college serves. The 26% graduation rate is typical for rural community colleges where many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Students often use Cerro Coso as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 35.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,963

Campus Life

Cerro Coso sits in the high desert of California's Mojave region, about 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles and surrounded by mountains and military installations. With 3,496 students spread across a rural campus, you'll know faces quickly in this close-knit community. The desert climate means hot, dry summers where you'll need sunscreen and plenty of water, plus cool winters that actually require a jacket.

As a commuter school serving 99.32% in-state students, campus life revolves around classes and study groups rather than dorms or weekend parties. Many students work part-time jobs in town or on nearby China Lake Naval Base, which employs many local families. The student body reflects the area's diversity, with 44.22% Hispanic and 38.16% white students creating a mix of perspectives. With only 4 varsity sports and 67 total athletes, school spirit centers more around academic achievements than big games. Students often drive to Bakersfield (about 90 minutes) for entertainment, though the stunning desert landscape offers hiking and outdoor activities right outside your door.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1973

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–60°F
July Avg: 70°–104°F
Annual Precipitation: 4.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.5"

Student Demographics

Cerro Coso draws students from across the Mojave Desert region, with nearly all 3,496 students coming from California. The student body reflects the diverse demographics of the high desert, with Hispanic students making up the largest group at 44% and white students at 38%. More women than men choose Cerro Coso, likely drawn to the school's strong nursing and allied health programs. The college serves as the main higher education option for families in Ridgecrest and surrounding rural communities, many of whom are connected to the nearby China Lake naval base and desert research facilities.

Men: 42.7%
Women: 57.3%
White: 38.2%
Black: 6.8%
Hispanic: 44.2%
Asian: 4.1%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.1%

Location

Cerro Coso Community College sits in Ridgecrest, California, a small desert city about 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The area serves as a gateway to the Eastern Sierra region, surrounded by military installations including the nearby Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. With 99.32% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from the local Mojave Desert communities. Ridgecrest offers an affordable cost of living but limited nightlife and entertainment options typical of rural areas. The desert setting means hot, dry summers and mild winters, with outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cerro Coso Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ridgecrest, California 93555-9571

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,963
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,400

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Cerro Coso Community College?

Cerro Coso maintains open enrollment as a community college, welcoming all students who can benefit from instruction. The college serves 3,496 students in the rural Mojave Desert region, providing accessible higher education to the local community and beyond.

How much does Cerro Coso Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,078 annually, making it highly affordable for most families. In-state tuition runs just $1,384, while students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,151 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Cerro Coso Community College?

Classes average 25 students per faculty member, typical for California community colleges. The college focuses on career training and transfer preparation, serving a diverse student body that is 44% Hispanic and 38% white.

What are the graduation outcomes at Cerro Coso Community College?

About 26% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the college's role as both a stepping stone to four-year universities and career training center. Graduates earn a median of $34,963 ten years after enrollment, with many entering technical fields popular in the Mojave Desert region.

Where is Cerro Coso Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Ridgecrest, a small desert community near China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. With 67 athletes competing in four varsity sports as the Coyotes, campus life reflects the tight-knit nature of this rural area where 99% of students are California residents.

Does Cerro Coso Community College serve military families?

The college has strong ties to nearby China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station and Edwards Air Force Base, serving many military families in the region. Only 14% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from military families with steady middle-income employment rather than traditional low-income community college demographics.