Contra Costa College: $1,312 Tuition

$1,312Tuition

4,805Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,850Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Contra Costa College

Contra Costa College draws 4,805 students to its suburban San Pablo campus for affordable education and career preparation. The community college has built its reputation on transfer programs that feed into four-year universities and practical career training that connects directly to Bay Area job markets. Students here are serious about getting credentials without breaking the bank.

The financial picture makes sense for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $5,586 after aid, while even middle-income families face reasonable costs. Graduates earn a median of $40,850 ten years after starting, though loan repayment remains challenging with only 28% successfully paying down their debt. The low federal loan rate of 1.36% means most students avoid significant borrowing.

The student body reflects the East Bay's diversity, with 45% Hispanic students, 17% Asian, and 15% Black students creating a multicultural learning environment. Women make up 60% of enrollment. The Comets field six varsity sports with 148 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. With 93% of students coming from California, this feels like a hometown institution serving local communities with practical education pathways.

Academics & Faculty

Contra Costa College serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing four-year degrees and career certifications in the diverse East Bay community. The college enrolls 4,805 students with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for reasonable access to instructors. Its 33% six-year graduation rate reflects the typical challenges community college students face while balancing work, family, and education. The school offers transfer pathways to California State Universities and UCs alongside workforce training programs. With 60% of students being women and 45% Hispanic, the college emphasizes serving first-generation college students and working adults seeking career advancement through accessible, affordable education in San Pablo.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 39.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,850

Campus Life

Students at Contra Costa College navigate a busy commuter campus where 60% are women and nearly half are Hispanic. The San Pablo campus sits about 20 miles northeast of San Francisco, close enough for weekend city trips but surrounded by suburban neighborhoods. California's mild Mediterranean climate means you'll need layers for morning fog but rarely a heavy coat.

With 4,805 students and no dormitories, campus life revolves around class schedules and study groups between courses. The student-faculty ratio of 20:1 creates smaller classroom discussions than you'd find at large universities. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, reflected in the 23% receiving Pell Grants.

Weekend activities often involve exploring nearby Berkeley or Oakland rather than campus events. The Comets field six varsity sports teams with 148 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics for most students focused on transferring to four-year schools. Students from 94% in-state enrollment often commute from throughout the East Bay, creating a diverse but less residential college experience.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1950

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	6	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–58°F
July Avg: 55°–70°F
Annual Precipitation: 24.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students at Contra Costa College reflect the diverse working-class communities of the East Bay. Women make up 60% of the student body, drawn to the college's strong nursing and health programs. The campus serves a predominantly Latino student population, with significant representation from Black and Asian communities. Nearly all students come from California, showing the college's deep local roots. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves families seeking affordable pathways to four-year universities and career training.

Men: 39.9%
Women: 60.1%
White: 11.7%
Black: 15.0%
Hispanic: 45.5%
Asian: 17.0%
In-State Students: 93.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.2%

Location

Contra Costa College sits in San Pablo, California, about 20 miles northeast of San Francisco in the East Bay region. The campus serves a diverse student body where 45.49% of students are Hispanic and 17.04% are Asian. San Pablo is part of the greater Richmond area, an industrial region that has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. The college draws heavily from local communities, with 93.47% of its 4,805 students coming from in-state. The East Bay location provides access to both urban opportunities and natural areas like the San Francisco Bay. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Contra Costa College with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Pablo, California 94806

Aerial view of Contra Costa College, September

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,850
Median Earnings (5 years): $103,363
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 27.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Contra Costa College?

Contra Costa College operates under California's open enrollment policy for community colleges, meaning most students can enroll without traditional admission barriers. The college serves 4,805 students and welcomes anyone 18 or older with a high school diploma or equivalent. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students planning to transfer to four-year universities.

How much does Contra Costa College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Contra Costa College is $6,522 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,586 after aid, while those from higher-income families may pay up to $11,545. Only 23.21% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's already low in-state tuition of $1,312.

What academic programs is Contra Costa College known for?

Contra Costa College focuses on transfer preparation and career training programs typical of California community colleges. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, the college provides accessible education in the East Bay region. The institution particularly serves students planning to transfer to four-year universities or seeking workforce development in various technical fields.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Contra Costa College?

Contra Costa College has a 33% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the varied paths community college students take. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,850 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating the value of the college's career-focused programs. The loan repayment rate of 27.76% indicates that most students graduate with manageable debt levels.

Where is Contra Costa College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in San Pablo, California, a large suburban setting in the East Bay area. With 93.47% of students coming from in-state, the campus serves as a local educational center for the diverse surrounding community. The Comets compete in six varsity sports with 148 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships.

How diverse is the student body at Contra Costa College?

Contra Costa College reflects the rich diversity of the East Bay, with 45.49% Hispanic students, 17.04% Asian students, and 14.96% Black students. Women make up 60.08% of the student body, which is typical for community colleges nationwide. This demographic mix creates a multicultural learning environment that mirrors the broader San Pablo community.