Why Community College?

Ready to take your next step and shape your future? Community college is a smart place to start— whether you’re focused on a career, leveling up for work, or still figuring out what you want to do.

The Los Angeles Community College District—including LA Mission, LA Pierce, and LA Valley— offers flexible paths that meet you where you are.

Brought to you by: Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Valley College, Los Angeles Pierce College

With support
from:

Explore Your Local Community Colleges

Key Reasons to Enroll

Reason #1

California College Promise (LA College Promise) If you qualify, this statewide program— through the LA Community College District—can cover tuition for up to two years.

Reason #2

  • Certificate Programs (Get to Work Faster)
  • Earn job-focused credentials in as little as three months.
  • Already working? You can also upskill with courses designed for today’s jobs.

Reason #3

Associate Degrees (Transfer or Career-Ready)

Complete a two-year degree in your field of study, then use your credits to transfer to a four- year university and work toward a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Reason #4

Baccalaureate Degree Programs (More Options)

Select fields—such as biomanufacturing and respiratory therapy — may be available, with costs around $10,000 (depending on the program).

In addition:

Flexible Learning and Student Support

  • Online or on campus: Take classes the way that fits your schedule.
  • Guidance: Counseling supports course planning, career exploration, financial aid, and next steps.
  • Extra preparation: Basic skills and English- language courses help students build readiness before college-level classes.
  • Continuing education and community programs support professional growth and personal enrichment.
  • Mix-and-match options: You can take courses across all three colleges and package credits toward a single degree or certificate (students are encouraged to choose a home base).
  • Modern facilities: All three colleges are undergoing or completing renovations and opening new instructional spaces.

The Bottom Line

Community college gives you real pathways— starting, returning, transferring, or switching careers—so you can move forward at the pace that makes sense for you.

The Application Process

Applying to a California community college is a straightforward process.

Unlike most four-year universities, community colleges typically do not require SAT or ACT scores, recommendation letters or personal essays.

Step 1

Choose a College and Program

Before applying, students should consider their educational and/or career goals. Community colleges offer several pathways, including:

Associate degrees
  • Career and technical education certificates
  • Transfer preparation for a CSU, UC or private university
  • Workforce and job-training programs
  • English as a Second Language and noncredit courses
  • Individual classes for professional or personal development

Students should review each college’s programs to determine which campus best fits their interests, location and long-term goals.

Step 2

Submit an Online Application

Before applying, students should consider their educational and/or career goals. Community colleges offer several pathways, including:

Most California community colleges accept applications through CCCApply, the statewide online application system.

  1. OpenCCC account
  2. Complete a separate application for the college they plan to attend.

*The application asks for basic information, including educational history, residency status, intended major and academic goals.

Students interested in programs such as nursing, respiratory therapy or certain bachelor’s degree programs may need to complete an additional application after being admitted to the college.

Step 3

Receive a Student Identification Number

After the application is processed, the college will email the student with an identification number and instructions for activating the student portal and college email account.

Students should regularly check their email, including their spam folder, and save their application confirmation information.

Colleges may also request additional identity verification before completing the admission process.

Step 4

Apply for Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, even if they are unsure whether they will qualify.

Eligible students may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA.

Qualifying undocumented students may complete the California Dream Act Application.

Financial assistance may include grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and the California College Promise Grant, which can waive enrollment fees for eligible students.

Students should submit their financial aid application as early as possible and continue checking their student portal for requested documents or outstanding requirements.

Information to Have Ready

Before beginning the application, students should gather the following:

  • A personal email address
  • Legal name and date of birth
  • Current and previous addresses
  • High school information
  • Previous college information, if applicable
  • Approximate dates of attendance
  • Intended major or career goal
  • California residency information
  • Financial information for the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application
  • Parent or contributor information, when required

Step 5

Submit Required Documents

Depending on the student’s circumstances, the college may request additional documentation, such as:

  • High school or college transcripts
  • Proof of California residency
  • Identification documents
  • Immigration or eligible noncitizen documentation
  • Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate scores
  • Dual-enrollment records
  • California nonresident tuition-exemption forms

Students who have attended another college should submit official transcripts so a counselor can determine whether previously completed courses may be applied toward their new program. New students are typically required to complete an online orientation. 

Step 6

Complete Orientation and Placement

The orientation provides information about academic programs, college policies, financial aid, counseling, registration and student support services.

California community colleges generally use high school grades and previous coursework to place students into English and mathematics classes. Traditional placement exams are not always required.

Step 7

Meet With a Counselor

Students should meet with an academic counselor before registering for classes. A counselor can help students:

  • Select the appropriate courses
  • Create an educational plan
  • Confirm degree or certificate requirements
  • Identify courses that transfer to a CSU or UC
  • Review previous college coursework
  • Estimate how long it may take to complete a program
  • Connect with tutoring, career services and other campus resources

Meeting with a counselor early can help students avoid taking unnecessary courses and keep them on track toward graduation or transfer.

Step 8

Register for Classes

Once students receive a registration appointment, they can use the college’s online portal to search for and enroll in classes.

Students should review their educational plan, register as early as possible and join waitlists when necessary.

They should also confirm whether financial aid or a fee waiver has been applied before the payment deadline.

Attending More Than One LACCD College

Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Valley College and Los Angeles Pierce College are all part of the Los Angeles Community College District.

Because the colleges are in the same district, students may be able to take courses at more than one LACCD campus using the same student portal. This can be helpful when a required class is full or offered at a more convenient time at another college.

Students should speak with a counselor before enrolling at multiple campuses to make sure the courses apply toward their educational plan.