Skip to main content

Types of colleges

California College Systems

There are four main college systems in California: California Community Colleges (CCC), California State University (CSU), the University of California (UC), and independent private colleges and universities. Students begin their pathway into one of these college systems after receiving their high school diploma or GED.

California Community Colleges

Often provide certificates, associate degrees, transfer pathways, and career training.

California State University

Offers bachelor’s, master’s, credential, and professional preparation programs.

University of California

Offers bachelor’s, graduate, research, and professional degree programs.

Independent Private Colleges & Universities

Offer a variety of degree and certificate programs through private institutions.

Types of Degrees

Within each college system, students may earn degrees and/or certifications by completing a required set of coursework as outlined by the college. There are five common types of degrees associated with higher education.

Type of Degree Abbreviation Higher Education Length of Time to Earn*
Associate’s of Arts / Sciences AA / AS Community College About 2 years
Bachelor’s of Arts / Sciences BA / BS University About 4 years
Master’s of Arts / Sciences MA / MS University Additional 2–4 years
Doctorate of Philosophy Ph.D. University Additional years or more
Professional Degree Varies University 1 year or more
*Time to earn a degree varies based on the student’s rate of course completion and availability of classes.

Types of Colleges

    • There are 109 Community Colleges in California. CCC Campuses
    • All of them prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution.
    • They offer Associate Degrees and Certificate Programs.
    • They offer technical training in specific occupations  (bookkeeping, culinary arts, cosmetology, etc.).
    • Most are non-residential, meaning that students live off-campus.
    • Students may attend part-time or full-time.
    • In order to enroll, students must be 18 OR have a High School Diploma/GED.
    • Explore Community Colleges in California here.

    • There are 23 California State Universities. CSU Campuses
    • Each campus offers Bachelor of Arts/Sciences and Masters of  Arts/Sciences degrees.
    • They accept high school seniors and community college transfers.
    • They provide a broad liberal arts education and prepares students for professional goals.
    • Learn more about the CSU system here.

    • There are 10 University of California campuses. UC Campuses
    • Each campus offers Bachelor of Arts/Sciences degrees, Master’s of Arts/Sciences degrees, J.D, M.D., and Ph.D. degrees.
    • Undergraduate schools accept high school seniors and community college transfers.
    • UCs also have Professional Schools for Law, Medicine, Education, Engineering, Journalism, Social Welfare, among others.
    • Click here for additional information about the University of California.

    • There are 77 Private Colleges/Universities in CA
    • Each college/university varies in size, prestige, and cost.
    • They offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, and Professional degrees.
    • They accept high school graduates and Community College transfers.
    • Campuses have Professional schools in law, medicine, education, engineering, journalism, and social welfare, among others.
    • Find out more about California's Private Colleges and Universities here.

Content adapted from UC Berkeley's Center for Educational Partnerships.

Related Pages