The Colleges of Contra Costa (Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College) are accredited, public community colleges that enroll approximately 1,000 international students from 70 countries. 

The colleges are located in the San Francisco Bay Area with an average distance of 50km to San Francisco. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its mild climate, area attractions and recreational opportunities.

• Rainy season from November - March; Dry season (sunny) from April – October
• Average annual high: 22℃
• Average annual low: 9℃
• Easy access to the U.S. train system (Amtrak) and the Bay Area public transportation system (BART)
• Located near San Francisco, Silicon Valley, the California coast, and Napa Valley
• Travel time to Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Muir Woods, and Point Reyes of 2-4 hours

The Colleges of Contra Costa offer one of the most affordable and high quality curricular and co-curricular experiences in the U.S.

• $8,304 – $10,380 annual tuition (24 - 30 units)
• 2 years + 2 years = Bachelor’s Degree
• 24 – 30 average class size
• Free tutoring
• 1:1 academic counseling

The Colleges of Contra Costa also have numerous admission, enrollment, engagement and accommodation options for international students.

• No SAT/ACT required for admission
• TOEFL/IELTS waiver available
• 125+ academic degree programs
• Top 10 majors: Accounting, Architecture, Biology, Business (Business Administration), Computer Science, Early Childhood Education, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Psychology
• 133 student organizations
• Five start dates throughout the year
• Apartment or homestay accommodation
• On-campus employment opportunities
• Off-campus employment opportunities (Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training)

As well, the colleges provide one of the most likely paths to excellent four-year institutions in California and elsewhere. 

• Transfer guarantees to schools in the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems
• Each year, over 300 international students transfer to four-year colleges and universities
• Diablo Valley College is the #1 international student transfer institution to UC Berkeley, with over 1,000 international students having transferred there since 2010 (38% average acceptance). 
• Transfer articulation agreements to public and private colleges and universities throughout the United States

Come join the 10,000+ global alumni who have enrolled at Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, or Los Medanos College and transferred to a four-year college or university to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

In the meantime, we encourage you to contact us via email or social media and schedule a visit! 

Sincerely,

Steven Hales
Dean of International Education