operates five instructional sites across California and services approximately 8,500 students each year. The school offers one and two-year associate degree and technical certificate programs, all designed to put students on the fast track towards their educational goals. Students may take classes during the fall, spring, or summer semesters and may opt for day or night courses. In addition to in-class courses, Cerro Coso community college also maintains an extensive online program. Online students have their choice of over 100 classes each year and may complete nine associate degree programs entirely over the web.

Cerro Coso Community College is also one of the most affordable educational bets in the nation. In-state Cerro Coso students only pay $26 per credit hour and are eligible for federal and private scholarships, grants, and work-study packages. For a mere $26 per credit hour, students not only gain access to the school's instructors and facilities, they also receive an open invitation to any of the school-sponsored plays, recitals, and art exhibits held on campus each year. Shows in 2007 included a staging of Seussical: The Musical, a performance by the Eastern Sierra Chamber Orchestra, and an improv show by the "Who Said What Now" players.

To support its students, certain Cerro Coso Community College campuses offer free pre-school for qualifying families. All students will have access to veteran support services, financial aid counseling, academic advising, career counseling, assessment testing, and tutoring. Cerro Coso Community College also offers GED preparation courses and English as a Second Language workshops for students getting ready to enter college. For those graduating, Cerro Coso Community College provides no-charge career counseling and gives students access to additional career materials through Vault.com, the world's leading source of career information. Through Cerro Coso Community College's partnership with Vault, students will have access to more than 60 online career guides, 3,000 company profiles, and 1,100 career advice articles.

Quick Facts:

With all five campuses combined, Cerro Coso Community College operates the largest geographic service area of any community college in California.

This year the school received a $250,000 grant from the State of California to beef up the vocational and technical program offerings. Part of the grant will go to establishing a pre-engineering program in conjunction with the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.

Each year Cerro Coso Community College hosts a "Coyote Idol" talent show featuring student theatrical, musical, and dance acts.

Low-income, first-generation, and physically disabled students will have access to additional academic and financial support. This includes college skills workshops, cultural enrichment events, visits to area four-year institutions, scholarship support, and transfer assistance.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.