A Strong Foundation

It’s a region of opportunity. Five excellent community colleges serve the valley making access to a world-class education affordable, and providing resources for the emerging workforce. 

• Citrus College is among the top 10 colleges nationwide for Hispanic students, and has been consistently ranked one of the most veteran-friendly community colleges in America. 
• Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) was named a 2019 Champion of Higher Education for exemplary work in implementing the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) by The Campaign for College Opportunity. Mt. SAC also boasts a strong sports program, and has just opened a world-class stadium.
• Pasadena City College sends thousands of students each year to four-year universities, and has had students transfer to Yale every year since 2015. (PCC students rank 8% higher than the national average for quickly attaining a four-year degree.)
• Rio Hondo College is known for its affordable pathway to law school, and offers an excellent BA in Automotive Engineering among other specialties.

Our four-year universities also have a track record for social mobility.

Cal Poly Pomona has consistently ranked in the Top 10 nationwide among universities that help low-income students find financial success after graduation, according to the “2019 Social Mobility Index.” Cal Poly is one of only four CSU campuses that has ranked in the top 20 for six consecutive years.