Starting your college journey at a California community college can open doors to life-changing opportunities—without breaking the bank. Yet, many students and families are left confused by fee structures, residency requirements, and financial aid processes. If you're wondering how much it really costs and how to keep those costs as low as possible, you're not alone.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from tuition fees and residency classification to available financial aid—so you can start college with confidence and clarity.

Understanding California Community College Enrollment Fees

For California Residents

• California community colleges charge $46 per unit for California residents.
• A typical full-time student takes about 12 units per semester (roughly four classes), which amounts to $550 per semester in tuition.

For Non-Residents

• Non-resident students—including international students and those from other U.S. states—are charged $350 per unit.
• That same 12-unit schedule costs $4,200 per semester in tuition fees.

Additional Campus Fees. In addition to tuition, colleges may charge:

• Health fees
• Student government fees
• Transportation or bus pass fees

Case Study: How One Student Saved Over $4,000. Let’s look at a real scenario that could happen to anyone.

A student, born and raised in California, moved to Texas for a few years. After returning to California to attend community college, he was incorrectly classified as a non-resident and faced a $4,200 bill for a 12-unit semester.

Luckily, he spoke with a college counselor, who helped him apply for the California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption. This exemption allows students to pay in-state tuition if they:

• Completed at least three years of high school in California, and
• Graduated from a California high school

By submitting this form and providing his high school transcript, his tuition was lowered from $4,200 to $550—the standard California resident rate.

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