Contra Costa College official logo

Contra Costa College

San Pablo, United States • Founded 1949

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: contracosta.edu

Overview

English Name: Contra Costa College
Founded: 1949
Institution Type: Higher education institution
Control Type: Public
Contra Costa College official logo

Contra Costa College is a public community college in San Pablo, California, serving students from the surrounding East Bay communities.

Its academic offerings are grouped into career and academic pathways that include business and applied technology, fine, media, visual and culinary arts, health and wellness, language and communications, people, culture and social sciences, and science, technology, engineering and math. Courses are delivered through more than fifty academic departments, from accounting, automotive technology and computer information systems to biological sciences, journalism, ethnic studies and nursing.

Students planning to continue at a four-year university can pursue transfer-oriented associate degrees, while others work toward career certificates and associate degrees that lead directly into employment. Remote, weekend and evening classes are available for people balancing study with work or family commitments.

The college stresses affordability.

Full-time students who apply for financial aid may qualify for free tuition, and the college foundation awards scholarships each year to its students. Contra Costa College has also been designated one of California's first Black-Serving Institutions.

Admissions and Records, the Financial Aid Office and the Welcome Center help new students apply, register and plan their path.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for Contra Costa College is listed below.

Map:
Phone: 510) 235-7800
Social Media:

Academic Details

Contra Costa College's academic profile in numbers is listed below.

Total Students: 5,203

Academic Structures

The academic units through which Contra Costa College delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 50 items
  • Accounting
  • Administration of Justice
  • African American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Astronomy
  • Automotive Collision Repair
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Business
  • Business Office Technology
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Chemistry
  • Communication Studies/Speech
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Computer Science
  • Culinary Arts
  • Dance
  • Digital Film Production
  • Dramatic Arts
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Fine and Media Arts
  • Foreign Languages
  • Geography
  • Health Education and Sciences
  • Health and Human Services
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Information Technology
  • Journalism
  • Kinesiology
  • La Raza Studies
  • Liberal Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Assisting
  • Music
  • Nursing
  • Paramedic Studies
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Health Science
  • Real Estate
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Speech

Programs Offered

Contra Costa College's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping.

87 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Associate's Degree 56 programmes

Associate's Degree in African American Studies
African Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Associate's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Associate's Degree in Auto Collision Repair Technology
Trades

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Associate's Degree in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Biological Sciences
Associate's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Associate's Degree in Biotechnology
Biotechnology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 56.

Certificate 31 programmes

Certificate in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Certificate in Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Health Sciences
Certificate in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Certificate in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Biological Sciences
Certificate in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Certificate in Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
Business Administration
Certificate in Chemistry
Chemistry
Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Certificate in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Information Systems & Technology

Showing 10 of 31.

How to apply to Contra Costa College

A short guide to applying to Contra Costa College — five steps.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Use the programme finder to browse Contra Costa College's 87 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Programme-level requirements at Contra Costa College typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Contra Costa College processes applications through www.contracosta.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 510) 235-7800. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Contra Costa College

Quick reference for Contra Costa College: founding, control type, and recognition status.

How old is Contra Costa College?

The institution opened in 1949 (approximately 77 years ago).

What city is Contra Costa College in?

Contra Costa College operates from San Pablo, United States.

Is Contra Costa College a public or private institution?

Contra Costa College operates as a public institution.

How big is Contra Costa College's student body?

Contra Costa College serves approximately 5,203 students.

What is Contra Costa College's academic structure?

Contra Costa College is organised into 50 academic units across its disciplines.

Where can I learn more about Contra Costa College?

Contra Costa College's official website is www.contracosta.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

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