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Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California

57 Schools Ranked
$1,848 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$16,665 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which teaching program to enroll in when you have so many options available. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Teaching Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. Our analysis looked at 57 schools in California to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for teaching students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#2

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, California
171 Total Awards
$1,212 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,830 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Pasadena City College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular teaching schools in California. Pasadena City College is a public institution located in Pasadena, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 171 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Pasadena City College full time pay an average of $1,212 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,596. On average, associate degree students take out $11,830 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Pasadena City College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#3

Fullerton College

Fullerton, California
105 Total Awards
$1,154 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you attend Fullerton College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. Fullerton College is located in Fullerton, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 105 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $1,154 in tuition and fees if they attend Fullerton College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,514. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Fullerton College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 36% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Fullerton College Report

#4

Riverside City College

Riverside, California
99 Total Awards
$1,420 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,247 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Riverside City College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. This fairly large public school is located in Riverside, California, and it awarded 99 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Riverside City College is $1,420. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,120. On average, associate degree students take out $10,247 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Riverside City College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 37% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Riverside City College Report

#5

Mt. San Jacinto College

San Jacinto, California
79 Total Awards
$1,406 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,865 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Mt. San Jacinto College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular teaching schools in California. MSJC is a public institution located in San Jacinto, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 79 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,406 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend MSJC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,276. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,865 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 99% were women.

MSJC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 18% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#6

Moorpark College

Moorpark, California
75 Total Awards
$1,394 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,214 Avg Student Debt

Moorpark College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. Moorpark, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 75 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,394 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Moorpark College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,398. On average, associate degree students take out $17,214 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

Online courses are available at Moorpark College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 89% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Moorpark College Report

#7

Palomar College

San Marcos, California
64 Total Awards
$1,344 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, Palomar College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. Located in San Marcos, California, the fairly large public school handed out 64 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,344 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Palomar College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,940. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Palomar College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 90% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#8

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, California
58 Total Awards
$1,180 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,579 Avg Student Debt

Santa Ana College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #8 on the list. Santa Ana, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 58 students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,180 in tuition and fees if they attend SAC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,684. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,579 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at SAC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 49% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Santa Ana College

#9

San Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino, California
57 Total Awards
$1,362 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,396 Avg Student Debt

San Bernardino Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in San Bernardino, California, the medium-sized public school awarded 57 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,362 in tuition and fees if they attend San Bernardino Valley College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,146. On average, associate degree students take out $9,396 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

One thing to take note of is that San Bernardino Valley College does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#10

Evergreen Valley College

San Jose, California
53 Total Awards
$1,366 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,716 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Evergreen Valley College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. Evergreen Valley College is located in San Jose, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 53 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $1,366 in tuition and fees if they attend Evergreen Valley College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,286. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,716 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Evergreen Valley College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#11

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, California
50 Total Awards
$1,394 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,085 Avg Student Debt

College of the Sequoias ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. College of the Sequoias is located in Visalia, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 50 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at College of the Sequoias is $1,394. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,338. Associate Degree recipients from College of the Sequoias accumulate an average of $11,085 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at College of the Sequoias. During the 2019-2020 year, about 35% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full College of the Sequoias Report

#12

Southwestern College

Chula Vista, California
48 Total Awards
$1,342 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,239 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. SWC Chula Vista is located in Chula Vista, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 48 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from California who attend SWC Chula Vista full time pay an average of $1,342 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,434. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,239 in student loans. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

SWC Chula Vista does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#13

Golden West College

Huntington Beach, California
47 Total Awards
$1,186 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,650 Avg Student Debt

Golden West College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. Located in Huntington Beach, California, the fairly large public school awarded 47 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Golden West College full time pay an average of $1,186 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,554. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,650 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Golden West College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 77% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#14

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
41 Total Awards
$1,332 Average Tuition & Fees

Saddleback College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. Saddleback College is a public institution located in Mission Viejo, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 41 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,332 in tuition and fees if they attend Saddleback College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,292. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Saddleback College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 89% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Saddleback College Report

#14

Norco College

Norco, California
41 Total Awards
$1,420 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,475 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Norco College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. Norco College is a medium-sized public school located in Norco, California that handed out 41 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Norco College is $1,420. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,120. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,475 in student loans. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

Norco College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 34% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Norco College

#16

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Los Angeles, California
31 Total Awards
$1,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,292 Avg Student Debt

Los Angeles Trade Technical College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 31 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,238 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Los Angeles Trade Technical College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,012. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,292 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

Online courses are available at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 27% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#17

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California
30 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,428 Avg Student Debt

Santa Monica College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. This large public school is located in Santa Monica, California, and it awarded 30 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,146 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SMC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,090. Associate Degree recipients from SMC accumulate an average of $13,428 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SMC. In fact, around 45% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Santa Monica College Report

#18

Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, California
27 Total Awards
$1,565 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,391 Avg Student Debt

Foothill College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. Foothill College is a fairly large public school located in Los Altos Hills, California that handed out 27 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Foothill College full time pay an average of $1,565 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,790. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,391 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 96% were women.

Foothill College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 83% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
26 Total Awards
$1,338 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,466 Avg Student Debt

Cuesta College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the medium-sized public school awarded 26 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Cuesta College full time pay an average of $1,338 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,702. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,466 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Cuesta College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 96% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Cuesta College

#20

MiraCosta College

Oceanside, California
25 Total Awards
$1,152 Average Tuition & Fees

MiraCosta College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. This fairly large public school is located in Oceanside, California, and it awarded 25 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,152 in tuition and fees if they attend MiraCosta College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,520. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

MiraCosta College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on MiraCosta College

#21

Santiago Canyon College

Orange, California
24 Total Awards
$1,156 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,607 Avg Student Debt

Santiago Canyon College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree teaching programs. This fairly large public school is located in Orange, California, and it awarded 24 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend SCC full time pay an average of $1,156 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,764. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,607 in student loans. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

SCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 56% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Santiago Canyon College Report

#22

Butte College

Oroville, California
22 Total Awards
$1,368 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,685 Avg Student Debt

Butte College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. Located in Oroville, California, the medium-sized public school awarded 22 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,368 in tuition and fees if they attend Butte College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,848. Associate Degree recipients from Butte College accumulate an average of $16,685 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Butte College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 33% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Butte College

#23

Los Angeles Valley College

Valley Glen, California
21 Total Awards
$1,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,856 Avg Student Debt

Los Angeles Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for teaching students to get an associate degree. It came in at #23 on the list. LAVC is located in Valley Glen, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 21 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,238 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend LAVC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,012. Associate Degree recipients from LAVC accumulate an average of $10,856 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at LAVC. In 2019-2020 about 50% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Los Angeles Valley College

#24

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
20 Total Awards
$13,604 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, City College of San Francisco did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for teaching students working on their associate degree. City College of San Francisco is a fairly large public school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 20 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,604 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

City College of San Francisco does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 35% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on City College of San Francisco

#24

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut, California
20 Total Awards
$1,352 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,559 Avg Student Debt

Mt. San Antonio College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in California list. Mt. San Antonio College is a large public school located in Walnut, California that handed out 20 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,352 in tuition and fees if they attend Mt. SAC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,032. On average, associate degree students take out $10,559 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Mt. SAC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 69% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Mt. San Antonio College

Most Popular Teaching Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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