Community College Information

A community college is a public institution of higher education that typically serves the local community. Community college are also known as junior colleges or technical colleges. They offer a variety of programs, including:

• Associate Degrees: The most common degrees offered at community colleges, usually taking two years to complete
• Certificates: Often can be earned in one year or less
• Bachelor's Degrees: Some community colleges offer four-year bachelor's degrees in certain majors
• Technical and Vocational Programs: These programs are often linked to local employers, community groups, and high schools
• Community Programs: These programs can include resume help for job seekers or swim classes for children
• Continuing Education Programs for adults

While students can attend any community college that meets their needs and supports their interests, these are the community colleges that Northwood students typically attend:

• Irvine Valley College (IVC)
• Santiago Canyon College (SCC)
• Orange Coast College (OCC)
• Saddleback College
• Golden West College

• Affordability
• Personalized Attention and Smaller Class Sizes
• Career and Educational Path Exploration
• Ability to complete general education requirements before committing to a four-year college
• Professional certificates
• Transfer agreements or a second chance at a first-choice college
• Honors programs
• 116 campuses throughout the state of California