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Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California

126 Schools Ranked
$1,866 Avg Tuition & Fees*

It's not easy to decide which computer science program to enroll in when you have so many options available. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Computer Science Degree Search has created the Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 126 schools in California to see which ones were the most popular basic certificate programs for computer science 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:

#1

ABCO Technology

Inglewood, California
192 Total Awards

Our analysis found ABCO Technology to be the most popular school for computer science students who want to pursue a basic certificate in California. Inglewood, California is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out basic certificates to 192 students in 2020-2021.

Around 7% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

Orange Coast College

Costa Mesa, California
180 Total Awards
$1,198 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Orange Coast College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular computer science schools in California. Orange Coast College is a fairly large public school located in Costa Mesa, California that handed out 180 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,198 in tuition and fees if they attend Orange Coast College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,398. Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Orange Coast College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Orange Coast College

#3

Diablo Valley College

Pleasant Hill, California
176 Total Awards
$1,312 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Diablo Valley College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California list. Located in Pleasant Hill, California, the fairly large public school awarded 176 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,312 in tuition and fees if they attend Diablo Valley full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,328. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Diablo Valley does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 42% took at least some of their classes online.

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#4

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
152 Total Awards

You’ll be in good company if you attend City College of San Francisco. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California list. San Francisco, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 152 students in 2020-2021.

Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that City College of San Francisco does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 35% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#5

Long Beach City College

Long Beach, California
144 Total Awards
$1,556 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Long Beach City College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular computer science schools in California. Long Beach, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 144 students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Long Beach City College full time pay an average of $1,556 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,444. Around 32% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Long Beach City 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 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Long Beach City College

#6

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, California
142 Total Awards
$1,328 Average Tuition & Fees

Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California ranking. Located in Santa Rosa, California, the fairly large public school awarded 142 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,328 in tuition and fees if they attend SRJC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,952. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SRJC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 70% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Santa Rosa Junior College Report

#7

De Anza College

Cupertino, California
120 Total Awards
$1,562 Average Tuition & Fees

De Anza College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate computer science programs. This fairly large public school is located in Cupertino, California, and it awarded 120 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,562 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend De Anza College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,787. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

De Anza 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 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full De Anza College Report

#8

Coastline Community College

Fountain Valley, California
116 Total Awards
$1,170 Average Tuition & Fees

Coastline Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California ranking. Coastline Community College is located in Fountain Valley, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 116 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Coastline Community College is $1,170. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,010. Of those students who received their degree, 18% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Coastline Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Coastline Community College

#9

Chaffey College

Rancho Cucamonga, California
113 Total Awards
$1,184 Average Tuition & Fees

Chaffey College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California ranking. Located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, the fairly large public school handed out 113 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Chaffey College is $1,184. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,960. Around 18% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Chaffey 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 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Chaffey College Report

#10

Riverside City College

Riverside, California
101 Total Awards
$1,420 Average Tuition & Fees

Riverside City College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate computer science programs. This fairly large public school is located in Riverside, California, and it awarded 101 basic certificates 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. Around 16% of those degree recipients were women.

Riverside City College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 37% took at least some of their classes online.

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#11

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut, California
94 Total Awards
$1,352 Average Tuition & Fees

Mt. San Antonio College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate computer science programs. Mt. SAC is located in Walnut, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 94 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Mt. SAC is $1,352. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,032. Around 26% of those degree recipients were women.

Mt. SAC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 69% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Mt. San Antonio College

#12

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, California
89 Total Awards
$1,212 Average Tuition & Fees

Pasadena City College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California list. Pasadena City College is located in Pasadena, California and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 89 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pasadena City College is $1,212. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,596. Around 16% of those degree recipients were women.

Pasadena City College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

Moorpark College

Moorpark, California
72 Total Awards
$1,394 Average Tuition & Fees

Moorpark College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate computer science programs. Located in Moorpark, California, the fairly large public school awarded 72 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,394 in tuition and fees if they attend Moorpark College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,398. Around 17% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Moorpark College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 89% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Moorpark College Report

#14

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California
70 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees

Santa Monica College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California list. Located in Santa Monica, California, the large public school handed out 70 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,146 in tuition and fees if they attend SMC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,090. Around 27% of those degree recipients were women.

SMC 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 45% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#15

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, California
69 Total Awards
$1,180 Average Tuition & Fees

Santa Ana College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate computer science programs. Santa Ana College is a large public school located in Santa Ana, California that handed out 69 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SAC is $1,180. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,684. Around 19% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at SAC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Santa Ana College

#16

Cabrillo College

Aptos, California
67 Total Awards
$1,262 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #16, Cabrillo College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Cabrillo College is located in Aptos, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 67 basic certificates to qualified students.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,262 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Cabrillo College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,630. Of those students who received their degree, 30% were women.

Online courses are available at Cabrillo College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 53% took at least some of their classes online.

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#17

Cypress College

Cypress, California
60 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #17, Cypress College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Cypress College is a fairly large public school located in Cypress, California that handed out 60 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,146 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Cypress College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,898. Around 23% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Cypress College. In 2019-2020 about 38% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Cypress College Report

#18

Irvine Valley College

Irvine, California
59 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees

Irvine Valley College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California ranking. Irvine Valley College is a public institution located in Irvine, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 59 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Irvine Valley College full time pay an average of $1,146 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,826. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Irvine Valley College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 56% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Irvine Valley College

#19

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
49 Total Awards
$1,338 Average Tuition & Fees

Cuesta College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate computer science programs. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 49 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,338 in tuition and fees if they attend Cuesta College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,702. Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Cuesta College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#20

San Diego Global Knowledge University

San-Diego, California
48 Total Awards
$13,545 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, San Diego Global Knowledge University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. San Diego Global Knowledge University is located in San-Diego, California and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 48 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at San Diego Global Knowledge University is $13,545. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Around 17% of those degree recipients were women.

Since San Diego Global Knowledge University is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read full report on San Diego Global Knowledge University

#21

Sacramento City College

Sacramento, California
45 Total Awards

With a ranking of #21, Sacramento City College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Sacramento, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 45 students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 38% were women.

Sacramento City does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 62% took at least some of their classes online.

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#21

West Los Angeles College

Culver City, California
45 Total Awards
$1,238 Average Tuition & Fees

West Los Angeles College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #21 on the list. Culver City, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 45 students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,238 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend West LA College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,012. Around 27% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since West LA College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 62% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full West Los Angeles College Report

#21

MiraCosta College

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

MiraCosta College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate computer science programs. Oceanside, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 45 students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend MiraCosta College full time pay an average of $1,152 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,520. Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at MiraCosta College. In 2019-2020 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full MiraCosta College Report

#21

Palomar College

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

Palomar College ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in California list. Located in San Marcos, California, the fairly large public school handed out 45 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,344 in tuition and fees if they attend Palomar College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,940. Around 27% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Palomar College does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 90% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Palomar College Report

#21

Cosumnes River College

Sacramento, California
45 Total Awards

Cosumnes River College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate computer science programs. Located in Sacramento, California, the fairly large public school awarded 45 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Cosumnes River. During the 2019-2020 year, about 52% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Cosumnes River College

Most Popular Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular computer science schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CA

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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