Why Berkeley?


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50 Years of Transforming Lives

Located in the heart of downtown Berkeley, Berkeley City College has been transforming the lives of students for over 50 years. When you enroll at Berkeley City College, you are joining a community that is rich in diversity, and committed to equity, social justice, and academic excellence. Berkeley City College’s distinguished faculty, classified professionals, and administrators are dedicated to your learning experience and most importantly, your program completion. We consider every classroom experience, counseling appointment, financial aid, and admissions encounter an opportunity to support your success.

 

Pathway to Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

 

Berkeley City College is proud to be formally designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Equity and racial justice is at the core of Berkeley City College mission, vision, and values. Berkeley City College's Society of Scholars are premier diverse, student-centered learning communities dedicated to academic excellence, collaboration, innovation and transformation that celebrate students' culture and offer dedicated support to achieve your goals.

You Belong.

51 %
Of CSU graduates started at a community college.
29 %
Of UC graduates started at a community college.
46 *%
Of Berkeley City College students are first-generation college students. (*Fall 2023)

Transfer Excellence

We are proud to be among the colleges with the highest rates of completion and transfer to the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems. Berkeley City College is a Champion of Higher Education for exemplary work in implementing and awarding the Associated Degree for Transfer (ADT), an Equity Champion for Higher Education for closing equity gaps in Latinx and African American transfers, and was recognized for Equitable Course Placement for English and Math by the Campaign for College Opportunity. With more than 100 degree and certificate programs, you are sure to discover a pathway that leads toward your goal. 

Career Education for Higher Wages

Berkeley City College's Career Education programs are tailored for career placements with high recruitment demands in industries that lead to higher living wages – because we believe that community college should provide opportunities for students to thrive in the Bay Area.  Our partnerships with local employers offer students internships and apprenticeships to gain experience while completing their certificate or degree.

Hear from BCC Students

I struggled to find a path in academia out of high school. Berkeley City College became a haven to explore my interest. The faculty and staff do an astounding job at getting students where they need to be, and the friends I made there some of the most supportive individuals on Earth.

Kristiyan Klichev
Transfered to UC Berkeley's HAAS School of Business

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Join Our Community

Ready to take the next step? Visit us to learn more about Berkeley City College's support services and get assistance with the enrollment process.