Cerro Coso Community College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Cerro Coso Community College
Set against the high desert with the Sierra on the horizon, Cerro Coso Community College offers a practical, student-centered education. It's known for solid foundations in transfer-ready liberal arts, business, technology, and health fields. A library and focused labs back up the classrooms, while tutoring, advising, and a responsive career center keep students on track. You'll also find peer mentoring and thoughtful support for first-gen learners.
Student life leans active and outdoorsy. Clubs, student government, and low-key arts events pair with weekend hikes and clear-night stargazing. The culture feels welcoming and grounded, a little scrappy in the best way. Career prep shows up in resume workshops, employer talks, and ties to regional defense, energy, and healthcare work. Ridgecrest brings a tight-knit community and room to breathe. The college is known for serving far-flung learners and keeping online students in the conversation.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Cerro Coso Community College with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Liberal Arts (2)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $143,290 | +$48,820 (+51.7%) |
24.0103
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $143,290 | +$48,820 (+51.7%) |
Health (7)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0716
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
43-6013 | Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $45,580 | $48,270 | +$2,690 (+5.9%) |
51.0801
Medical/Clinical Assistant.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
31-9092 | Medical Assistants | $44,720 | $48,170 | +$3,450 (+7.7%) |
51.0904
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
29-2042 | Emergency Medical Technicians | $44,790 | $52,850 | +$8,060 (+18%) |
29-2043 | Paramedics | $60,610 | $74,630 | +$14,020 (+23.1%) |
51.1501
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-1011 | Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
21-1014 | Mental Health Counselors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $153,860 | +$15,960 (+11.6%) |
51.3901
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
29-2061 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $64,150 | $72,740 | +$8,590 (+13.4%) |
Human Sciences (5)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0708
Child Care and Support Services Management.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1192 | Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,450 | $161,740 | +$77,290 (+91.5%) |
25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $41,450 | $48,180 | +$6,730 (+16.2%) |
19.0709
Child Care Provider/Assistant.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostBac, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
39-9011 | Childcare Workers | $33,140 | $40,840 | +$7,700 (+23.2%) |
Computer & IT (9)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0101
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $156,900 | -$31,090 (-16.5%) |
15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | $103,520 | -$8,440 (-7.5%) |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | N/A | N/A |
15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $104,190 | -$31,700 (-23.3%) |
15-1242 | Database Administrators | $107,440 | $117,160 | +$9,720 (+9%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $167,530 | +$24,910 (+17.5%) |
15-1244 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $101,190 | $93,000 | -$8,190 (-8.1%) |
15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $123,010 | +$12,750 (+11.6%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $91,000 | -$20,450 (-18.3%) |
15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,700 | $86,380 | -$30,320 (-26%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $182,140 | +$76,310 (+72.1%) |
11.0103
Information Technology.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $156,900 | -$31,090 (-16.5%) |
15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | $103,520 | -$8,440 (-7.5%) |
15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $110,500 | -$17,230 (-13.5%) |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | N/A | N/A |
15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $104,190 | -$31,700 (-23.3%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $167,530 | +$24,910 (+17.5%) |
15-1252 | Software Developers | $144,570 | $132,770 | -$11,800 (-8.2%) |
15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $123,010 | +$12,750 (+11.6%) |
15-2051 | Data Scientists | $124,590 | $108,000 | -$16,590 (-13.3%) |
11.0701
Computer Science.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $156,900 | -$31,090 (-16.5%) |
15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $110,500 | -$17,230 (-13.5%) |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | N/A | N/A |
15-1231 | Computer Network Support Specialists | $79,610 | $72,290 | -$7,320 (-9.2%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | $167,530 | +$24,910 (+17.5%) |
15-1251 | Computer Programmers | $103,640 | $99,130 | -$4,510 (-4.4%) |
15-1252 | Software Developers | $144,570 | $132,770 | -$11,800 (-8.2%) |
15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $123,010 | +$12,750 (+11.6%) |
15-1254 | Web Developers | $98,790 | $108,450 | +$9,660 (+9.8%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $91,000 | -$20,450 (-18.3%) |
15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,700 | $86,380 | -$30,320 (-26%) |
15-2051 | Data Scientists | $124,590 | $108,000 | -$16,590 (-13.3%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $182,140 | +$76,310 (+72.1%) |
11.0801
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
15-1254 | Web Developers | $98,790 | $108,450 | +$9,660 (+9.8%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $91,000 | -$20,450 (-18.3%) |
25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,710 | $90,310 | +$21,600 (+31.4%) |
27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $167,850 | +$57,740 (+52.4%) |
27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $65,070 | -$3,540 (-5.2%) |
11.0901
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $156,900 | -$31,090 (-16.5%) |
15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | $103,520 | -$8,440 (-7.5%) |
15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $110,500 | -$17,230 (-13.5%) |
15-1231 | Computer Network Support Specialists | $79,610 | $72,290 | -$7,320 (-9.2%) |
15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $104,190 | -$31,700 (-23.3%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $182,140 | +$76,310 (+72.1%) |
Business (8)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0101
Business/Commerce, General.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $163,970 | -$98,960 (-37.6%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $120,130 | -$12,990 (-9.8%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $107,350 | -$53,580 (-33.3%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $99,420 | -$26,610 (-21.1%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $99,000 | -$15,520 (-13.6%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $123,920 | -$5,260 (-4.1%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $113,770 | -$2,240 (-1.9%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $123,050 | +$3,390 (+2.8%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $95,420 | +$8,360 (+9.6%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $84,080 | -$2,020 (-2.3%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $76,380 | +$5,760 (+8.2%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $87,950 | +$4,790 (+5.8%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $95,860 | -$12,240 (-11.3%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $87,720 | -$26,990 (-23.5%) |
13-2022 | Appraisers of Personal and Business Property | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $124,710 | +$10,870 (+9.5%) |
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $163,970 | -$98,960 (-37.6%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $120,130 | -$12,990 (-9.8%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $107,350 | -$53,580 (-33.3%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $99,420 | -$26,610 (-21.1%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $99,000 | -$15,520 (-13.6%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $123,920 | -$5,260 (-4.1%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $113,770 | -$2,240 (-1.9%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $241,990 | +$85,760 (+54.9%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $131,800 | -$28,680 (-17.9%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $152,670 | +$12,080 (+8.6%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $123,050 | +$3,390 (+2.8%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $95,420 | +$8,360 (+9.6%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $84,080 | -$2,020 (-2.3%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $76,380 | +$5,760 (+8.2%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $87,950 | +$4,790 (+5.8%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $77,800 | -$1,930 (-2.4%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $82,860 | -$4,740 (-5.4%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $95,860 | -$12,240 (-11.3%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $87,720 | -$26,990 (-23.5%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $86,950 | +$4,030 (+4.9%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $81,760 | -$10,620 (-11.5%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $124,710 | +$10,870 (+9.5%) |
52.0401
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
43-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | $71,560 | $67,980 | -$3,580 (-5%) |
43-4161 | Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $50,950 | $50,620 | -$330 (-0.6%) |
43-6011 | Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $77,060 | $78,180 | +$1,120 (+1.5%) |
43-6014 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $47,640 | $53,120 | +$5,480 (+11.5%) |
52.0703
Small Business Administration/Management.
(Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $76,380 | +$5,760 (+8.2%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0303
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
43-9031 | Desktop Publishers | $60,250 | $83,860 | +$23,610 (+39.2%) |
51-5111 | Prepress Technicians and Workers | $49,130 | $69,310 | +$20,180 (+41.1%) |
Law (3)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
22.0000
LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
23-2011 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $66,510 | $63,030 | -$3,480 (-5.2%) |
23-2099 | Legal Support Workers, All Other | $86,220 | $80,930 | -$5,290 (-6.1%) |
22.0302
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
23-2011 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $66,510 | $63,030 | -$3,480 (-5.2%) |
23-2093 | Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | $59,600 | $93,350 | +$33,750 (+56.6%) |
23-2099 | Legal Support Workers, All Other | $86,220 | $80,930 | -$5,290 (-6.1%) |
Production (3)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0508
Welding Technology/Welder.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y, AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
51-4121 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $55,100 | $56,930 | +$1,830 (+3.3%) |
51-4122 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,270 | $60,970 | +$11,700 (+23.7%) |
Psychology (1)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101
Psychology, General.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
19-3032 | Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $134,400 | $137,540 | +$3,140 (+2.3%) |
19-3033 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $106,850 | $116,710 | +$9,860 (+9.2%) |
19-3039 | Psychologists, All Other | $111,340 | $139,090 | +$27,750 (+24.9%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $57,450 | -$6,110 (-9.6%) |
25-1066 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,530 | $140,370 | +$46,840 (+50.1%) |
Security & Safety (3)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0103
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
25-1111 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,820 | $173,250 | +$88,430 (+104.3%) |
33-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $110,990 | $132,820 | +$21,830 (+19.7%) |
43.0107
Criminal Justice/Police Science.
(Cert<1y, Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1111 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,820 | $173,250 | +$88,430 (+104.3%) |
33-3011 | Bailiffs | $62,180 | N/A | N/A |
33-3021 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $98,770 | $95,330 | -$3,440 (-3.5%) |
33-3051 | Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | $79,320 | $102,120 | +$22,800 (+28.7%) |
33-9021 | Private Detectives and Investigators | $61,680 | $57,190 | -$4,490 (-7.3%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cerro Coso Community College
How much does it cost to attend Cerro Coso Community College?
The annual tuition at Cerro Coso Community College is $1,384 for in-state students and $10,264 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,322 for in-state students and $11,202 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,431 (off-campus) and books and supplies $938.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Cerro Coso Community College offer?
Cerro Coso Community College offers 62 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (9 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (8 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (7 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (5 programs)
- Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Cerro Coso Community College?
Cerro Coso Community College provides financial aid to 4% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,297 and average loans of $7,423.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,512
- State/Local grants: $2,236
- Institutional grants: $905
- Federal loans: $7,423
The university supports 135 students with grants and 2 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Cerro Coso Community College graduates?
Cerro Coso Community College graduates earn a median salary of $29,462 after 6 years and $34,963 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $15,774 (25th percentile) to $56,453 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $69,800 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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