• Central California's community colleges grant degrees in a number of fields.Books image by explicitly from Fotolia.com
  
  Central California's community colleges provide educational opportunities for students looking to earn two-year associate degrees or who prefer to begin a four-year program in a less intensive atmosphere than a traditional university. State residents also enjoy a low-cost tuition and the benefits of financial aid assistance. Located throughout the region, the community colleges in central California feature a number of student-life and athletics activities, as well.
  
  

Fresno City College

• Founded in 1910, Fresno City College is the oldest community college in California and the second oldest in the United States. Home to more than 19,000 students, the school's urban campus is located in northwestern Fresno. Degree programs include business, fine and performing arts, health sciences, humanities, math, physical and social sciences and engineering. The college also offers a 24-month weekend-only college that allows students to complete an associate program in liberal arts. Tutoring, counseling, health care and career coaching are available for all students. Child care is available on campus for students. The school offers study-abroad programs in China, Italy, England and the Galapagos Islands. More than 25 student clubs and organizations are located on campus, and there are 18 athletic teams for men and women.
  
  Fresno City College
  1101 E. University Ave.
  Fresno, CA 93704
  559-442-4600‎
  fresnocitycollege.com
  
  

College of the Sequoias

• Located in Visalia, the College of the Sequoias is home to more than 10,000 students and operates nine off-campus locations in the area. The college grants associate degrees and certificates in agriculture, architecture, business, fire science, math and engineering, law enforcement, nursing and health sciences and consumer family studies. In addition to state and federal financial aid, a work study program is available to help students cover the cost of tuition. The college offers a special first-year for program to help students select classes and succeed as freshmen. Student health, counseling, resume-writing assistance and interview coaching is available for all students. More than 30 student organizations are based on campus, as well as eight men's and 11 women's athletic teams.
  
  College of the Sequoias
  915 S. Mooney Blvd.
  Visalia, CA 93277
  559-730-3700
  cos.edu‎
  
  

Bakersfield College

• Established in 1911, Bakersfield College's three campuses have a combined enrollment of more than 15,000 students. The school's wide range of academic associate degree programs includes air-conditioning and refrigeration, American Sign Language, auto body, Chicano studies, food service management, political science, radiologic technology, theater and welding. Evening, weekend, online and and video courses are offered at the college to accommodate working adults. The college has 19 sports teams and more than 15 student organizations and clubs. The career center helps undecided students explore and discover their interests, and the school offers health care and a fitness center on campus. Child care is available for students who are parents.
  
  Bakersfield College
  1801 Panorama Drive
  Bakersfield, CA 93305
  661-395-4011
  bakersfieldcollege.edu‎