Skip to content
Public, 4-year

Cerritos College

Norwalk, California · www.cerritos.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$12,004

In-state $1,364

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

21,859

Student-faculty ratio 26:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

28.9%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 35.7%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Cerritos College, located in Norwalk, California, is a distinguished community college that has been serving students since its establishment in 1955. The college is known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and diverse academic programs that cater to various student interests and career goals. With over 100 degree and certificate programs, Cerritos College offers a wide range of fields to choose from, including business, health sciences, engineering, and the arts. The college is particularly recognized for its strong workforce development initiatives, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the job market upon graduation.

The campus is not only equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and a library, but it also fosters a vibrant student life through various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs. Cerritos College emphasizes the importance of community engagement and encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities that enhance their learning experience. The college's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is reflected in its supportive environment, making it a welcoming place for students from all backgrounds. Notable alumni from Cerritos College have gone on to achieve significant success in various fields, contributing to the college's reputation as a stepping stone for future leaders and innovators.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Cerritos College

Cerritos College, a public institution, has demonstrated notable trends in several key metrics over the years. One of the most significant aspects is the tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. While in-state tuition has remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from $1,346 in 2014 to $1,364 in 2023, the out-of-state tuition has seen a marked increase from $7,114 to $10,324 during the same period. This represents a 45% rise over nine years, reflecting the growing financial burden on out-of-state students.

The graduation rates are another area of interest. In 2013, the on-time graduation rate was a mere 5.7%, but this rate has made a remarkable leap to 15.2% by 2023. The 150% graduation rate also improved, climbing from 20.5% to 33.2%. This positive trend suggests that the college has implemented effective strategies to enhance student retention and support, underscored by the retention rate, which fluctuated over the years but remained relatively high, at around 65.7% in 2023.

Additionally, the gender ratio among undergraduate students shows a gradual shift. In 2023, males comprised approximately 47.2% of the undergraduate population, a slight increase from 44.6% in 2013, indicating a more balanced enrollment. This shift may reflect broader societal changes in higher education demographics.

Overall, Cerritos College is making strides in improving its graduation rates and managing student demographics, while also facing challenges related to increasing tuition for out-of-state students. These trends are vital for prospective students and policymakers as they evaluate the institution's effectiveness and accessibility.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Los Angeles, about 20 mi
Nearest international airport
Long Beach International Airport (LGB), about 6 mi
Norwalk, California
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Jose Fierro (President)
Phone
5628602451
City
Norwalk, California
Address
11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650-6298

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3,4928 international (0.2%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
1316
Business Administration and Management, General
365
Psychology, General
185
Biological and Physical Sciences
180
Economics, General
166
Child Care Provider/Assistant
97
Sociology, General
93
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
78
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
62
Welding Technology/Welder
53

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Cerritos College 2023

The graduation data from Cerritos College for 2023 reveals significant insights into the trends in various academic programs. Notably, programs in the humanities and arts are represented, yet they show a marked contrast in graduation numbers compared to vocational and technical fields.

For instance, the Child Care Provider/Assistant program has a substantial graduation count of 129 students, highlighting the growing demand for professionals in early childhood education. This aligns with national trends emphasizing the importance of child development and education, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery where childcare services are crucial for working families.

In the arts sector, while programs like Cinematography and Film/Video Production and Drama and Dramatics show graduation numbers of 16 and 8 respectively, they indicate a smaller cohort compared to vocational disciplines. This disparity may reflect the competitive nature of these fields, where fewer students may pursue degrees due to the high stakes involved in securing employment in the entertainment industry.

Interestingly, there are no international students graduating in various programs, suggesting potential barriers for non-domestic students in accessing these courses, or perhaps a lack of awareness about the opportunities available at Cerritos College. This could be an area for the college to explore further, possibly enhancing outreach and support for international applicants.

Overall, the data paints a picture of a diverse educational environment, with certain fields showing robust growth, while others remain underrepresented. This presents an opportunity for Cerritos College to strategize on program offerings and support structures to better meet the needs of its student population and the job market.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 1320 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.-
Businesshas 509 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.$46,963
Office Management and Supervision.$46,963
Retail Management.$46,963
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Small Business Administration/Management.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Real Estate.-
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General.-
Social sciencehas 290 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
Geography.-
International Relations and Affairs.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Social Sciences, Other.-
Psychology has 185 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 180 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Health professionshas 180 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.-
Dental Assisting/Assistant.$78,598
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.$78,598
Medical/Clinical Assistant.$57,573
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant.$57,573
Physical Therapy Assistant.$57,573
Athletic Training/Trainer.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.-
Human science has 100 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care and Support Services Management.-
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Visual and Performing artshas 94 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Dance, General.-
Graphic Design.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.-
Photography.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Drawing.-
Ceramic Arts and Ceramics.-
Music, General.-
Homeland security has 78 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Communication has 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Journalism.-
Radio and Television.-
Precision production has 62 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.-
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Cabinetmaking and Millwork.-
Culinary has 59 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.-
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General.-
Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager.-
Computer and information sciencehas 45 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, General.-
Computer Science.-
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 42 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
English has 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
Legal professionshas 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.$64,743
Biologyhas 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Zoology/Animal Biology.-
Engineeringhas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Physical scienceshas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Physics, General.-
Public administrationhas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Human Services, General.-
History has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
Mechanic and repair has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician.-
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Communications technologies has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Recording Arts Technology/Technician.-
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.-
Foreign languages has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Chinese Language and Literature.-
French Language and Literature.-
Spanish Language and Literature.-
American Sign Language (ASL).-
Engineering technologieshas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General.-
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.-
Cultural has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Women's Studies.-
Architecture has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Architectural Technology/Technician.-
Philosophy has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Philosophy.-
Educationhas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education.-

Students

21,859 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 46:54 · Freshman retention 67.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (21,859)

Hispanic
14,898 · 68.2%
White
2,516 · 11.5%
Asian
1,745 · 8.0%
Black
1,384 · 6.3%
Unknown
692 · 3.2%
Two or more races
468 · 2.1%
International
58 · 0.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
12.3%
18–19
23.3%
20–21
13.8%
22–24
11.6%
25 and over
39.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Cerritos College in 2023

The data from Cerritos College for the year 2023 reveals interesting insights into the student demographics across various classifications. Firstly, the total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 3,925, with a slight male majority at 51.3% compared to 48.7% for females. This indicates a relatively balanced gender distribution among incoming students, which is crucial for fostering an inclusive educational environment.

In contrast, the undergraduate juniors represent a much larger population of 11,990 students, where females make up a majority at 53.1%, while males account for 46.9%. This shift in gender ratio may reflect broader societal trends where female students are increasingly pursuing higher education, possibly influenced by rising educational attainment among women in recent years.

Moreover, the undergraduate transfer students number 2,086, with a majority of 53.9% being female. This consistent trend across different undergraduate categories suggests that female students are not only entering college but are also successfully transferring to institutions like Cerritos College, which is commendable.

Lastly, the data for graduate students shows a significant female representation at 59.9%. The higher percentage of female graduate students underscores the growing importance of advanced degrees among women, aligning with national trends where women increasingly pursue professional and graduate education.

Overall, Cerritos College's demographic data reflects changing patterns in higher education, with increasing female representation across all student classifications, indicating a positive step toward gender balance in academic environments.

Age Demographics at Cerritos College in 2023

The age composition of students at Cerritos College in 2023 reveals interesting trends in enrollment across various age groups. Notably, the largest demographic is found in the 18-19 age bracket, with 2,385 male undergraduates and 2,346 female undergraduates, making up approximately 48% of the total student body. This is consistent with national trends, where younger students increasingly pursue higher education immediately after high school.

As we move up in age groups, there is a gradual decline in the number of students, particularly among traditional college-aged individuals. For instance, the 20-21 age group accounts for 1,425 male undergraduates and 1,504 female undergraduates, which suggests that the majority of students still fall within the typical age range for college attendance. However, it is noteworthy that the population decreases significantly in the 30-34 age group, with 885 males and 1,009 females, indicating that many students may be completing their education earlier or opting out of traditional paths.

The presence of older students is evident in the 40-49 and 50-64 age categories, where there are 490 and 269 males respectively, and 803 and 443 females respectively. This could reflect a growing trend of adult learners returning to education, driven by factors such as career changes or the need for upskilling in a rapidly evolving job market.

Overall, Cerritos College's demographic data points to a diverse student population, with a notable representation of younger students, while also accommodating the needs of older learners, aligning with the broader trends in higher education today.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.3%

58 in 2025 · 0.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.7%2017: 0.7%2018: 0.8%2019: 0.6%2020: 0.5%2021: 0.5%2022: 0.4%2023: 0.1%2024: 0.2%2025: 0.3%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Cerritos College

The data on international student enrollment at Cerritos College reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in undergraduate admissions. From 2004 to 2009, there was a steady increase in the number of international students, peaking at 855 students in 2009. This represents a notable rise in the percentage of international students among undergraduates, reaching 3.68%. However, beginning in 2013, there was a sharp decline in the number of international students, with figures plummeting to just 171 that year, which is a stark contrast to previous years.

The decline continued with numbers reaching as low as 28 international students by 2023, marking only 0.14% of the total undergraduate population. This trend raises concerns about the factors contributing to the decreasing attractiveness of Cerritos College for international students, which could potentially include changes in immigration policies, global travel restrictions, or increased competition from other institutions.

Moreover, the absence of data regarding graduate students throughout this period indicates a lack of international graduate enrollment, which could further reflect the college's overall appeal to foreign students. The decline in international student numbers may have broader implications for the college, including impacts on diversity, cultural exchange, and financial support that international tuition can provide.

In conclusion, the significant drop in international student enrollment at Cerritos College calls for a deeper investigation, as maintaining a diverse student body is crucial for enriching the educational environment and sustaining the institution's global connections. Addressing the underlying issues that deter international students will be essential for the college's future growth and reputation.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$34,092

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$12,004
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$1,364
Room and board
$22,088
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 51% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 85%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$316M

Government grants and contracts
$285M90.4%
Tuition and fees
$9.9M3.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.5M0.8%
Investment return
-$3.6M-1.1%
Other
$21.7M6.9%

Expenses$287M

Instruction
$104M36.1%
Institutional support
$62.5M21.8%
Scholarships
$37.8M13.2%
Student services
$23.1M8.0%
Academic support
$19.2M6.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$7.6M2.6%
Public service
$1.4M0.5%
Research
$1.1M0.4%
Other
$30.6M10.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$132,664peers $68,588
Professor
$138,188peers $79,972
Associate professor
$126,696peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$118,370peers $62,785
Lecturer
$59,967peers $51,591

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
2025
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football115-
Wrestling5940
Track and Field (Outdoor)5633
Soccer3825
Baseball37-
Cross Country2610
Water Polo2214
Swimming2114
Basketball1812
Beach Volleyball-23
Volleyball-21
Softball-19
2024
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football111-
Wrestling5625
Track and Field (Outdoor)4229
Soccer3220
Water Polo2117
Cross Country2215
Baseball33-
Basketball229
Swimming and Diving (combined)1910
Beach Volleyball-21
Volleyball-19
Softball-16
2023
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football124-
Track and Field (Outdoor)4036
Wrestling4919
Baseball67-
Soccer3421
Swimming1718
Basketball2012
Water Polo1912
Cross Country1711
Softball-19
Volleyball-16

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Cerritos College:

  1. University of Southern California - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, USC is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles. It is known for its strong programs in business, cinema, and engineering.

  2. California State University-Long Beach - With a ranking of 105, CSULB is part of the California State University system and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, known for its diverse student body and vibrant campus life.

  3. University of California-Irvine - Ranked 33rd, UCI is recognized for its research contributions and rigorous academic programs, especially in the fields of science and engineering.

  4. California Institute of Technology - A prestigious institution ranked 7th in the nation, Caltech is renowned for its strength in science and engineering, attracting top students and faculty.

  5. Claremont McKenna College - This highly-regarded liberal arts college ranks 11th and is known for its strong emphasis on economics and government studies, providing a close-knit community and personalized education.

  6. Harvey Mudd College - Ranked 16th, Harvey Mudd is a premier engineering and science college offering a unique liberal arts education, preparing students for leadership roles in STEM fields.

These institutions provide a wealth of academic opportunities and are excellent choices for students seeking higher education in the Cerritos area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
8
Motor vehicle theft
6
Fondling
1
Drug arrests
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Cerritos College: A Declining Pattern

The crime statistics from Cerritos College over the past decade reveal a significant decline in incidents per 1,000 students. Starting from a rate of 1.93 in 2013, the college experienced fluctuations in crime rates until reaching an impressive low of 0.21 in 2022. This trend is encouraging for students and parents alike, suggesting that the campus environment has become increasingly safer.

The data indicates that while there were various types of arrests and offenses reported, the most notable decline was observed in gun-related arrests and drug-related incidents. For instance, the arrest rate for gun-related offenses saw a decrease from 3 incidents on campus in 2013 to none in the subsequent years, reflecting the college's commitment to ensuring a secure learning environment. Additionally, the overall number of arrests and incidents has dropped considerably, indicating effective crime prevention strategies and community awareness.

Interestingly, the year 2020 showcased an unprecedented low, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and a shift to online learning, which contributed to fewer on-campus activities. As students returned in 2021, the crime rates remained low, reinforcing the notion that the college has effectively implemented measures to enhance campus safety.

Overall, these statistics paint a positive picture of Cerritos College's crime management efforts. The persistent decline in crime rates underscores the importance of community engagement and robust safety protocols in educational institutions. For more details on calculating crime rates, you can visit this link.

Notable Alumni

All 24

Notable alumni of Cerritos College include Bobby McFerrin (Jazz vocalist, composer and conductor), John Corbett (American actor and country singer) and Cindy Sheehan (American antiwar activist).

See all 24 notable alumni of Cerritos College →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.