UNITED STATES · MARTINEZ
Contra Costa Community College District
public · Founded 1950 · Languages: en
In short
Contra Costa Community College District offers accessible and affordable higher education in California with multiple colleges serving diverse students. It provides pathways to university transfer and emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1950
- Students
- 6,249
- International students
- 600
- Tuition (intl)
- €9–9k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Martinez, United States
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) provides accessible and affordable higher education across three colleges: Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College (including San Ramon Campus), and Los Medanos College (including Brentwood Center). The district is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and promoting social mobility through education. 4CD offers a pathway for students to achieve academic success and contribute to their communities, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. International students can benefit from a welcoming community college system that offers various programs and pathways, including opportunities for high school students to earn early college credit. The district emphasizes sustainability, incorporating environmental literacy into its curriculum and operations, and offering internships in sustainability careers. Graduates from 4CD colleges contribute significantly to the local economy and society.
Why study here
- Access to affordable higher education with pathways to university transfer.
- No SAT or ACT scores required for admission, simplifying the application process.
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
- Opportunities for hands-on experience through sustainability internships and programs.
- Flexible admission deadlines for international students, including options for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Student life
The Contra Costa Community College District fosters a vibrant student life across its three colleges. Students are encouraged to engage in various campus activities, student government, and committees. The district emphasizes a commitment to social justice and aims to create environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive and achieve academic success. With multiple campuses, students have access to diverse communities and support services designed to enhance their educational journey and personal growth.
Fees
InternationalFor the 2026-2027 academic year, estimated costs for international students (I-20 Total) are $30,439 USD. This includes $10,728 for tuition and fees (based on 12 units per semester at $447 per unit), $11,700 for food and housing (Diablo Valley Homestay), $1,854 for books and other educational expenses, $1,238 for transportation, $3,030 for miscellaneous and personal expenses, and $1,889 for mandatory medical insurance. Note that 2026-2027 costs will be finalized in April.
Home—
Living—
Tuition and fees are based on 12 units per semester.
Admissions
Minimum Age16 years old and a high school graduate by the first semester
Application FormCompleted online application
PassportCopy of a valid passport (and dependent's passport, if applicable)
High School GraduationEvidence of secondary/high school graduation (transcript or expected graduation letter if under 18)
Financial SupportEvidence of financial support showing $30,439 USD (financial statement and sponsor form, if applicable)
Evidence of English Language ProficiencyRequired (specific tests and scores are detailed in the provided PDF guide)
University scholarships
International Student ScholarshipsLimited merit and need-based awards
Accreditation
Contra Costa Community College District operates under the California Community College system, adhering to statewide policies and frameworks.
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated costs for international students at Contra Costa Community College District?
+
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost for international students (I-20 Total) is $30,439 USD. This figure includes tuition, fees, food, housing, books, transportation, personal expenses, and mandatory medical insurance.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
+
International students must be at least 16 years old and a high school graduate by their first semester. The district does not require SAT or ACT scores, but proof of English proficiency, a copy of your passport, and evidence of financial support are necessary.
Does Contra Costa Community College District require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
+
No, the Contra Costa Community College District does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, simplifying the application process for international students.
What is the location of the Contra Costa Community College District?
+
The Contra Costa Community College District is located in Martinez, California. Its colleges and centers are spread across Contra Costa County, offering a blend of urban and suburban environments with access to major metropolitan areas and natural landscapes.
What opportunities are available for international students?
+
International students can benefit from affordable higher education, pathways to university transfer, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. There are also opportunities for hands-on experience through sustainability programs.
Last updated