University of California:

The University of California (UC) system emphasizes academic theory, research, and graduate studies. The system grants Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. Academic study areas at UC span more than 150 disciplines from agriculture to zoology. Ten percent of all Ph.D.'s awarded in the United States come from UC. In general, the UC system accepts only full-time day students at the undergraduate level. Exceptions are occasionally granted for students with extenuating circumstances and/or financial difficulties.

California State University:

The California State University (CSU) system emphasizes the learning of specific knowledge and the application of this knowledge to meet professional and occupational goals. The CSU's offer more than 1,600 Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in some 240 subject areas. Many of these programs are offered so that students can complete all upper-division and graduate requirements by part-time late afternoon and evening study. In addition, a variety of teaching and school service credential programs are available. For those students not eligible for admission to the CSU at the end of high school or for students who prefer to begin at a California Community College, a student must complete at least 56 CSU transferable units with a 2.0 grade point average. Some majors are "impacted"(more competitive), and require higher grade point averages and specific course preparation. Each campus in the system has its own unique geographic and curricular character. Currently there are 22 CSU campuses with the 23rd campus, CSU Channel Islands in Ventura County, to begin operations in the late 1990's.

Private Colleges and Universities:

Private colleges and universities, often called independent institutions, offer a diversity of educational programs and opportunities. There are great differences in size, educational purpose and emphasis among the more than seventy independent colleges and universities in the state of California. The private colleges and universities are the most expensive type of higher education in California because they are not state funded. For example, the 1997-98 cost in tuition and fees to attend the University of Southern is $20,590.

California Community Colleges:

There are over 100 community colleges in California. The California Community Colleges offer certificates, Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees, courses that lead to transfer and many other courses that meet the needs of the diverse communities that the colleges serve. Community Colleges are "open access" which means any student 18 years or older can attend. Each college varies in the fields of concentrations (i.e., majors) that are offered. For instance,
LBCC offers Aviation (Professional Pilot) and other colleges may not offer that major.