Cerro Coso Community College

Cerro Coso Community College is a public two-year institution located in Ridgecrest, California, in a rural fringe area. The college enrolls 8,063 students (IPEDS 2023) and holds a quality score of 29.67 out of 100. Its completion rate is 26% (IPEDS 2023), with a retention rate of 50% (IPEDS 2023).

Cerro Coso offers certificate programs across healthcare and technical trades. Healthcare offerings include Medical/Clinical Assistant, Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary, and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training at both the short-term and two-year certificate levels. Technical programs include Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications and Welding Technology/Welder, also available at multiple credential levels.

Located in the Mojave Desert in Kern County, Cerro Coso Community College serves a geographically dispersed population that includes residents near the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The college provides workforce training in both healthcare and skilled trades for this rural region of California.