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Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA·Public·18,710 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want a large campus community and in-state California residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 18,710 students.

N/A
Accept
18,710
Students
N/A
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$36,600
Earnings
10 yr
$8,447
Debt

About This School

Cerritos College is a public institution located in Norwalk, California with approximately 18,710 undergraduate students enrolled. In-state tuition is $1,364 per year. Typical graduates earn $36,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Cerritos College is a public community college in Norwalk, California, United States. It was established in 1955 after a collective regional effort through a landmark vote by residents across seven distinct school districts in the Gateway Cities of Southeast Los Angeles.

Worth considering if you're looking for an affordable two-year stepping stone in the LA area — with median debt at graduation of just $8,447, you won't be buried in loans while you figure out your next move. That said, the median earnings of $36,600 a decade after enrollment are modest, so this school makes the most sense as a transfer launchpad to a four-year university rather than a terminal degree destination. If you're disciplined about using it that way, the low cost and large 18,000+ student community offer real value.

Founded
1955

Notable Alumni

Bobby McFerrinJohn CorbettCindy SheehanMarcelo BalboaHan Ye-seulYoo Seung-junGrace NapolitanoJoe GibbsJohn SaulPoncho Sanchez

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$1,364
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,004
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$8,447

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$8,447
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$8,447
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White10%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino70%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (18,710 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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