San Bernardino County does not have a single community-college system for every address. The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) is the natural starting point for many residents in the central and east valley: it operates San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino and Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa. SBCCD also serves communities in Riverside County. Other districts and colleges serve parts of San Bernardino County, so a student in the High Desert, the southwest, or the far east should compare the official service-area map and campus locations before choosing. This guide explains SBCCD’s two credit colleges; it is not a countywide assignment of college eligibility.
For either campus, start with an online application through California Community Colleges’ OpenCCC/CCCApply route, then follow the college’s current new-student steps. Applicants typically establish an account, complete orientation, use placement or guided self-placement where required, meet with counseling to build an education plan, and register for classes. Admission to the college and entry to a particular program are separate: selective health, public-safety and other career programs may require prerequisites, applications or additional screening. Check the current catalog and schedule for the exact program and term. The official SBVC application and enrollment page links to the steps; Crafton’s new-student page describes its process.
California residents pay a published enrollment charge of $46 per semester unit at both colleges, before campus and program fees. A typical three-unit class therefore starts at $138 in enrollment charges; a full-time year of 24 units is $1,104 at that rate. Mandatory health, transportation, student representation or campus fees, textbooks, tools, uniforms, laboratory supplies and licensing expenses can raise the bill. SBVC’s 2026–27 cost-of-attendance budget lists $612 in fees for a typical six-or-more-unit semester, but that budget figure is not the tuition rate alone. Non-California residents may owe additional per-unit tuition and capital-outlay charges, with exceptions tied to enrollment and status. Review the current fee schedule and the cost-of-attendance worksheet before calculating a personal total.
Financial aid can change what a student actually pays. SBCCD directs eligible students to file the federal FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA); California residents may also qualify for the California College Promise Grant, which waives enrollment fees. The district reports that nearly eight in ten students pay no tuition after completing an aid application, and its facts page says 1,700 students benefit from the Free College Promise. These are districtwide figures, not a guarantee for an individual applicant. SBVC’s Valley-Bound Commitment advertises a first year with tuition, fees and books covered for eligible local high-school graduates, but the posted 2026–27 application deadline has passed. Ask the college about the next cycle and current conditions; do not count on an award until it is confirmed. Crafton offers free FAFSA/CADAA help and explains how a Promise Grant filing applies when a student takes courses at both colleges.
Students who are still learning English have options, but the programs differ. SBVC’s ESL department uses guided self-placement and assessment to direct students toward noncredit or credit English classes; its course sequence includes beginning integrated skills and composition-focused levels. Crafton’s noncredit ESL/Multilingual program has four levels from low-intermediate through advanced and is designed to build everyday, workplace and academic literacy, including a bridge toward English 101. Crafton states that it does not offer a beginner level and recommends a local adult school for learners who are not yet ready. Noncredit ESL has no tuition, although transportation, books or other personal costs may remain. Start with the SBVC ESL enrollment information or Crafton’s multilingual program page, then ask where the next class meets.
Career options range from transfer-focused associate degrees to short certificates and applied bachelor’s study. SBVC lists more than 200 degrees and certificates, including nursing, aviation maintenance, automotive technology, welding, cybersecurity, water resources, public safety, business, child development and media. It also offers a bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Management. Crafton lists more than 50 majors and career programs across liberal arts, sciences, technical studies and health; examples include emergency medical services, fire technology and respiratory care, with a bachelor’s pathway in Respiratory Care. An associate degree in California requires at least 60 semester units. That often translates to about two academic years for a student taking a steady full-time load and following a mapped plan, but prerequisites, course availability, work schedules and selective-program sequences can extend the calendar. Certificates have their own unit and clock-hour plans. Use each college’s catalog and program map rather than treating “two years” as a promise.
SBVC’s location at 701 South Mount Vernon Avenue is an urban campus with a library, planetarium, health services, kinesiology and athletics complex, student services, career and technical buildings, and parking lots. Fall and spring student permits are listed at $45 per semester, with a $3 daily permit; the college also lists remote parking lots and a shuttle. Crafton sits at 11711 Sand Canyon Road in Yucaipa. Its campus map and service directory include a fitness center, library, tutoring, food pantry, health and wellness, career services, student accessibility and transfer support. Crafton requires a permit during posted weekday enforcement hours; the district’s current parking page lists the same $45 semester and $3 daily student prices. Check the relevant campus map and permit rules before driving, and use the actual course address when planning transit or a visit.
The district dates to 1926, when voters established the junior-college district that became SBCCD. Valley’s first classes were held in local high schools before its Mount Vernon campus developed; Crafton Hills began serving the Yucaipa and east-valley region in the early 1970s. The colleges now operate as separate institutions within one district, with shared administrative systems but distinct programs, class schedules and campus services. A practical first visit is to admissions or a campus welcome point with a photo ID and questions about the intended major, English placement, aid and class location. Before enrolling, compare the district service area with your home address, decide whether you need credit or noncredit study, submit FAFSA or CADAA if applicable, and ask an adviser which courses actually run next term. The two profiles below describe the campuses separately so a student can choose by program and location, not just by district name.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus
701 South Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410
San Bernardino Valley College sits on South Mount Vernon Avenue, south of downtown San Bernardino. Its campus brings general education and transfer courses together with specialized learning spaces for nursing, aviation maintenance, automotive technology, welding, media, water programs and public sa
An urban public college with more than 200 degree and certificate options, technical labs, nursing, athletics, a planetarium and a bachelor’s pathway in water resources.
Crafton Hills College — Main Campus
11711 Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Crafton Hills College is based at 11711 Sand Canyon Road in Yucaipa, serving students from the east-valley communities of the SBCCD district. Its setting is distinct from a city-center college: programs, student services and parking are organized across a campus reached from Sand Canyon Road. Crafto
A Yucaipa campus with more than 50 majors, allied-health and fire programs, a multilingual noncredit English sequence, fitness center and student support services.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
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San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
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San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of San Bernardino Valley College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Crafton Hills College — Main Campus ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Community College District · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
San Bernardino Valley College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Crafton Hills College · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 27, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.