Maskay guide

Community Colleges Near Fresno: Admission, Tuition, English and Campuses

How to apply, estimate tuition, find aid and choose among Fresno City, Clovis, Reedley and Madera Community Colleges.

Maskay editorial team Updated

Public higher education in Fresno and nearby communities is spread across four colleges in the State Center Community College District: Fresno City, Clovis, Reedley and Madera. The district serves Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare counties, but each college has its own catalog, programs and locations. That distinction matters when applying: admission to a college does not automatically guarantee a place in a selective program or mean every class meets at the same campus.

The region’s campuses also reflect different histories. Fresno City College opened in 1910 and is the oldest; Reedley began in 1926 and developed a working farm for agricultural training; Clovis received independent-college status in 2015; Madera became California’s 116th community college in 2020. Their sites now serve students seeking university transfer, job certificates, technical training, basic education or English classes.

How to apply and what to check

The usual first step is a free application through CCCApply. State rules allow California residents with a high-school diploma or equivalent to apply to public community colleges; some adults over 18 without that credential may also qualify. Minors generally use special-admit or dual-enrollment procedures through their school. After applying, check college email, complete orientation and academic placement when required, apply for financial aid, and meet with an adviser before registration. Nursing, public-safety academies and other selective programs may add prerequisites, tests, background checks, separate applications or cohort start dates.

There are two broad academic routes. An associate or transfer degree usually requires at least 60 units; taking 15 units in each fall and spring semester makes two years a useful planning reference for some complete plans. It is not a fixed finish date: a different course load, repeated classes, prerequisites or courses offered only once a year can add time. Career certificates range from short sequences to several semesters. Madera, for example, says its LVN program takes three full-time semesters after admission requirements are met. Before comparing schools, review the degree map and count general-education and major units rather than relying on a degree title alone.

Tuition and financial aid

The published California resident enrollment fee is $46 per unit. Twelve units cost $552 for a semester before materials, books and other fees; completing 60 units in two years generally takes about 15 units per semester. Clovis Community College’s 2026–27 catalog lists an additional $342 per unit for nonresidents beginning in fall 2026, bringing the combined charge to $388 per unit. Actual costs vary with program, residency, fees, insurance, supplies and timing.

The California College Promise Grant can waive the state enrollment fee for eligible California residents. File FAFSA if you are a citizen or eligible noncitizen; students who meet AB 540 requirements generally review CADAA. One application can open consideration for Pell, California aid, work-study and fee waivers; none is automatic, and books, transportation and other charges may remain. Each college also lists foundation scholarships. Ask the financial-aid office to check your eligibility and semester deadlines.

Learning English before college-level classes

Students still learning English can ask Fresno City College about English for Multilingual Students (EMLS). Its current sequence includes academic reading and writing, grammar, pronunciation, listening and speaking at intermediate, high-intermediate and advanced levels. The Spring 2026 schedule shows credit and noncredit options, offered online, in person and in hybrid formats. Guided placement helps determine a starting level, and an adviser can explain how students progress toward English C1000 and career coursework. Reedley also provides ESL-specific advising and education planning. You do not have to wait for perfect English to ask for help, but confirm which levels and formats will be available next term.

Match the campus to your goal

Near central Fresno, Fresno City College — Main Campus brings together a broad degree, transfer and student-services offering. Southwest of downtown, West Fresno Center combines transferable general education with automotive, collision-repair and allied-health training. At East North Avenue, First Responders Campus focuses on public-safety academies and training. A course address should match the location of an appointment; the main campus and specialized centers are not interchangeable.

Northeast of central Fresno, Clovis Community College — Main Campus brings together labs, academic support, career pathways and transfer study. Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus has its own buildings and services; check where a class is offered because some programs serve only one site. Southeast of Fresno, Reedley College — Main Campus is known for agriculture, environmental and technical studies and its working farm beside the campus.

Farther north, Madera Community College — Main Campus combines career training, agriculture, manufacturing, truck driving and services such as a student food pantry and health center. Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus brings classes and remote-learning facilities to foothill communities; its term schedule may mix face-to-face courses with online instruction. Check the schedule before making the drive.

For travel within Fresno, use the maps and trip planner from Fresno Area Express with the exact campus address. Drivers can review district daily, semester and annual permits; authorization is required in campus lots. Sites outside Fresno, including Reedley, Madera and Oakhurst, require more travel planning, and students should not assume a direct bus connection between them.

A practical first step is to name the goal—transfer, associate degree, career certificate or English—and identify the college that offers it. Then compare the degree map, site, start date, course availability, aid and additional costs. A conversation with the right adviser can prevent a semester of classes that do not count toward that goal.

Bottom line

Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.

Editorial selection

Options to compare

These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.

01
Community college main campus

Fresno City College — Main Campus

1101 E University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741

At 1101 East University Avenue, just east of the Tower District, the campus brings together buildings from different periods, classrooms, a library, academic services and spaces for student activities. Fresno City College opened in 1910 as Fresno Junior College with twenty students and three instruc

Why it made the selection

A historic college with broad academic options, advising, admissions and student services at its main campus.

Verified: October 25, 2026
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02
Community college campus

Fresno City College — West Fresno Center

600 E Church Ave, Fresno, CA 93706

West Fresno Center brings Fresno City College classes and services to 600 East Church Avenue, in a residential and industrial area southwest of downtown. The 39-acre site has two buildings set among landscaped open space, a walking path and permanent outdoor fitness stations. Its purpose is practica

Why it made the selection

A 39-acre West Fresno site with transferable coursework, student services and career training in health and automotive fields.

Verified: October 25, 2026
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03
Career training campus

Fresno City College — First Responders Campus

3300 E North Ave, Fresno, CA 93725

At 3300 East North Avenue, the First Responders Campus provides training space for programs that need a different setting from a general academic campus. Fresno City College places its Police Academy and specialized officer courses here; the college also locates fire-technology and emergency-medical

Why it made the selection

A specialized center for police, fire and other emergency-response academies and training.

Verified: October 25, 2026
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04
Community college main campus

Clovis Community College — Main Campus

10309 N Willow Ave, Fresno, CA 93730

Clovis Community College’s main campus is at 10309 North Willow Avenue, within the City of Fresno despite the college’s name. It began as Willow International Community College Center and received independent-college status in 2015. Academic Centers One and Two bring together classrooms, laboratorie

Why it made the selection

The college’s northeast Fresno main campus combines advising, laboratories, a library and transfer and career programs.

Verified: October 25, 2026
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05
Community college campus

Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus

390 W Fir Ave, Clovis, CA 93611

Herndon Campus is at 390 West Fir Avenue in Clovis and is Clovis Community College’s second physical site. The college’s maps distinguish its buildings from the Academic Centers at the main campus, so the two addresses are not interchangeable. The hours-and-locations page lists both sites, while cam

Why it made the selection

Clovis Community College’s second instructional site, with an academic building and location-specific services to check before a visit.

Verified: October 25, 2026
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06
Community college main campus

Reedley College — Main Campus

995 N Reed Ave, Reedley, CA 93654

Reedley College is about 30 miles southeast of Fresno in the San Joaquin Valley, where orchards and agriculture shape the surrounding landscape. It opened in 1926 with 30 students and moved to its present site in 1956, on land associated with the historic T. L. Reed Ranch. The college describes a la

Why it made the selection

An agricultural and technical campus southeast of Fresno, with a working farm and seven academic pathways.

Verified: October 25, 2026
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07
Community college main campus

Madera Community College — Main Campus

30277 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93638

Madera Community College’s main campus is east of the city at 30277 Avenue 12, near State Route 99. It began as a Reedley College center in 1985 and became an independent college in 2020 after approval as California’s 116th community college. The site was developed to extend education in the norther

Why it made the selection

A newer district college with programs in agriculture, manufacturing, commercial driving, health and student support.

Verified: October 25, 2026
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08
Community college campus

Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus

40241 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Madera Community College at Oakhurst is at 40241 Highway 41, north of Fresno on the way toward Yosemite. It serves Oakhurst and nearby foothill communities, as well as residents of Mariposa County and Yosemite Valley. Courses began there in 1985; in 1996 the center moved to its current site in Oakhu

Why it made the selection

A small teaching site bringing classes, advising and learning rooms to Sierra Nevada foothill communities.

Verified: October 25, 2026
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Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  7. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  8. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  9. Official website of Fresno City College — West Fresno Center ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  10. Official website of Fresno City College — West Fresno Center ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  11. Official website of Fresno City College — West Fresno Center ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  12. Official website of Fresno City College — West Fresno Center ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  13. Official website of Fresno City College — West Fresno Center ↗ Primary source State Center Community College District · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  14. Official website of Fresno City College — West Fresno Center ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  15. Official website of Fresno City College — First Responders Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  16. Official website of Fresno City College — First Responders Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  17. Official website of Fresno City College — First Responders Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  18. Official website of Fresno City College — First Responders Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  19. Official website of Fresno City College — First Responders Campus ↗ Primary source State Center Community College District · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  20. Official website of Fresno City College — First Responders Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  21. Official website of Clovis Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  22. Official website of Clovis Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  23. Official website of Clovis Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  24. Official website of Clovis Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  25. Official website of Clovis Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  26. Official website of Clovis Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  27. Official website of Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  28. Official website of Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  29. Official website of Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  30. Official website of Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  31. Official website of Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  32. Official website of Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  33. Official website of Reedley College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Reedley College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  34. Official website of Reedley College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Reedley College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  35. Official website of Reedley College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Reedley College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  36. Official website of Reedley College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Reedley College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  37. Official website of Reedley College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Reedley College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  38. Official website of Reedley College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source State Center Community College District · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  39. Official website of Reedley College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Reedley College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  40. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  41. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  42. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  43. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  44. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  45. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source State Center Community College District · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  46. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  47. Official website of Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  48. Official website of Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  49. Official website of Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  50. Official website of Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  51. Official website of Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  52. Official website of Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus ↗ Primary source State Center Community College District · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  53. Official website of Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  54. Official website ↗ Primary source State Center Community College District · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  55. Official website ↗ Primary source California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  56. Official website ↗ Primary source California Community Colleges · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  57. Official website ↗ Primary source California Community Colleges · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  58. Official website ↗ Primary source California Community Colleges · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  59. Official website ↗ Primary source City of Fresno · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  60. Official website ↗ Primary source State Center Community College District · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  61. Official website ↗ Primary source California Community Colleges · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  62. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College — Main Campus · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  63. Official website of Fresno City College — West Fresno Center ↗ Primary source Fresno City College — West Fresno Center · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  64. Official website of Fresno City College — First Responders Campus ↗ Primary source Fresno City College — First Responders Campus · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  65. Official website of Clovis Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College — Main Campus · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  66. Official website of Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  67. Official website of Reedley College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Reedley College — Main Campus · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  68. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Madera Community College — Main Campus · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  69. Official website of Fresno City College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  70. Official website of Fresno City College — West Fresno Center ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  71. Official website of Fresno City College — First Responders Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  72. Official website of Clovis Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  73. Official website of Clovis Community College — Herndon Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  74. Official website of Madera Community College — Main Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  75. Official website of Madera Community College — Oakhurst Campus ↗ Primary source Clovis Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

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