The state of the system is strong! 2025 was a year of continued progress for California Community Colleges, with enrollment gains and renewed momentum. In early 2025, we reviewed and strengthened Vision 2030 to ensure it continues to meet California’s evolving needs and opportunities. That work culminated in the adoption of the July 2025 Edition of Vision 2030, which reaffirmed the system’s strategic goals and provided space to reflect on the meaningful progress achieved to date. The updated plan sharpens priorities around equity, digital transformation, and workforce alignment, ensuring our system remains future-focused and centered on student success.
California’s community colleges are built on the simple but powerful idea that education transforms lives and strengthens communities. Across our 116 colleges, that idea becomes reality as students trust us to provide opportunity with clear pathways to a better future. This trust is reflected in the remarkable progress we have made together. Enrollment is climbing, and programs are preparing learners for the jobs of tomorrow.
During the 2024–25 academic year, undergraduate enrollment nationwide grew by 2.4%, with community colleges seeing a 4% increase. California Community Colleges outpaced these trends, growing by 4.6% and bringing total enrollment to more than 2.2 million students. This progress reflects the system’s momentum and focus on expanding access, advancing equity, and strengthening pathways to opportunity for every Californian.
Enrollment gains among Latino, Black/African American, and Native American students exceeded annual targets, as did enrollments for dual enrollment, foster youth, veterans, and justice-involved learners. We are also strengthening California’s workforce by expanding opportunities through Credit for Prior Learning, apprenticeships, and Career Technical Education noncredit programs, helping students gain skills and credentials that connect directly to high-demand careers.
While completion metrics still reflect pandemic-era disruptions, degree and certificate attainment remain near historic highs, and we anticipate continued improvement as Vision 2030 initiatives take hold. Our colleges are mobilizing to help the state reach its goal of 70% postsecondary attainment by 2030, aligning with priorities in healthcare, education, STEM, and climate resilience.
The work ahead has a clear direction. We will sustain enrollment momentum and scale innovation. This includes expanding dual enrollment, investing in community AI literacy, and strengthening pathways for working adults and underserved communities. By leveraging the collective strength of our colleges, we will ensure that every Californian has access to education that leads to economic mobility and family-sustaining wages.
Explore the State of the System 2025 Data Report and learn more about Vision 2030.
