Academic Excellence 🎓

Pasadena City College is well-recognized as one of the top community colleges in California, with small class sizes and top-notch faculty committed to your success​. Whether your goal is to transfer to a four-year university or gain a professional qualification, our academic programs will set you on the right path. Here’s what makes PCC academically outstanding:

• Wide Range of Programs: Choose from 140+ associate degree programs across 100+ areas of study – from STEM and business to the arts and humanities​. No matter your passion, you’ll find a program that fits your goals, led by experienced professors who are experts in their fields.

• Top Transfer Opportunities: PCC is ranked in the top 10 among community colleges for transfers to the UC and CSU system​. We are a three-time finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, reflecting our commitment to quality​. Our students regularly transfer to prestigious universities: recent international alumni have continued their studies at UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, Cal Poly Pomona, and other top schools​. Through our Transfer Center and dedicated counseling, we’ll help you plan a smooth transition to your dream university.

• Renowned Faculty & Resources: Learn from highly qualified faculty who prioritize teaching and mentoring. With small class sizes, you’ll get personalized attention and support. PCC also offers modern labs, libraries, and learning centers to enrich your academic experience. You can even join the Honors Program or undergraduate research projects to challenge yourself academically.

Success Story: “When I look back at my time at PCC, they’re some of the fondest years of my academic experience... there’s a wealth of opportunities and a great supportive system to back you up in your goals.” – Ryan Liu, PCC Valedictorian who transferred to Yale University​. This is the kind of foundation PCC provides to help you achieve your highest ambitions!

Vibrant Student Life 🌟

Life at PCC is about more than classes – it’s about community, culture, and personal growth. You’ll enjoy a vibrant campus life filled with clubs, activities, and events that make your college experience exciting and enriching:

• 80+ Student Clubs & Organizations: With over 80 clubs and organizations, there’s something for everyone​! Whether you’re into cultural clubs, academic societies, student government, music and arts, sports, or community service, you’ll find your niche. From the International Student Club to the Robotics Club or Dance Team, PCC’s clubs meet the social, academic, and cultural interests of our diverse student body. It’s easy to get involved, make friends, and pursue your passions outside the classroom.

• Campus Events and Activities: The campus is always buzzing with events. Enjoy Club Rush fairs each semester where you can discover clubs​, multicultural festivals, talent shows, workshops, and guest lectures. Our Associated Students (student government) hosts College Hour events, and there are sports games (go Lancers!), theater productions, art exhibits, and more. You’ll also have access to athletic facilities, a state-of-the-art performing arts center, and opportunities to join intramural sports or the PCC Rose Parade Honor Band – a tradition that lets you participate in the famous Tournament of Roses Parade!

• Diversity & Inclusion: At PCC, you’ll meet students from all backgrounds – our college truly is a global community. We pride ourselves on our cultural diversity, with classmates hailing from dozens of countries around the world. In classes and clubs you’ll share experiences and learn from each other’s cultures. Our Intercultural Engagement Center and cultural student associations celebrate this diversity and make sure everyone feels at home. You’ll broaden your perspective and make friendships that span the globe.

The vibrant streets of Old Town Pasadena offer culture, dining, and entertainment – all just minutes from PCC’s campus, giving international students plenty to explore.

Plus, life in Pasadena is an adventure in itself. The campus is located in a beautiful, safe neighborhood of Pasadena, surrounded by world-class museums, cafes, and parks​. You’ll be close to Los Angeles attractions – from beaches and mountains to Hollywood – so you can enjoy weekend trips and immerse yourself in Southern California’s lifestyle. There’s always something exciting to do when you’re a PCC student!

Visa and Support Services 🤝

Moving to a new country for college is a big step – but at PCC, you’ll never be alone. We offer extensive support to make your transition to the U.S. and PCC as smooth as possible. Our International Student Center is dedicated to helping you every step of the way, from your visa application to graduation:

• Visa Application Assistance: Our International Admissions team provides guidance on the F-1 student visa process, I-20 issuance, and any paperwork you need to study in the U.S. We’ll help you understand the requirements and prepare for your visa interview. Once you’re at PCC, we continue to assist with maintaining your visa status, transfers, and any immigration questions. You have a one-on-one educational advisor to consult about visa, travel, or employment regulations – so you can focus on your studies while staying in status​.

• Dedicated International Advisors & Counselors: The International Student Center staff includes friendly advisors who can help with housing, health insurance, and personal matters as you adjust to life in California​. We also have International Academic Counselors with deep experience in helping international students plan their coursework. They will guide you in choosing classes, meeting transfer requirements, and achieving your academic goals​. With their support, you can confidently navigate the American education system.

• Peer Mentors & New Student Orientation: From day one, you’ll be connected with support networks. Our International Peer Leaders (IPLs) are fellow international students trained to mentor you​. They’ll share tips about campus life, local culture, and resources – giving you an “insider” perspective to help you feel at home. You’ll also attend “Jam” Orientation as part of our award-winning Pathways First Year Experience (FYE) program​. During orientation, you’ll meet other new students, learn about life at PCC and in Pasadena, and get set up for your classes. By the time classes start, you’ll already have friends and confidence!

• Ongoing Support Services: Throughout your time at PCC, we continue to offer specialized support. International students enjoy priority registration for classes (so you can get the courses you need)​, as well as free tutoring, English as a Second Language support if needed, and workshops on topics like study skills or university applications. Our counseling office and health center are here for you if you have any personal or health concerns. We even help connect you with local host families or housing options. In short, you’ll be fully supported academically, emotionally, and practically. We’re committed to being your “home away from home” while you pursue your dreams.

Affordability & Scholarships 💰

Achieving a great education in the U.S. doesn’t have to break the bank. PCC is an extremely cost-effective option for international students, offering excellent value compared to four-year universities in the U.S.:

• Lower Tuition Costs: As a community college, PCC’s tuition is a fraction of what universities charge. International students pay approximately $471 per unit (credit) in tuition and fees​. A typical full-time course load is 12 units per semester, which comes out to around $5,600 in tuition per semester – far more affordable than many universities that can cost tens of thousands of dollars per term. By starting your first two years at PCC, you can save tens of thousands of dollars on tuition while still receiving a top-quality education. It’s a smart way to invest in your future without heavy debt.

• Scholarships & Financial Support: While F-1 international students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, PCC offers scholarship opportunities to help you fund your studies​. Many of these scholarships are merit-based (rewarding good grades, community service, or leadership). In fact, many international students have been awarded scholarships at PCC​! The average scholarship ranges from $250 to $500 – a helpful boost toward expenses​. After you complete one year at PCC and excel academically, you can apply for these awards through the PCC Foundation and academic departments​. Additionally, PCC’s scholarship office can connect you with external scholarships for international students. We are proud to celebrate our students – recently, the PCC Foundation raised over $1.1 million for student scholarships, increasing the number of awards available each year​.

• Affordable Living: Pasadena offers a high quality of life at a lower cost than many big U.S. cities. The International Student Center can guide you on affordable housing options, whether it’s our homestay program, renting apartments with roommates, or living with relatives. Many students find part-time work on campus (eligible international students can work up to 20 hours/week on campus), which can help with personal expenses while also giving you professional experience. Plus, all PCC students get a transit pass for discounted public transportation, making it easy and cheap to get around Los Angeles​.

In short, PCC lets you invest in an American education wisely – getting the same transfer credits and knowledge as the first two years of university, but at a much lower cost. We believe finance should not be a barrier to your dreams, and we’ll help you find ways to make college affordable through our resources and guidance.

Career Opportunities & Success 💼

Your journey at PCC will prepare you not just for a degree, but for a successful career in the global workforce. We provide numerous opportunities for you to gain real-world experience, build your resume, and connect with future employers:

• Career Center Services: PCC’s Robert G. Freeman Center for Career and Completion is here to guide you from day one. The Career Center helps students with career and major exploration, internship and job searches, résumé writing, and interview preparation​. You can attend career workshops, job fairs, and one-on-one career counseling sessions. Not sure what career suits you? We’ll help you assess your strengths and interests. Ready to find a job or internship? We’ll teach you networking skills and even connect you with local employers. By the time you graduate or transfer, you’ll have a clear career plan and the skills to pursue it.

• Internships & Work Experience: Learning extends beyond the classroom at PCC. We encourage students to gain practical experience through internships and work-based learning. Our location in the Los Angeles area means plenty of internship opportunities in tech, entertainment, business, healthcare, and more. In fact, PCC offers special programs like “Intern Pasadena,” an 8-week paid summer internship program designed exclusively for our students​. Through Intern Pasadena, you can gain hands-on experience, expand your skills, and make industry connections – all while earning a stipend​. Additionally, international students can work part-time on-campus (in labs, library, offices, etc.) which not only helps with expenses but also builds your experience and confidence. We also assist eligible students with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization for internships related to their field of study, and offer guidance on Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing your PCC program.

• University & Industry Partnerships: PCC’s strong reputation means we have partnerships with local businesses and universities. Many PCC programs include service learning or internship components. Our faculty often invite industry professionals to speak on campus or mentor students. As an international student, you can tap into our alumni network and connections – for example, PCC alumni work at companies like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, Warner Bros., hospitals, and startups in the area. The experience and network you build here can open doors worldwide.

• Results and Alumni Success: Thanks to our career-focused approach, PCC graduates and transfer students go on to achieve great success. Employers love hiring PCC students because they’re well-prepared, and universities recognize the quality of a PCC education. You’ll find PCC international student alumni working in their home countries and across the globe in rewarding careers. Our goal is to give you the tools and opportunities so that you can succeed anywhere. From polishing your LinkedIn profile to landing that coveted internship, we’ve got your back every step of the way.

Choosing Pasadena City College means choosing a launchpad for your dreams. You’ll be part of a supportive, dynamic community that celebrates your heritage and helps you grow. PCC combines academic excellence, an inclusive and fun student life, comprehensive support services, affordability, and strong career preparation – everything you need for an inspiring and successful college experience.

Are you ready to join the Lancer family and start your journey at PCC? We’re excited to welcome you!

Think big. Be great. Choose PCC – and let your future begin.​