Copper Mountain Community College (CMC, CMC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Copper Mountain College, one of the smallest members of California’s community college system, has been a unique educational institution since the early days of its planning. In the early 1980s, residents of the desert area surrounding Joshua Tree, California began to work on making this tiny campus – then part of the College of the Desert – into its own institution. Much has changed since 1984, when President Reagan recognized this achievement by the foundation, but Copper Mountain College remains an educational institution committed to building an independent and strong college for students with the help of the community.

Information Summary

Ranks 282nd in California and 2932nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	51.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$3,029
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	18 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	65% / 36%
Enrollment Total (all students)	1,748

Academics

As a California Community College, the school offers two-year degrees and certificates, with the option for students to transfer and complete a four-year degree at a baccalaureate institution.

Automotive Technology programs include certificates in Transmissions, Air Conditioning, Automotive Electrical Systems, Brake Technology, Emission Control, Engine Performance & Rebuilding and Alignment & Suspension. Students can also get 2-year degrees and certificates in Adobe Applications, HTML Content Development and Dreamweaver Web Content Development.

The Health Sciences Department offers the Associate Degree Nursing Program, the Vocational Nursing Program, the Nursing Assistant Program, the Home Health Aide Program and training as an Emergency Medical Technician.

In addition, 2-year programs in the Arts & Sciences may be available depending on the level of enrollment and appropriate staffing. Students may begin pursuing degrees in Art, English, Anthropology, Theatre Arts, History, Mathematics, Psychology and more. The administration recommends checking on the school’s current schedule for up-to-date information on classes being offered.

Accreditation comes from the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Students must demonstrate residency (minimum one-year in state of CA) to attend at in-state tuition prices. Otherwise, out-of-state prices will apply. Students can complete the application for admission online. High school students may attend classes with school approval.

Proof of high school diploma or GED/Home School equivalence must be demonstrated by students to receive college credit. After the application is received, students will be required to take assessment tests to determine class placement and course of study. Once these steps take place, students will go to an orientation session and enroll in courses.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to all students who qualify under the federal guidelines. The first step to financial aid awards is completing the FAFSA online. Afterwards, students will be asked to complete a Financial Aid Data Sheet. Applications will be accepted after January 1st and the deadline for California grants falls in early March. Other awards may have deadlines earlier in the year, so students are encouraged to observe all dates carefully.

Federal and state grants (not requiring repayment) may be awarded to students with need. In some cases, supplemental grants can help pay for living expenses. Student and parent loans with deferred interest, along with Work Study jobs, may also be available to students who qualify.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6916th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in California.

Students

Students at Copper Mountain become part of a close-knit community known for its laid-back, desert style. Aside from Student Government Clubs, there are literary and Christian groups established on campus, along with a student newspaper called the Coyote Informer. The Associate Students schedule regular happenings on behalf of the student body.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Local Community

Located just outside of the Joshua Tree National Park area, the campus is set in a very interesting environment. Plenty of opportunities for hiking and sightseeing exist just off campus. There is also a tortoise sanctuary right near the center of campus, which had forced the college to change its plans for the athletic and fitness center.

Copper Mountain Community College