City College of San Francisco

City College of San Francisco (CCSF) stands as a cornerstone of accessible education in the heart of San Francisco, a public community college committed to empowering its diverse student body. Founded in 1935, CCSF plays an indispensable local role, serving a significant portion of the city's residents. Notably, CCSF offers tuition-free education to all San Francisco residents, making higher learning an attainable goal for countless individuals and cementing its status as a true community asset.

Academically, CCSF provides a robust array of Associate degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce. The college boasts strong articulation agreements with both the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems, as well as numerous other public and private universities across the nation. Beyond degree pathways, CCSF also offers invaluable free non-credit courses, including English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship, and various adult education classes, further extending its reach and support within the community.

The college's rich history began with the vision of Archibald Jeter Cloud, Chief Deputy Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, who tirelessly advocated for a junior college during the Great Depression. Officially opening as San Francisco Junior College in 1935, its early days saw classes spread across multiple city locations, earning it the affectionate moniker "Trolley Car College." A permanent main campus on Ocean Avenue was approved in 1937 and opened in 1940, laying the foundation for the thriving institution it is today.

With its largest campus bordering the vibrant Sunnyside, Westwood Park, and Ingleside neighborhoods, and five additional locations throughout the city, CCSF is deeply integrated into the urban fabric of San Francisco. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), CCSF continues its mission to provide high-quality, affordable education, fostering intellectual growth and career readiness under its inspiring motto: "The Truth Shall Make You Free."