Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Alameda, California
College of Alameda — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$17,578Annual Cost
$42,563Grad Salary
9.9%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$9,280
Need-Based Aid
9.9% receive Pell
College of Alameda serves California's East Bay from its 62-acre island campus in Alameda, offering panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Established in 1970 as part of the Peralta Community College District, the college has developed particular strengths in aviation maintenance technology, business, and transfer preparation. The campus features the Aviation Maintenance Technology hangar with FAA-certified labs, the modern 'Island Campus' library, and the 'Building D' complex housing STEM programs.
College of Alameda offers 50+ degree and certificate programs including a unique 'Maritime Firefighting' certification. The college's 'Promise Program' provides free tuition for first-time students, while its 'Umoja' and 'Puente' programs support African American and Latino student success. COA maintains strong transfer pathways to UC Berkeley and other universities through its Honors Transfer Program. The college's Aviation Maintenance Technology program is one of few in the Bay Area with FAA Part 147 certification. COA's Small Business Development Center provides consulting and training for local entrepreneurs, reflecting the college's community engagement mission.
College of Alameda Acceptance Rate
College of Alameda maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at College of Alameda
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on College of Alameda's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
College of Alameda Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into College of Alameda Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for College of Alameda is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for College of Alameda
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
College of Alameda provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Meet Eligibility Floors
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Placement Preparation
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
Transfer Path Planning
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Career Certification
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by College of Alameda that connect directly to the local job market.
Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.
College of Alameda Profile
Full Name
College of Alameda
City
Alameda
State
California
ZIP Code
94501
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASCJC)
Is a College of Alameda Degree Worth It?
Getting into College of Alameda can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. College of Alameda offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at College of Alameda is $61,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.4%.
How much does a degree from College of Alameda Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at College of Alameda is $17,578. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College of Alameda is $9,280.
9.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 0.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to College of Alameda and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College of Alameda, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist College of Alameda as your choice in the form.
How much does a College of Alameda Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $42,563. An average College of Alameda graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at College of Alameda
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by College of Alameda →
Frequently Asked Questions About College of Alameda Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $42,563 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $17,578 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Pell Grant data is not available for this institution. Contact the financial aid office directly to ask about need-based and merit-based aid options.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.