AS and AS-Transfer Degrees in the North State and North Coast Regions of California: The Most Affordable Way to Get a Business Education in NorCal

Most affordable northern california AS and AS-transfer degrees badgeThe North State / North Coast region is home-grown California right down to the roots, and it’s where plenty of the state’s most successful businesspeople get started—not to mention where all the serious business regulation and governance go down in the halls of legislature around the capital building in Sacramento.

It’s also home to 22 small, but serious, community college business associate degree programs. Every one of them offers a world-class education that can serve as a jumping off point to global business, just as well as hyper-local ventures that send tap roots down into the area’s affluent communities. 

This makes NorCal an amazing place to get your start in business education. With a total cost that rings in at less than $2,900, you can earn an associate degree for a whole lot less than anybody anywhere in California would expect to pay for two-years of college.

NorCal Community Colleges Offer Your First Lesson in Smart Capital Investments

Our state government officials up here in Sacramento did something pretty smart a few years ago. In 2021, they passed the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act – yes, that makes it the STAR Act.

The STAR Act authorized California community colleges to offer a new take on the classic associate-level transfer degree, officially calling it the Associate Degree for TransferThey didn’t earn any points for originality on the name, but they deserve extra credit for creating such a streamlined and affordable way to earn a four-year degree.

Naturally, along with the STAR Act came transfer agreements with California’s state universities. This guarantees that transfer students with an associate degree earned through any school in the California Community College (CCC) system will be accepted, and that they’ll be granted third-year standing when enrolling in a bachelor’s program with a matching major. Further, it grants them preferential admissions, sending transfer students to the front of the line ahead of freshmen.

This means fully half of your bachelor’s degree in business can be completed at a community college, leaving only 60 credits left to pay for at the higher rates that state universities charge.

With the in-state per-credit cost at California’s community colleges pegged at $46, that means you can clock in the first half of your bachelor’s at any of these 22 schools for an average cost of less than $2,900.

If you’re thinking that it’s impossible for any school to deliver two-years of college-level business education for under three grand, you’re right. This is a discount that’s only available to California residents — the out-of-state rate that non-residents pay can be hundreds of dollars per credit.

In fact, the statewide non-resident average comes in at nearly $25,000 for an associate degree at these exact same NorCal community colleges. Let that sink in for a second. As a prospective business student, that’s the kind of math you can understand, and the kind of savings you can appreciate.

The Details You Need to Choose an Associate Degree in Business Well-Aligned with Your Goals

That makes North State / North Coast region community colleges far and away your most cost-effective onramp to a business education.

An associate-transfer degree could eventually take you to one of the state’s elite MBA programs, while a conventional associate provides an affordable path to learning how to effectively run a small business. And if you’re preparing for small business ownership, community college programs close to the people and places you plan to serve aren’t just the most affordable way to learn business fundamentals, they are also the most effective.

In either case, we’re giving you the right kind of data to make the best pick for your needs. Often, and especially here in the north, that’s going to be a college that’s close to home.

North of Mendocino, two-year colleges are limited compared to the rest of the state—but we’ll tell you what you need to know about the College of the Siskiyous, Shasta, Feather River, and more.

That includes details like:

We also cut you in on a little bit of the character of each of these beacons of local education. Character is everything when you’re considering community colleges. Programs are built to reflect the high standard of education expected from the surrounding area and have the kind of local connections you need to plug into the business community here.

North California’s Community College Associate Degree Programs in Business – Low-Cost Options for a World Class Education

Here you’ll read a bit about particularly interesting program options, professors with real business experience, and industry connections that can pay dividends. It’s the kind of intimate detail that matters in business in this part of the country… or beyond, if you should choose to take your education further.

Either way, the beauty of earning your associate degree at these affordable public colleges in Northern California is that you don’t have to make a huge investment to create big opportunities for yourself.

Napa Valley College

Career Education, Business and Entrepreneurship
Napa, CA
Website

Napa Valley College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AS in Business Administration (on-campus)

Also offers: AS-T in Hospitality Management, AS in Entrepreneurship, AS in Wine Marketing and Sales, Certificate of Achievement in (Content Marketing, Hospitality Management, Wine Marketing and Sales, Entrepreneurship), Job Skills Certificate in (Marketing, Vineyard Management)

Napa Valley College plays host to two business programs that are designed to position you for success in the exciting and challenging business world. Students of the AS in Business Administration are prepared to immediately land a job upon graduation and begin making a difference in the business world, while those choosing the AS – Transfer in Business Administration have everything they need for a seamless transfer to the BS in Business Administration in the CSU system or other four-year business degree at a public or private university. Both programs offer foundational business coursework that teaches students how to develop their own successful management styles and strategies and hone other real-world business techniques.

Sierra College

Business and Innovation, Business
Rocklin, CA
Website

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AA/AS in General Business (on-campus)

Also offers: AA/AS in (Recreation Management, Business Information Worker, Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship, Management, Marketing, Real Estate), Certificate of Achievement in (Recreation Specialist, Business Information Worker, General Business, Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Retail Management, Taxation), Skills Certificate in (Business Information Worker-Applications, Business Information Worker-Communications, Interdisciplinary Business Entrepreneurship, Payroll Professional, Small Business Bookkeeping), Noncredit Certificate of Completion in (Computer Basics, Entrepreneurship for Makers)

Sierra College’s associate degrees in business are expertly designed to kickstart an exciting career in the dynamic business world and prepare you for the skills that you’ll need to succeed in nearly every industry. Choose Sierra College and you’ll learn from distinguished instructors with years of professional experience, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn by doing through an internship experience. Choose the AA/AS in General Business to advance your career and gain the skills needed for immediate employment. Or choose the AS – Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 and you’ll be primed for continued study at a four-year university.

American River College

Business Department
Sacramento, CA
Website

American River College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

Also offers: AA in Accounting, Certificate of Achievement in (Accounting, Business Information Worker, Accounting Clerk, Financial Services Apprenticeship, Taxation, Computer Applications for Small Business, Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution, Entrepreneurial/Small Business Management, General Business, Internet Marketing, Marketing Essentials, Technical Communications, Law Office Clerical Assistant, Office Technology, Virtual Office Professional, Retail Management), AA in Entrepreneurship, AA in General Business, Soft Skills for the Global Environment Certificate, AA in Administrative Professional, AA in Virtual Administrative Professional, Office Assistant Certificate, AA-Transfer in Economics, AA/AS in Management, AA in Advertising and Sales Promotion, AA in Marketing, AA in Retail Management

American River College is home to the AS – Transfer in Business Administration 2.0, a robust program that ensures a seamless transfer into the CSU system or other four-year college or university. We love this school’s unique program for all students called the First Year Experience (FYE). Through the FYE, each student is assigned a student support specialist, counselor, peer mentor, and faculty liaison who ensure a supported and successful academic experience.

Cosumnes River College

Business and Computer Science Career and Academic Community
Sacramento, CA
Website

Cosumnes River College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AA in Business (General, Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship) (on-campus)


Also offers: AA in Management, Certificate of Achievement in Management in Business, AA in Marketing, Certificate of Achievement in Marketing, AA in Real Estate, Certificate of Achievement-Real Estate Broker, Certificate of Achievement-Real Estate Salesperson, AA in Restaurant and Food Service Entrepreneurship, Certificate of Achievement-Business Information Professional, Certificate of Achievement-Business Information Worker, General Certificate in Business, Business Office Assistant Certificate, Entrepreneurship Certificate, Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship Certificate

If you’re ready to make your mark in the business world, Cosumnes River College’s associate degrees have what you need to succeed! The AA in Business, which is designed to prepare you for an immediate, entry-level position upon graduation, features a personalized look at business, thanks to your choice of concentration in general business or small business management/entrepreneurship. The AS – Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 is an excellent precursor to business study at the bachelor’s level. It also ensures a seamless transfer into CSU’s BS in Business Administration. Students here can put their skills to work through the Work Experience and Internship Program – an excellent way to gain valuable, real-world skills while earning college credit.

Folsom Lake College

Business Department
Folsom, CA
Website

Folsom Lake College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AA in Business-General (on-campus)

Also offers: AA in Business Analyst/Data Analytics, AA in Small Business Management-Entrepreneurship, Certificate of Achievement in (Business Information Worker I, New World of Work, Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship), Business Analyst Certificate, Business Information Professional I Certificate, Small Winery Marketing Certificate

Whether you’re preparing for immediate employment or are looking for the program that will kickstart your educational journey, Folsom Lake College’s associate business degrees are designed with you in mind! The business curriculum here, which is expertly designed for immediate employment or career advancement, comes complete with additional training in courses acceptable as electives for civil service occupations and hands-on training in the use of computers.

Sacramento City College

Sacramento, CA
Website

Sacramento City College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AS in Business-General (on-campus)

Also offers: AS in (Accounting, Real Estate, Management, Marketing), Certificate in (Real Estate Broker, Accounting Clerk, Business Information Worker, Entrepreneurship, Full Charge Bookkeeper, Management, Marketing)

If a career as a business leader or manager is in your future, then Sacramento City College is the place for you! Offering two business associate degrees —the AS – Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 for students with plans to transfer to a bachelor’s degree upon graduation or the AS in Business – General for students who are looking to start or advance their career upon graduation, Sacramento City College’s business degrees provide a solid foundation in the field, with topics ranging from management to financial analysis to marketing. Choose Sacramento City College and you’ll enjoy outstanding support through the school’s Internships & Career Services as you seek employment or an internship experience.

Santa Ana College

Business Division
Santa Ana, CA
Website

AA in Business Administration (on-campus)

AS-Transfer in Business Administration (online)

AA in Business Management (on-campus)

Also offers: Certificate of Achievement in (Business Applications and Technology, Management, Retail Management, International Business), AS in Business Applications and Technology, AA in Management, General Management Certificate, AA in Retail Management, Certificate in Entertainment Industry Management, Certificate in HR Management, Certificate in Small Business, Certificate in Supervision, AA in Contemporary Marketing, Certificate in Contemporary Marketing, Certificate in Advertising, Certificate in Professional Selling, AA in International Business

Options for the study of business are plentiful at Santa Ana College! Offering no less than three associate degree programs, including the AS – Transfer in Business Administration, which is offered through a convenient and flexible online format and designed to prepare you for seamless transfer to any four-year college or university, including the BS in Business Administration at CSU, Santa Ana College offers students the opportunity to study in an institution that has a 100-year-plus legacy of academic excellence.

Evergreen Valley College

San Jose, CA
Website

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AA in Business Administration (on-campus)

Also offers: AS-Business Information Specialist, Certificate of Achievement-Business Information Specialist, AS in Business Information Specialist-General Business, Certificate of Achievement in Business Information Specialist-General Business, Certificate of Achievement in Bookkeeping

If you have aspirations of pursuing a career in manufacturing, banking, finance, human resources, information technology management, small business operations, marketing, or beyond, Evergreen Valley College’s business degrees have what you need to succeed! Offering both an AA in Business Administration, which is the ideal program for jumpstarting or advancing your career, and the AS- Transfer in Business Administration, which ensures a well-rounded foundation for future study in a business discipline, Evergreen Valley College has the program for you!

San Jose City College

Business and Workforce Development Division, Business Department
San Jose, CA
Website

AA in Business Administration (on-campus)

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

Also offers: AS in Entrepreneurship, AS in Management, AS in Marketing, AS in Real Estate, Certificate of Achievement in (Entrepreneurship Level 2, Entrepreneurship Level 3, Management Level 2, Management Level 3, Marketing Level 2, Marketing Level 3, Real Estate Level 2)

The Associate of Science-Transfer (AS-T) in Business Administration, San Jose City College’s newest program, is built upon a legacy of academic excellence and is part of an institution that boasts one of the highest transfer rates to four-year universities in the Bay Area! Ideally designed to seamlessly transfer to the BS in Business Administration at CSU, the AS-T program serves as an outstanding precursor to a bachelor’s degree and a position in the dynamic, ever-changing business world!

College of Marin

Department of Business and Information Systems
Kentfield, CA
Website

AS-Transfer in Business Administration (on-campus)

AS in Business Administration (on-campus)

Also offers: Certificate of Achievement in Business Administration

Whether you’re looking for a program that prepares you to seamlessly enter a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field upon graduation, or you’re looking for a program that prepares you for exciting job opportunities, the College of Marin has the business degree designed with you in mind! Through a comprehensive examination and exploration of business and management, students here gain valuable leadership, management, financial, communication, collaboration, and marketing skills that allow them to succeed in a variety of roles in nearly any industry.

Shasta College

Business and Hospitality Area of Study
Redding, CA
Website

Shasta College

AA in Business Administration (on-campus, online)

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus, online)

AS in Business (General Business, Management, Marketing and Finance) (on-campus, online)

Also offers: Certificate in (Business Administration-Business Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Accounting Clerk/Bookkeeper, Management, Customer Service Academy, Business Information Systems Worker, Medical Office Specialist), Noncredit Certificate in (Small Business/Entrepreneurship Start-Up, AS in Business Information Systems Professional, Business Information Systems Professional Certificate, AS-Medical Office Professional

An outstanding selection of business programs await you at Shasta College! Offering no less than three associate degrees in business, along with opportunities to specialize in areas like management and marketing and finance, Shasta College continues its legacy as a leader of higher education in California through these outstanding educational programs. With five, convenient campus locations and flexible online study options, Shasta College has everything you need to success in the world of business management, administration, and leadership!

Canada College

Redwood City, CA
Website

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus, online)

AS in Business Management (on-campus, online)

Also offers: AS in Business Assistant, AS in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, AS in Marketing, Certificate of Achievement in (Business Administration, Business Assistant, Business Information Worker, Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Human Relations in the Workforce, Marketing)

Whether online or on-campus study works for you, Canada College’s associate degrees in business are designed to prepare you for success in the business world! Offering both an AS in Business Management, which prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce upon graduation, and an AS – Transfer in Business Administration 2.0, which prepares students to make a seamless transfer to a four-year college or university upon graduation, Canada College has the program that aligns with your educational and career goals. Choose Canada’s and you’ll enjoy the flexibility of studying on campus or from the comfort of your home.

Lassen Community College

Science/Business Division
Susanville, CA
Website

Lassen Community College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration (on-campus)

Also offers: Certificate of Achievement in Small Business Management, AS-T in Business-Economics

The AS – Transfer in Business Administration at Lassen Community College offers the foundation you need to reach your academic and professional goals! Designed to provide students a common core of lower division courses that seamlessly transfer to a bachelor’s in a business-related field like accounting, finance, human resource management, management, and marketing, this program serves as an outstanding springboard for future study.

Mendocino College

Business and Economics
Ukiah, CA
Website

Mendocino College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus, online)

AS in Business Management (on-campus, online)

Also offers: Certificate of Achievement in (Business-Accounting, Business Entrepreneurship, Business Information Worker I, Business Information Worker II, Business Management, Business-Retail Management)

Wherever your future in business takes you, Mendocino College is there to provide you with the foundation you need to succeed. The college offers both an AS-T in Business Administration for students interested in continuing their studies at the bachelor’s level, and an AS in Business Management for students interested in a program that will provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to either enter the workforce or advance in their current position. Both programs here offer outstanding flexibility through your choice of on-campus or online classes. Enjoy studying on campus or from the comfort of your home – the choice is yours!

Butte College

Business, Cosmetology, Arts and Design
Oroville, CA
Website

Butte College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration (on-campus)

AS in Business Administration (on-campus)

AS in Business Management (on-campus)

Also offers: AS in Business Information Worker, AS in Marketing, AS in Medical Office Administration, AS in Small Business/Entrepreneurship, Certificate of Achievement in (Business Information Worker, Business Management, Marketing, Medical Office Administration, Retail Management), Certificate in (Business Information Worker, Business on the Web, HR, Medical Office Administration)

Butte College’s associate degrees in business ensure tomorrow’s business leaders and managers have everything they need to succeed! Offering both career technical programs aimed at success in the workplace, as well as transfer-friendly programs that prepare students for a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field, Butte College’s business programs are where you’ll find a well-rounded exploration of the field of business. Topics like business operations, management techniques, human relations, marketing principles, accounting, and business law ensure the students develop the skills and knowledge needed to compete in today’s dynamic business environment.

Woodland Community College

Business, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship
Woodland, CA
Website

AS in Business Management (on-campus, online, hybrid)

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus, online, hybrid)

Also offers: AS in Business Information Professional, Certificate in (Business Information Worker-Administrative Assistant, Business Information Worker-Clerical, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Medical Office Specialist), Noncredit Certificate in Business Computer Applications Basics

Woodland Community College’s associate degrees in business provide aspiring business leaders and managers with outstanding flexibility and convenience! Both the AS – Transfer in Business Administration (designed for students interested in transferring to a four-year college or university) and the AS in Business Management (designed as a career-ready degree) are offered in your choice of an on-campus, online, or hybrid format, thereby allowing you to study in-person or from the comfort of your home. If you’re ready to make a difference in today’s fast-paced, results-oriented business environment and assume management and administrative positions in marketing, finance, accounting, management, retail, and beyond, then Woodland Community College should be your first stop!

Yuba College

Marysville, CA
Website

Yuba College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AS in General Business Management (on-campus)

Also offers: AS in HR, AS in Personnel Management, AS in Small Business Management, Certificate in (Administrative Assistant, Advanced Small Business Management, Small Business Management)

A comprehensive examination of the fundamentals of business and management are at your fingertips at Yuba College. Whether your plans include transferring to a four-year institution upon graduation (AS-T) or gaining the knowledge and skills needed to begin immediately making a difference in the workplace (AS), Yuba College’s associate degrees in business have what you need for success. Accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and beyond, a business degree from Yuba will serve as the starting point for an exciting career in a variety of industries.

Merritt College

Business and Law
Oakland, CA
Website

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AA in Business Administration (on-campus)

AA in General Business (on-campus)

Also offers: Certificate of Achievement in Business Management, Certificate of Proficiency in Entrepreneurship, Certificate of Proficiency in HR Management, Certificate of Proficiency in Retail Management, AA in Real Estate, Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate

Where will a career in business take you? Merritt College’s three associate degrees in business are expertly designed to prepare tomorrow’s business managers and leaders with the skills they’ll need to succeed in the dynamic, competitive business environment. Choose Merritt College and your degree program in business will come complete with outstanding student services and resources that are aimed at helping you attain your educational and career goals. For example, faculty, staff, and counselors host a First-Year Experience IMPACT Program that is designed to help first-year students successfully making the transition into the college environment.

Feather River College

Quincy, CA
Website

AA in Business (on-campus)

AS-Transfer in Business (on-campus)

Also offers: Certificate of Specialization in Business in (Accounting, Small Business, Management, Finance, Economics), Certificate of Achievement in Business in (Accounting Management, Small Business Management, Business Management, General Business)

Offering two associate degrees in business, Feather River College has the program designed with your specific needs in mind. The AS – Transfer in Business provides an ideal foundation in business and general education that easily transfers to a four-year university, while the AA in Business provides a career-ready course of study that arms students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce upon graduation. You’re sure to appreciate studying at Feather River College, which boasts a small, student-centered learning environment and intimate campus atmosphere.

College of the Siskiyous

Business and Accounting
Weed, CA
Website

College of the Siskiyous

AS-Transfer in Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus, online)

AA in Business Administration (on-campus, online)

Also offers: AA in Accounting, Certificate of Achievement in Accounting

The College of the Siskiyous’ business programs are designed to prepare you for the rigors of today’s competitive and dynamic business environment. Whether your career goals include working in nonprofit or for-profit enterprises and in areas like insurance, finance, management, real estate, sales, or beyond, the College of the Siskiyous has the program designed for you! Earn your associate’s degree here and you’ll enjoy studying in a student-centered learning environment marked by small class sizes and plenty of personal attention from instructors. You’re also sure to appreciate the school’s flexible course options that include your choice of online or on-campus study.

Lake Tahoe Community College

South Lake Tahoe, CA
Website

Lake Tahoe Community College

AS-Transfer in Business Administration (on-campus)

AA in Business (Accounting and Finance, Management, Marketing, and General Business Management) (on-campus, online)

Also offers: BA in Hospitality Business Management, Certificate of Achievement in (Accounting and Finance, Accounting Technician, Small Business Ownership, General Business, Marketing, Management), AS-Transfer in Hospitality Management, Certificate in Hospitality Management

Exciting opportunities in business education await you at Lake Tahoe Community College! The Business Program here plays host to both an AA in Business that comes with four concentrations for a personalized course of study and an AS – Transfer in Business Administration. Choose the AA program and you’ll prepare for immediate employment upon graduation. Or choose the AS – Transfer and you’ll enjoy guaranteed admission into the BS in Business Administration through the CSU system. Study at Lake Tahoe Community College and you’ll enjoy a student-centered learning environment that features an average class size of just 14 students.

College of the Redwoods

Eureka, CA
Website

AS-Transfer Business Administration 2.0 (on-campus)

AS in General Business (on-campus)

Also offers: Certificate of Achievement in Bookkeeping, Certificate of Recognition-Payroll Clerk, Certificate of Achievement in Small Business Management, Certificate of Recognition in Starting and Managing a Business

Whether you’re preparing for the real world or for continued education at the bachelor’s level, the College of the Redwoods has the business associate’s degree for you! Both programs prepare students to become part of an organization through an exploration of the production and delivery of goods and services. If you want to enter the workforce upon graduation, choose the AS in General Business. If a bachelor’s degree is your end goal, choose the AS – Transfer program. The choice is yours!

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