College of Alameda is a public community college on Alameda island, across the estuary from Oakland. It's part of the Peralta Colleges and is best known for university transfer and for its aviation maintenance programme at a hangar near Oakland Airport. Students who do well often transfer to UC Berkeley, UC Davis or San Francisco State.
Alameda, California, United States
Official website: alameda.edu
Public community college, Peralta Community College District
Transfer agreements with UC and CSU campuses
FAA-approved aviation maintenance programme
$8,000 – $11,000
International students, associate and certificate programmes
$20,000 – $26,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on alameda.edu before you apply.
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Science (Transfer)
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Associate in Business Administration
Associate DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 61
Transfer routes to University of California campuses.
An aviation maintenance hangar near Oakland Airport.
Small island setting in the Bay Area.
Most students transfer to four-year universities in California.
Aviation graduates work for airlines and maintenance firms around the Bay.
Community college fees keep the first two years cheap.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is a compact site on Alameda island, with buses and a ferry to San Francisco nearby.
Alameda is quiet and walkable, with beaches and old Victorian houses. Rent is high, as across the Bay Area.
Form I-20 issued by College of Alameda
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Applications are rolling; the Peralta international office recommends applying about three months before the semester.
Classes start in fall (August) and spring (January).
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from College of Alameda after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Transfer associate degrees, business and aviation maintenance are the main options. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 61.
Peralta offers some scholarships for international students after their first semester. Ask the international office.
