The University of California system has core requirements for community college graduates seeking admission. In addition to completing classes in such areas as completing classes in English, mathematics and social sciences, applicants must have taken 60 semester or 90 quarter units while maintaining a GPA of at least 2.4. The University of California website maintains the full list of requirements.
California has a three-tier higher education system, which includes its community colleges. The California Colleges website says that the California State University system boasts 23 campuses that feature lower tuition costs and focus on professional training, while matriculation at one of the University of California's nine campuses means higher tuition and better preparation for graduate school opportunities.
The Community College League of California reports that during the 2009-2010 school year, UCs accepted 14,690 of the state's community college students, while CSUs accepted 37,651. That same year, 28 percent of all UC students -- along with 55 percent of CSU students -- had been previously enrolled in a California community college.
The Community College League of California notes that more of the state's community college students chose to transfer to private institutions within California than to a UC campus. During 2009-2010, these transfers accounted for 19,852 students. In addition, 16,032 community college students gained acceptance to out-of-state public and private universities.
Eventual admission to a four-year university isn't a guarantee, but community college provides an extra two years for under-performing high school graduates to prove themselves. While students do miss out on the living-on-campus experience, community college comes with financial benefits, such as general education courses for a fraction of the cost of four-year institutions.