Cypress College - Overview

Overview

Cypress College's student population reached nearly 17,000 per semester, though that number has fluctuated (experiencing historically high levels in 2010 and going as low as 12,500) in recent years based on the level of state funding provided and other economic factors. Spring 2012 enrollment was approximately 15,000. The college features a strong mix of ethnic diversity in its student population: 33% are Caucasian, 27% are Latinos, 19% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 8% are Filipino, 6% are African American, and 5% are from other ethnicities or their ethnicity is unidentified.

Fees at Cypress College are established by the California State Legislature. As of the Summer 2012 term, in-state enrollment fees are $46 per unit (credit hour), with the average class costing $138. The college administers more than $12 million in financial aid annually.

Cypress College operates with a decentralized approach of separate academic "divisions," allowing the benefits of both a small and large college campus. Each of the campus' instructional buildings was designed with a commons area where students with similar majors could meet and study.

The campus, covering an area of 440,000 square meters, was designed by architect Frank Lawyer of the Austin, Texas-based firm Caudill Rowlett Scott. It features several futuristic looking buildings set around a central lake. The college is noteworthy in that it has never completely abandoned the style of buildings it was initially created with. The school's new library, which opened on January 30, 2006, still bears heavy resemblance to the school's original buildings, though the use of concrete is de-emphasized in favor of glass.

Cypress College is located in the shadow of major tourist attractions such as Disney's theme parks and Downtown Disney (about six miles), Knotts' Berry Farm (less than five miles), and The Block entertainment complex (about 10 miles). The campus is 12 miles from the beach and is proximus to Long Beach, California and Los Angeles. The campus is located at 9200 Valley View Street in the city of Cypress.

The college is a part of the North Orange County Community College District. The campus is also part of the California Community College System.

Read more about this topic:  Cypress College