What Is It Known For?
Classes first started on May 4, 1925, when Lassen Community College began as the Junior College department within Lassen Union High School District. Growing enrollment then pushed the school into a new building next to the high school by 1945.
March 1965 brought the modern era. The college separated from the high school district, established its own board of trustees, and started planning an independent campus. That 165-acre campus on Highway 139 opened in September 1971 and now has 39 structures, including classrooms, labs, a library, gymnasium, and recreation facilities.
Around 2,500 students now attend classes on this campus overlooking Susanville, Diamond Mountain, and the Sierra Nevada range. Eagle Lake sits just 20 miles away.
Degrees & Certifications
At Lassen Community College, students from different backgrounds can pursue certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and workforce skills training. The college also prepares you for transfer to four-year institutions.
With about 300 degrees and certificates earned each year, your program options include:
- Administration of Justice
- Automotive Technology
- Business
- Health Occupations
- Geographic Information Systems, and more.
Class Schedules
Day and evening courses at Lassen Community College accommodate varied schedules. Online, hybrid, and correspondence delivery methods add flexibility to the school’s traditional semester-length classes. Some programs offer shorter terms, too.
For healthcare students, clinical externships connect classroom theory to real medical environments. That hands-on component builds practical skills you’ll use in professional settings.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, accredits Lassen Community College. Both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education recognize this accrediting body.
Acceptance Rate
100% acceptance rate. As an open-enrollment institution, Lassen Community College admits applicants who meet the basic requirements.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
California residents pay $46 per unit. Through the Western Undergraduate Exchange, students from participating states pay $69 per unit. Non-resident costs include both enrollment fee and tuition, varying by course load:
- 6.1 or more units: $436 per unit (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026)
- 1 to 6 units: $241 per unit (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026)
Since no functional net price calculator currently exists, contact the school directly for personalized cost breakdowns and total attendance estimates.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business
Criminal Justice & Law
- Social Work and Human Services
Healthcare
- Allied Health
- Registered Nursing
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Fire Technology
- Gunsmithing
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Computer Information Systems
Campus Locations
Susanville 478-200 Hwy 139, Susanville, CA 96130
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Lassen Community College (LCC) is highly praised as a small, high-quality “junior college” situated in a beautiful, isolated setting that minimizes distractions. Students consistently praise the caring and accessible faculty and staff who are genuinely invested in student success. However, the school has faced serious, albeit isolated, allegations of administrative misconduct and unfair disciplinary action against students.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Faculty and Staff Support: Reviewers frequently highlight the teachers as “great,” taking time to explain concepts, and note that the staff is extremely friendly and helpful, ensuring students succeed.
Ideal Learning Environment: The college is located in an isolated, small town with a “beautiful” campus and surroundings, which is seen as a benefit because it removes distractions and fosters a healthy, supportive environment.
Strong, Unique Programs: LCC is known for practical, career-oriented programs like Agriculture, Fire Technology, and Gunsmithing (one of the oldest in the U.S.), offering modern, high-tech instruction in specialized fields.
Modern and Upscale Facilities: The campus is described as “Upscale, High Tech, Modern,” with recent improvements to facilities like the gym and successful transfer agreements with four-year universities like Chico State.
Common Criticisms
Administrative/Disciplinary Misconduct Allegations: Several serious, but isolated, complaints detail accusations of retaliation and unfair suspension after a student raised concerns about a PE teacher’s alleged misconduct toward nonverbal students. Another account mentions a student being suspended for discussing their personal story.
Limited Course Options: While specialized programs are strong, a few reviewers noted a lack of options outside of agriculture and farming, suggesting the course breadth might be narrow.
Poor Dorm and Dining Conditions: One review explicitly mentions the dormitories are “kind of gross” and the cafeteria food is “horrible,” suggesting on-campus living conditions may need improvement.
Momentum
Lassen Community College’s momentum is strong and focused on improvement and student transfer. Recent news indicates investments in facility upgrades (like the gymnasium) and a transformational agreement with Chico State to support transfer student success. LCC continues to excel in its core technical and vocational programs. The primary risk to this positive momentum lies in the need for extreme vigilance regarding student conduct and grievance procedures to ensure all students feel protected and treated fairly, especially given the serious past complaints.