What Course Should I Take?

The colleges offer a sequence of academic ESL courses that lead to English 1A, the transfer level English course at the three colleges. New students need to choose the appropriate course level and decide whether to take the course as credit or noncredit. The RCCD Guided Self Placement Tool​ can help students decide which course to take.

Most ESL classes are offered as credit or noncredit. Students can choose the best option for their educational goals. These courses are mirrored, meaning that students who take the credit or noncredit courses are in the same classroom, with the same teacher, and have the same educational experience.

Courses that are credit are numbered ESL 46 - ESL 50, and courses that are noncredit are the same number with an “8” added: ESL 846 - ESL 850.​

Characteristics of Noncredit and Credit Courses

Credit

• • • Enrollment fees apply ($46 per unit)
      
      
    • Out-of-state tuition fees apply to students that are not California residents ($265)
      
      
    • You can only take the class once if you get a passing grade. Students can attempt to take the course up to three times. 
      
      
    • You can earn credit toward an associate's degree or associate's degree for transfer
      
      
      

Noncredit

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​Characteristics of Students That Take Noncredit and Credit Courses

 

Credit Students Often...

• • • Can earn financial aid
      
      
    • Want to earn an associate's degree or an associate's for transfer
      
      
    • International students on I-20 Visas must take credit classes
      
      
      

Noncredit Students Often...