A college degree is one of life’s most significant investments. Private or public, the price tag often runs into the tens of thousands, including tuition, housing, books, supplies, and more.

That is why many students start at community college. It’s a fraction of the cost, lets you complete general education requirements before transferring to a four-year university, or earn an associate degree and step straight into one of many career paths.

In California, about 2.1 million students attend community college per year. Comprised of 73 districts and 116 colleges, California’s community college system is the largest in the nation.

While individual community colleges may vary in quality and affordability, a new study has identified seven in California as delivering the best education at the lowest price.

WalletHub compared more than 650 community colleges across 18 key indicators, including cost of in-state tuition and fees, student-faculty ratio, and graduation rate, to identify which community colleges are worth the investment.

“A good community college minimizes costs for students while also providing an enriching learning experience that leads to high student retention and high graduation rates," said WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo. "The best colleges also help their students post-graduation by offering employment services to help them find jobs with good salaries. Finally, many of the best community colleges realize school isn’t the only place people learn, so they offer credit for life experiences.”

What community colleges in California made the list of 'best' in the nation?

Woodland Community College in Sacramento metro area

Woodland Community College in Yolo County, located on 120 acres about 15 miles northwest of Sacramento, is the top-ranking community college in California, according WalletHub, coming in at #4 on the nationwide list.

Offering a wide range of associate degrees, transfer pathways, and certificate programs, the college also has a robust variety of student services including academic and career counseling, employment services, placement services for graduates and on-campus day care for students with children.

De Anza College in Cupertino

De Anza College in the Silicon Valley suburban community of Cupertino followed closely on the list, ranking #5 in the nation. Renowned for their exceptional transfer rate to four-year universities, De Anza College also came in at #11 nationwide for career outcomes.

The college offers 84 associate degrees and 119 credit certificates, plus one bachelor's degree and 30 noncredit certificates, and more than 1,800 courses, according to the college website. Learning communities offer a way for students to connect and network while receiving extra support from teachers and advisors, and every De Anza student is eligible to receive academic help and support from one of six "Villages" on campus.

College of San Mateo

The College of San Mateo in the city of San Mateo along the San Francisco Peninsula, is the 6th ranked community college in the nation.

A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), the College of San Mateo offers a number of associate degrees, certificates and other instructional programs that put students in line to become a firefighter or EMT.

Saddleback College in Mission Viejo

Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, a commuter city in the Saddleback Valley of Orange County came in at #8 on the nationwide list.

The Saddleback College Promise Program pays for up to two years of tuition and textbook support for eligible, first-time college students, according to the college website, which operates independently from the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), allowing students to benefit from both.

Students can choose from over 100 programs in five different schools: School of Arts, Media, Performance, and Design, School of Business and Industry, School of Health and Wellness, School of Humanities and Social Sciences and School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Noted for their online offerings, Saddleback College has over 50 online degrees and certificates. More than 3,500 students transfer to four-year universities from Saddleback College each year.

Santa Rosa Junior College

Located in Sonoma County, Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #9 on the nationwide list.

Founded in 1918, Santa Rosa Junior College is the tenth-oldest two-year community college in California, and offers associate degrees, transfer to four-year institutions, and career education.

How much does it cost to attend community college in California?

The average cost for commuity college is $46-per-unit, according to the California Community Colleges website, so if you’re a California resident enrolling in 12 units, you would pay $552 each semester. Out-of-state and international students pay more.

Books, supplies, parking, and health service fees are extra, but waivers, grants, and scholarships can help cover the cost.

The California College Promise Grant waives enrollment fees for eligible California residents.

How much will graduates of a California community college expect to earn?

Community college students who graduate with an associate degree earn $11,300 more each year, or just under $486,000 over a working lifetime, compared to those with high school diplomas working in California, according to a recent report.

The Economic Value of the California Community Colleges system found that the increased earnings of California community colleges alumni and the businesses they work for amounted to $156.5 billion.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Five California community colleges offer top education for less money.