Is Credit ESL for me?

At PCC, there are two ESL programs - the Credit ESL program and the Noncredit ESL program. Both programs offer English classes for those whose first language is not English. However, there are many differences between the programs. Use the chart below to see which one is best for you!

Program

Credit ESL

Noncredit ESL
Core Program
  • 5 levels of grammar & writing classes
  • High beginning to advanced
  • Top 2 levels receive university transfer credit
  • 5 levels for job and life skills
  • low beginning to high-intermediate
  • Each level receives a noncredit state-issued certificate
Recommended classes
  • Reading - 4 levels
  • Listening/speaking - 5 Levels
  • Pronunciation - 2 levels
  • Grammar review - 3 levels
  • Workplace ESL
 Vocational ESL (ESLV) for a variety of careers, conversation, grammar, vocabulary development, and writing.
Placement LOEP - Contact the languages division to make an appointment. CELSA - Contact the Noncredit ESL program at the CEC to schedule a placement examination
Support services ESL Center, tutoring, workshops, conversation groups, pronunciation groups, language exchange program. ESL turoing at the Student Success Center.
Residence
  • Residents (in-district, out-of-district; documented, undocumented residents)
  • International F-1 visa holders (note that PCC does not currently offer F-1 visa for English-only study.)
  • Residents (in-district, out-of-district; documented, undocumented residents)
Attendane Requirements Students must start at the beginning of the semester. Students may start at any time during the semester.
Students study ESL and other academic classes ESL, ESLV and/or career technical education and/or high school equivalency classes
Cost
  • Tuition: California residents: $46/unit (most classes are 3-4 units). Non-residents: $193/unit
  • Plus $13 Health Fee, $1 ASB Fee and $10 Student Activity Fee per semester
  • Textbooks approximately $100-150 per semester
 Free
Contact Languages Department:
1570 E. Colorado Blvd. C247
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 585-3187
Visit Division Home 		 Noncredit ESL:
3035 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 585-3026
Visit Website 

Still not sure if Credit ESL is right for you?

Still not sure? Contact the Language and ESL division for more information and to have your questions answered!