California's Affordable Academic Path:  Start at ACE. Earn a certificate or 2-year degree at Grossmont College. Work with OPT. Then transfer to a 4-year university.

Do you want an affordable study abroad experience in California? Grossmont College offers certificates, associate degrees, and guaranteed transfer to UC and CSU universities. Prepare for college success at Grossmont's American Collegiate English (ACE Program) in San Diego, California. ACE students attend Grossmont College and continue on their pathway to earn a bachelor's degree and work in the U.S.

As an ACE student, you can:

• transfer to Grossmont College without a TOEFL score 
• or study English for personal enrichment only (no transfer plan)

Grossmont College is an accredited two-year public community college, founded in 1961. As a Grossmont student, you have options:

• earn a Certificate or 2-year Associate Degree
• work for one year in your field of study
• transfer to a university to complete a 4-year Bachelor's Degree (2+2 program)
• work another year after you graduate with your university degree.

Why Choose ACE and Grossmont College?

Personalized Service – Meet your educational goals with assistance from full-time counselors in the International Student Office.  

Excellent Teachers - Learn from faculty who are selected for their expert teaching ability and dedication to students. All ACE instructors are college professors with master's degrees in TESOL or linguistics.

Location, location, location – Enjoy Grossmont College's safe, suburban, park-like campus. It's only 15 minutes to downtown San Diego, 20 minutes to beautiful beaches, and 45 minutes to the mountains. 

Low Cost - Grossmont tuition is $9,116 per year. This is less than 1/4 of UC tuition and less than 1/2 of CSU schools. When you complete the first two years of your Bachelor's Degree at Grossmont, you will receive the same UC or CSU diploma, and save thousands of dollars.

Transfer Guarantees - Transfer to UCSD, UCLA or other University of California (UC) schools, San Diego State University or other California State Universities (CSU), USD, or your top university choice.  

On and Off-Campus Work - You can work on campus part time, and off campus with CPT and OPT.

Fun Activities – Join International Student Club activities including movie nights, beach days, UC campus tours, and kayaking in San Diego Bay.

ACE and Grossmont College - Schedule and Classes

ACE sessions begin in August, January, and June. Sessions are 8 or 14 weeks long and can be combined with other sessions. The specific start and end dates can be found at www.grossmont.edu/ace. Click on the link that says Dates and Fees.

ACE class sizes are small, so you receive individualized attention from faculty and staff. At ACE, you will improve your English skills:

• academic writing and grammar
• academic reading and vocabulary
• listening and speaking, including presentation skills
• American pronunciation
• college success and career exploration.

At Grossmont, you can choose from over 150 majors, including business, hospitality, computer science, and nursing.

Grossmont semesters begin in August (Fall Semester) and January (Spring Semester). Your class schedule is flexible.

Guaranteed Admission to Grossmont College

When you successfully complete an ACE session, you are eligible to enroll in credit courses at Grossmont College. We help you apply and transfer.

Grossmont College’s American Collegiate English (ACE Program) provides international students with intermediate-level English instruction and TOEFL waiver to Grossmont College. After ACE, international students feel confident and ready to begin college classes!

ACE and Grossmont College - Easy Application Process

In order to study at ACE, students need an F-1 (student) visa. Students may obtain this visa from a U.S. consulate/embassy in their country after receiving an I-20 from our program.  

To enroll in the ACE Program, the following documents are needed:

• ACE application
• copy of the student's passport
• copy of the student's high school diploma or transcripts
• financial statement (which states the student’s sponsor has $14,750 in the bank)
• non-refundable application fee ($125)

When we receive all of the above, we will send the student an I-20. The full tuition is due on the first day of the session (orientation day). The ACE application and additional program information can be accessed at www.grossmont.edu/ace. Click on the link that says How to Apply.

Students with English proficiency (Duolingo 75 or TOEFL 45) may apply directly to Grossmont College at www.grossmont.edu/international. There is no application fee. No SAT/ACT required.

Over 150 Majors at Grossmont College include

Administration of Justice
Art
Business Administration
Computer Science
Hospitality and Tourism Management
International Business
Marketing
Mathematics (Pre-Engineering)
Media Communications
Music
Nursing 
University Transfer Studies

We are ready to answer your questions. We look forward to meeting you!