The representative institution of the Irvine area community college is Irvine Valley College (IVC).

The address is 5500 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618, located in the central-southern part of Irvine. IVC is part of the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), which includes Saddleback College. Established in 1979, the current student enrollment is approximately 15,000 to 20,000 each semester.

The biggest advantage of IVC is its tuition. For California residents, the tuition is $46 per unit (as of 2024), which is overwhelmingly cheaper compared to four-year universities. The transfer pathway to UCI is particularly well established, and through IVC's UC Transfer Guarantee Program (TAG), transfers to several UC campuses, including UCI, are sometimes guaranteed.

IVC is one of the top community colleges in the nation for producing transfer students to UCI, making it an optimal route for students aiming to earn a UCI degree at a low cost.

IVC offers a wide variety of programs. In addition to traditional Associate Degree courses, there are transfer preparation courses, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Continuing Education (non-credit courses), and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.

There are a broad range of subjects available, including computer science, business, nursing, graphic design, music, photography, and health-related fields. Courses particularly popular among Korean immigrants include ESL (English as a Second Language), U.S. citizenship preparation courses, and computer/accounting certification programs.

Campus facilities include a library, gym, swimming pool, student center, cafeteria, and health center. Parking is available each semester with a parking permit ($30 to $50).

Online classes are also offered in various subjects, providing flexible learning options for students balancing work and childcare. You can check the official IVC website (ivc.edu) for course registration, transfer information, scholarships, and schedules. If you are an Irvine resident, take advantage of IVC to earn a degree or prepare for re-employment at a low cost.