Accounting and Finance Programs at Foothill College
Foothill College appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Best Associates in Accounting Online.
Foothill College has associate of arts and associate of science degrees for transfer, which means that the courses are approved and accepted at California state universities. The school also has certificates of achievement, certificates of proficiency and career certificates which will allow students to begin careers with a professional edge or to gain more competence in a current job or career. The program selected will depend upon a student’s career and educational goals.
The Associate of Arts in Accounting requires a minimum of 90 units of study. 53 of those are in the major and the other 37 are in general education requisites. Of the 53 major courses, 43 are in the core and 10 are support classes. Some of the core classes are Financial Accounting I and II; Computerized Accounting Practice Using QuickBooks; Computerized Accounting Practice Using Excel; Tax Accounting and others. While students who want to take the CPA exam must have a four-year degree, the courses in this program meet the CPA unit requirement for the first two years. The A.A. in Accounting may be earned completely online.
The Certificate of Achievement in Accounting is intended for students who will transfer to California four-year universities. It requires 52 units comprising the areas of English Language and Communication; Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Arts, Literature, Philosophy and Foreign Language; Social, Political and Economic Institutions and Lifelong Learning and Self Development. The certificate requires core and support courses of the accounting degree, but students do not need to take the general education courses. This certificate may be earned online.
The Certificate of Achievement in CPA Preparation includes 40 units approved for the CPA exam but does not have enough educational units to sit for the exam. Those extra courses are earned after transfer.
The Tax Accounting Career Certificate requires students to complete 27 units. This certificate can be earned online and is awarded by the Accounting Department, and not by the college. Therefore, they do not appear on the college transcript. Areas addressed are Financial Accounting, Computerized Accounting Practice Using QuickBooks, Tax Accounting and three courses in Advanced Tax Accounting.
The Financial Accounting Career Certificate is another non-transcript program. It includes 25 units like Financial Accounting I and II, Auditing, Financial Statement Analysis, and others.
The 18-unit Enrolled Agent Preparation Certificate of Proficiency requires completion of 18 units. An enrolled agent is a tax practitioner who maintains a federal license to represent taxpayers in IRS procedures. This certificate is intended to help accountants and others in this profession advance in their positions. It is awarded by the department and does not appear on the college transcript.
The Certificate of Proficiency can also be earned in Bookkeeping (17 units required), in Tax Specialist (14 units) and in Payroll Specialization (nine units).
About Foothill College
This school was founded in Los Altos Hills, California on January 15th, 1957. The first class was not held until a year later. The total enrollment at the school is more than 15,500, but many of those are distance learners. This school has an open-door admission policy, meaning that anyone 16 years of age or over who has completed high school will be accepted. The school offers 166 degrees and certificates. The highest degree awarded at the school, with the exception of a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygienist, is an associate-level.
Foothill College Accreditation Details
Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Foothill College Application Requirements
Students apply through the Open CCC form online. The first step is to create an account. All students use the same form, including qualified undocumented “Dreamers,” with the exception of international applicants and applicants to the Apprenticeship Program. Included in the application are several prompts including a designation of goal (transfer) and major ( even if undecided). Incoming students must be assessed for prerequisites, complete an orientation and meet with an advisor.
Additionally, students who have completed some college courses will submit transcripts to the college.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Foothill College is $7,480 for three quarters. The school charges an enrollment fee of $31 per unit and there are also basic fees assessed of $53.75 to $58.75. The school estimates a student expense of $1,500 for books and supplies, $13,000 for room and board and says students should budget for personal expenses as well. The estimated cost-of-attendance for a new freshman at Foothill College is $26,174 for a three-quarter period.
Even though community colleges traditionally have lower costs of attendance, most students need financial assistance to attend. The first step in getting this assistance is completing the FAFSA form. This federal program awards grants (money that does not need to be paid back) and loans along with work-study opportunities on the basis of financial need. The Pell Grant is the main tool, though people with exceptional financial need may qualify for the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
The Cal Grant, “B” or “C”, awards money to qualifying students. The “B” grant helps with living expenses while the “C” version applies to vocational or technical training. The Chaffee Grant helps students who have aged out of foster care pay for their education.
Additionally, new students at Foothill College can qualify for the Foothill College Promise that pays tuition and the cost of books and supplies for two years. Plus, students can apply for several scholarships (both need-based and merit-based) available at the college.
Students who use all the grant and scholarship money they were awarded and who still have an outstanding balance at Foothill College can apply for student loans or take part-time jobs. Work-study is another resource, if the student was awarded the opportunity.
There are many ways to pay for college; a degree or certificate from Foothill College is an affordable step toward a great career.
