Campus History

The Compton Community College District (CCCD) was established in 1927 as a component of the Compton Union High School District. In 1950, voters approved a bond issue separating the college from the high school district and a new college campus was built on the present site. Classes began at the new facility in fall 1956.

As the campus expanded over the following decades, Compton College continued to offer a wide range of academic, athletic, and artistic opportunities, fostering a vibrant community for its students.   

In November 2002 the Compton Community College District won voter approval of Measure CC authorizing the issuance of $100 million in general obligation bonds to upgrade classrooms, labs, infrastructure, and instructional equipment, while making much-needed health and safety repairs and energy efficiency improvements. An independent Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee was also established at this time.

After many successful years, and several challenging years, in June 2005 the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) announced its decision to revoke Compton College's accreditation.

In August 2006, the El Camino Community College District Board of Trustees approved a Memorandum of Understanding to provide accredited educational and related support services to Compton Community College District residents.

The ACCJC granted initial accreditation status to Compton College during its June 7, 2017, meeting, establishing Compton College as an accredited college within the El Camino Community College District.

Compton College was officially named the 114th California Community College through unanimous vote by the Board of Governors in July 2017. On August 29, 2018, California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley issued Executive Order 2018-01 declaring Compton College will operate as an independent college under the authority of the Compton Community College District (CCCD) Board of Trustees effective June 7, 2019, at 11:59 p.m.

Courses are now offered under the authority of the Compton Community College District, and all students earning degrees or certificates at Compton College are issued a Compton College diploma.

Voters approved additional bond measures: One in November 2014, a $100 million facilities bond, and a $200 million facilities bond in November 2024 – both designed to make critical technology and safety upgrades campuswide.

Under the leadership of President/CEO Keith Curry, Ed.D., Compton College continues to serve its community with an unrelenting and unapologetic commitment to its student body, who are almost all students of color. Intentional work with campus stakeholders has led to robust planning processes, fresh and new facilities with plans for student housing, and restructured programs that meet students’ basic needs and support their academic goals.