Contra Costa College students may enroll in a maximum of 19 units per semester and 9 units for the summer term. Students wishing to enroll in more than 19 units in a semester or 9 units during summer must schedule a counseling appointment.
New and continuing students should be cautious of the number of units in which they enroll each term. Students often underestimate the amount of time required for their studies. Therefore, to avoid dropping classes, it is important that students carefully consider the number of hours they plan to work as well as prior academic performance before making this request. The following guidelines are used to review this petition:
| Recommended Course Load: | Fall or Spring | Summer |
| Not working | 15-19 Units | 8-9 Units |
| Working 10 hours per week | 12-15 Units | 6-7 Units |
| Working 20 hours per week | 9-12 Units | 4-5 Units |
| Working 30 hours per week | 6-9 Units | 2-3 Units |
| Working 40 hours per week | 1-6 Units | 1-2 Units |
Minimum Grade Point Average
Unit overload petitions for up to 22 units in a semester or up to twelve units during summer may be approved by a counselor for students who meet the following criteria:
- Continuing or transfer students – Overall college GPA of at least 2.5 in at least 12 cumulative units complete
- New students- High school graduate within the last five years with an overall GPA high school GPA of 3.0 or higher (must provide high school transcript).
Students who do not meet the above criteria for an overload or wish to enroll in more than 22 units in a semester or more than twelve units during the summer will need permission from the Dean of Students. Petitions denied by a counselor, may also be appealed to the Dean of Student Services.