PCC is widely regarded as one of the best community colleges in the state, ranking first in four out of six categories among comparable colleges in a 2007 statewide assessment.

PCC is the third largest community college campus in the United States. AIA will give a guided tour around PCC campus.

The rate of students who transfer to four-year universities is ranked second after Santa Monica College. a high transfer rate to specialized art and design schools, including the nearby Art Center College of Design.

The math department has won the AMATYC community college mathematics competition numerous times. (PCC is currently the defending champion.) The music department provides the honor band for the Rose Parade and is the host of the annual Band Fest. Until recently, its applied music staff included John Dearman of the L.A. Guitar Quartet.

The Visual Arts Division has a celebrated annual artist-in-residence program, a sculpture garden, an active gallery program featuring professional artists, and The campus has a number of exceptional physical facilities: PCC is one of the few community colleges with its own observatory.

PCC Distinguished Alumni including : Michael Dorn ( Startrek - The New Generation ), William Hung ( American Idol sensation ), David Lee Roth, Eddie & Alex Van Halen ( Van Halen rock band ), John singleton ( Director ), Kenny Loggins ( singer ), William Holden  ( Academy Award winner ), Nick Nolte ( Actor ), Jackie Robinson ( First African American in MLB Hall of Fame ) & many others