About American River College
Students pay remarkably little to attend, with average net costs of just $4,628 per year. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 facing costs of only $3,744 annually. Graduates earn a median of $40,162 ten years after enrollment, while those who complete programs quickly often see higher earnings of $56,189 within five years. With median debt of just $9,625 and monthly loan payments averaging $102, ARC offers strong value for students seeking affordable higher education.
The student body reflects Sacramento's diversity, with 33% Hispanic students, 36% white students, and 11% Asian students among the enrollment. Nearly all students are California residents, creating a strong local community feel. The Beavers compete in 19 varsity sports with 428 total athletes, though the college focuses primarily on academics rather than athletics.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 28:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 41.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,162
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $92,632 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $39,729 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $37,568 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,141 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,933 |
| American Sign Language. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Human Services, General. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $24,421 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $20,140 |
Campus Life
With 53.6% male and 46.4% female students, the campus reflects the diversity of the Sacramento region. Hispanic students make up 32.9% of enrollment while white students comprise 36.2%. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture classes are common, especially in popular transfer programs. Weekends see most students heading home or to jobs since 96.4% are California residents. The Beavers compete in 19 varsity sports, drawing modest crowds to games. Many students spend time in Sacramento's active downtown scene, hitting up restaurants, concerts, and Kings basketball games. Study groups often meet at nearby coffee shops or the campus library.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1955
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 41°–56°F
- July Avg
- 61°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 53.6%
- Women
- 46.4%
- White
- 36.2%
- Black
- 7.0%
- Hispanic
- 32.9%
- Asian
- 11.2%
- In-State Students
- 96.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.9%
Location
- Address
- Sacramento, California 95841-4286
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,162
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,189
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 25.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $102/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,625
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at American River College?
American River College operates as an open-access community college, meaning they accept all students who meet basic eligibility requirements. With 25,758 students enrolled, the college serves as a major educational center in Sacramento's suburban landscape. The school was founded in 1955 and has built a reputation for providing affordable higher education access to the local community.
How much does American River College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,628 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options in California. In-state tuition runs just $1,288 per year, while families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,744 after aid. The college keeps costs low as part of California's community college mission to provide accessible education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at American River College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 28:1, which is typical for large community colleges but means students need to be proactive about getting help. Classes follow a semester calendar system and focus heavily on transfer preparation and career training. The college serves a diverse student body that is 32.90% Hispanic and 36.15% White.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at American River College?
The six-year graduation rate reaches 32.70%, reflecting the reality that many community college students attend part-time or take breaks. However, graduates achieve a 90.0% employment rate, and median earnings hit $40,162 ten years after enrollment. The college succeeds in preparing students for immediate workforce entry and four-year university transfer.
Where is American River College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Sacramento's large suburban setting, drawing 96.40% of its students from California. Student life includes 19 varsity sports teams known as the Beavers, with 428 total athletes competing as an independent. The college maintains strong ties to the Sacramento region's growing economy and government sector.
How much debt do American River College graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt load of just $9,625, lower than four-year institutions. Monthly loan payments average only $102, making debt manageable for most graduates. Only 2.72% of students take federal loans, reflecting the college's affordable tuition structure and the fact that many students work while attending.
