Butte College: $1,336 Tuition

$1,336Tuition

8,384Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,810Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Butte College

Butte College serves over 8,000 students in California's Northern Central Valley, focusing heavily on career training and university transfer preparation. The college has built a reputation for practical programs that connect directly to regional employment needs. Students choose from pathways designed either to launch careers immediately after graduation or to seamlessly transfer to four-year universities throughout California.

The financial picture looks favorable for most students. In-state tuition costs just $1,336 annually, and the average net price after aid drops to $4,632. Low-income students pay even less, with families earning under $30,000 facing a net price of only $3,367. Graduates earn a median of $41,810 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $10,500. Monthly loan payments average just $111, making this education accessible without crushing financial burden.

The student body reflects the region's diversity, with 34% Hispanic students and 48% white students creating a multicultural learning environment. Women slightly outnumber men at 56% of enrollment. The Roadrunners compete in 12 varsity sports with 257 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. With a 93% employment rate after graduation, students find solid career prospects in the Central Valley's growing economy.

Academics & Faculty

Butte College operates as a community college focused on career training and university transfer preparation. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay manageable, though academic support varies by program. With a 32% six-year graduation rate, students face typical community college challenges of balancing work and family obligations. The college excels in vocational programs like welding, automotive technology, and fire science that connect directly to Central Valley industries. Transfer students benefit from guaranteed admission agreements with California State Universities. Strong nursing and allied health programs maintain competitive admission standards. The college also serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to UC schools, offering solid preparation in core academic subjects.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 31.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,810

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$90,960
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$56,641
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$56,415
Social Sciences, General.	Associate	$26,739

View all 115 programs →

Campus Life

Daily life at Butte College unfolds across a sprawling rural campus in California's Central Valley foothills, about 70 miles north of Sacramento. The 56% female student body navigates a 21:1 student-faculty ratio in a setting where most commute from surrounding communities. Since this is a community college, students don't live on campus and instead drive in from Oroville, Chico, and smaller valley towns.

The Mediterranean climate means students wear shorts and t-shirts through most of the academic year, though winter mornings can dip into the 40s. With 257 athletes competing across 12 varsity sports as the Roadrunners, games provide weekend social opportunities alongside part-time jobs that many students balance with classes. The 93.2% employment rate reflects a student body that often works while attending school. Campus life centers around the library, student center, and athletic facilities, but the real social scene happens off-campus in Oroville's restaurants and outdoor recreation areas near the Feather River.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–54°F
July Avg: 67°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 56.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

Butte College draws primarily from Northern California's working-class communities, with over three-quarters of students staying close to home. The student body reflects the Central Valley's diversity, mixing white and Hispanic students in roughly equal numbers. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges focused on healthcare and transfer programs. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves families seeking affordable pathways to middle-class careers. Most students balance work and school, attracted by practical training programs that lead directly to local employment opportunities.

Men: 44.0%
Women: 56.0%
White: 48.2%
Black: 2.3%
Hispanic: 33.7%
Asian: 5.5%
In-State Students: 76.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.6%

Location

Butte College sits in Oroville, California, about 70 miles north of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The campus serves California's northern Central Valley, a region known for agriculture and outdoor recreation. Oroville is home to the nation's tallest dam and offers access to Lake Oroville for water sports and fishing. The rural setting provides a quieter alternative to California's crowded urban campuses. With 76% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Northern California communities. The surrounding area combines small-town charm with proximity to both mountain recreation and valley agriculture. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Butte College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Oroville, California 95965-8399

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,810
Median Earnings (5 years): $67,607
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Butte College?

Butte College has open enrollment as a community college, welcoming all students who can benefit from instruction. The college serves 8,384 students and focuses on providing accessible education to Northern California's Central Valley residents. About 76% of students come from in-state, reflecting its mission to serve the local community.

How much does Butte College cost after financial aid?

Students at Butte College pay an average net price of $4,632 per year after aid. In-state tuition is just $1,336, while out-of-state students pay $8,416. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make education affordable for working-class families in rural Northern California.

What academic programs is Butte College known for?

Butte College offers strong career training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on practical education that serves the agricultural and technical needs of the Central Valley. Students can choose from programs designed for both immediate workforce entry and university transfer.

What are the job prospects for Butte College graduates?

Butte College graduates have a 93.2% employment rate, showing strong job placement in the regional economy. The median earnings one year after graduation are $68,289, reflecting the college's emphasis on career-focused programs. Graduates typically carry manageable debt loads with a median of $10,500 and monthly loan payments of just $111.

Where is Butte College located and what is campus life like?

Butte College sits in Oroville, California, in a rural-distant setting that serves the northern Central Valley region. The campus has 257 student-athletes competing in 12 varsity sports as the Roadrunners in independent athletics. The student body is 56% women and reflects California's diversity with 48% White, 34% Hispanic, and smaller percentages of other ethnic groups.

Does Butte College offer good transfer opportunities to four-year schools?

Butte College has a 32% six-year graduation rate, which includes both degree completion and successful transfers to four-year institutions. Founded in 1967, the college has built strong relationships with California State Universities and UC campuses for seamless transfers. The college's transfer pathways help students save money on their first two years while maintaining academic quality.