About Cabrillo College
Students pay an average net price of $13,328 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $1,270. Graduates earn a median of $44,114 ten years after enrollment, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career advancement on the Central Coast. Those who borrow graduate with a median debt of $14,380 and monthly payments around $152. The numbers suggest solid value for students seeking either workforce entry or university transfer.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with 51% Hispanic enrollment and 38% white students. Only 22% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating many come from working families just above poverty thresholds. The Seahawks compete in 15 varsity sports as an independent program, though athletics take a back seat to academics at this transfer-focused institution.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 43.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,114
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $73,635 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $67,101 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $66,941 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $36,674 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $29,685 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Certificate | $27,439 |
Campus Life
Weekends often involve beach trips or exploring the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes where professors know your name. With 248 student athletes competing in 15 sports, Seahawks games draw modest but enthusiastic crowds. Many students work while attending classes, contributing to the 87% employment rate after graduation. The campus culture centers around practical career preparation rather than traditional college social life. Students often form study groups in the library or grab coffee between classes, but the real action happens off-campus in Santa Cruz's active downtown scene.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1959
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 41°–62°F
- July Avg
- 54°–74°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.4%
- Women
- 56.7%
- White
- 37.8%
- Black
- 0.9%
- Hispanic
- 51.0%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 97.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.4%
Location
- Address
- Aptos, California 95003
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,114
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,415
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $152/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,380
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Cabrillo College?
Cabrillo College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 7,404 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the Santa Cruz County area. Nearly 98% of students come from California, reflecting its role as a local community resource.
How much does Cabrillo College cost after financial aid?
In-state students pay $1,270 in tuition, while the average net price is $13,328 after aid. Only 22% of students receive financial aid, which is unusually low for community colleges. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $11,951, making it affordable for low-income students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Cabrillo College?
The student-faculty ratio is 17:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. Cabrillo is known for strong transfer programs and career training in fields like horticulture and nursing. The college operates on a semester system and maintains close ties with UC Santa Cruz for transfer pathways.
What are employment outcomes like for Cabrillo College graduates?
Graduates have an 87% employment rate and earn a median salary of $44,114 ten years after enrollment. The college excels in preparing students for both four-year transfers and direct entry into the workforce. Monthly loan payments average just $152, reflecting the school's affordability compared to four-year institutions.
Where is Cabrillo College located and what is campus life like?
The main campus sits in Aptos, a mid-sized suburb near Santa Cruz beaches and redwood forests. With 56% women and 51% Hispanic students, Cabrillo reflects the diverse demographics of the Central Coast. The Seahawks compete in 15 varsity sports with 248 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter-heavy environment.
Does Cabrillo College have a good graduation rate?
The six-year graduation rate is 38%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Founded in 1959, Cabrillo has built a reputation as a transfer-friendly institution serving working students and career changers. The college's mission emphasizes flexibility over traditional completion metrics.
