Chaffey College: $1,184 Tuition

$1,184Tuition

13,568Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,975Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Chaffey College

Chaffey College serves as one of California's oldest community colleges, tracing its roots back to 1883. The campus draws 13,568 students to its suburban Rancho Cucamonga location in the heart of the Inland Empire. This institution has built a reputation for providing accessible higher education to a diverse student body, with particularly strong programs in automotive technology, nursing, and business transfer preparation. Hispanic students make up 62.67% of enrollment, reflecting the demographic shifts in Southern California over recent decades.

Students pay an average net price of $5,743 annually, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in California. In-state tuition costs just $1,184 before aid. Graduates earn a median of $42,975 ten years after enrollment, though only 31.90% complete their programs within six years. The low federal loan rate of 0.60% means most students avoid significant debt. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $5,001.

The Panthers compete in 14 varsity sports with 332 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. Women comprise 58.42% of students, and the student-faculty ratio of 21:1 reflects the community college model. Nearly 97% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit local community atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Chaffey College serves as a full community college with strong workforce development programs and university transfer pathways. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means students get reasonable access to instructors despite the large enrollment of 13,568. The college is particularly known for its automotive technology, nursing, and culinary arts programs that connect directly to regional job markets. Students can choose between career-focused certificates and associate degrees designed for transfer to four-year universities. The 31.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or take breaks between semesters. Chaffey emphasizes practical skills training alongside traditional academics to prepare students for both immediate employment and continued education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 23.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,975

Campus Life

Chaffey College sits in the heart of the Inland Empire, about 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The suburban Rancho Cucamonga campus serves 13,568 students who enjoy year-round sunshine and mild temperatures that rarely require more than a light jacket. With 97% of students from California, most commute from nearby cities and return home each evening.

The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll likely recognize faces across the sprawling campus, which buzzes with activity during weekday class hours but quiets by evening. Students grab lunch between classes at the campus center or study in groups outside when the weather cooperates, which is most days. With 14 varsity sports and 332 total athletes, Panthers games draw modest crowds, though the real social action happens in student clubs and study groups. Weekends typically mean work, family time, or hanging out at nearby Victoria Gardens mall. The campus reflects its diverse student body, where 63% are Hispanic and many are first-generation college students balancing classes with jobs and family responsibilities.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1883

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	2	0	0	0
Arson	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The student body at Chaffey College reflects the diverse working-class communities of the Inland Empire. Nearly 97% of students come from California, showing strong local trust in the college's programs. Women make up 58% of enrollment, drawn to strong nursing and allied health programs that lead to stable careers. Hispanic students represent 63% of the population, mirroring the surrounding San Bernardino County demographics. About 28% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves students seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or immediate workforce entry in healthcare, business, and technical fields.

Men: 41.6%
Women: 58.4%
White: 14.1%
Black: 6.8%
Hispanic: 62.7%
Asian: 7.1%
In-State Students: 96.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.3%

Location

Chaffey College sits in Rancho Cucamonga, California, about 40 miles east of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino County foothills. The Inland Empire suburb offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial centers, with the San Gabriel Mountains providing a scenic backdrop. With 96.79% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from the local Hispanic-majority community that makes up 62.67% of enrollment. The area balances suburban convenience with outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking trails to nearby ski resorts. Students pay just $1,184 for in-state tuition, making it accessible for the working-class families typical of this region. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Chaffey College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rancho Cucamonga, California 91737-3002

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,975
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,671
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Chaffey College?

Chaffey College operates with open enrollment as a community college, meaning students can register for classes without traditional admission barriers. The school serves 13,568 students primarily from the local area, with 96.79% coming from in-state. This accessibility has made it a popular starting point for students in the Inland Empire since 1883.

How much does Chaffey College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,743 annually, with costs varying by family income from $5,001 for lowest-income families to $8,819 for highest earners. In-state tuition starts at just $1,184, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in California. Only 28.34% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low base costs.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Chaffey College?

Classes average 21 students per faculty member, which is typical for California community colleges. The campus operates on a semester system and draws students who are 58.42% female and 62.67% Hispanic. This reflects the changing demographics of the San Bernardino County region where the college has served students for over 140 years.

What are the career outcomes for Chaffey College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $42,975 ten years after starting college, with an employment rate of 86.7%. The 6-year graduation rate stands at 31.90%, which is common for community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees. The college has built strong workforce development programs that connect directly to local industries in the Inland Empire.

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

The main campus sits in Rancho Cucamonga, a large suburban city in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. With 332 student athletes competing in 14 varsity sports as the Panthers, the college maintains an active athletic program despite offering no athletic scholarships. The suburban setting provides easy access to both Los Angeles and mountain recreation areas.

Is Chaffey College good for transfer students?

The college has operated since 1883, making it one of California's oldest community colleges with deep transfer pathway relationships. Only 0.60% of students take federal loans, indicating many complete their education debt-free before transferring to four-year universities. The low cost structure and established academic programs make it a strategic choice for students planning to transfer to UC or CSU schools.