Skip to main content
$1,204Tuition
8,126Students
44%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,065Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Citrus College

Citrus College serves 8,126 students in the San Gabriel Valley as a launching pad to four-year universities. The college has built its reputation around strong transfer programs that help students complete their first two years affordably before moving to universities. Founded in 1915, this suburban campus attracts students primarily from the local community, with 97% coming from in-state.

Students pay an average net price of $3,800 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable college options in California. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $2,561 annually. Graduates earn a median of $42,065 ten years after starting, while carrying modest debt of $7,851. Only 1.2% of students take federal loans, reflecting the college's affordability and many students' ability to pay as they go.

The student body reflects the diverse San Gabriel Valley, with 66% Hispanic students making up the largest group. The Owls compete in 16 varsity sports with 323 total athletes, though the program offers no athletic scholarships. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at four-year schools, but the transfer-focused mission keeps students moving toward their bachelor's degree goals.

Academics & Faculty

Citrus College serves as a stepping stone to four-year universities for thousands of San Gabriel Valley students each year. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, but the school has built a solid reputation for transfer preparation programs. With a 44% six-year graduation rate, nearly half of students complete their goals of earning certificates or associate degrees. The college offers full general education courses that fulfill UC and CSU requirements. Students praise the school's nursing program and automotive technology training. Many use Citrus as an affordable way to complete prerequisites before transferring to nearby Cal Poly Pomona or UCLA.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
24:1
Full-Time Faculty
37.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,065

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $74,576
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $29,685
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $21,508
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Certificate $9,286

View all 83 programs →

Campus Life

The San Gabriel Valley foothills create a scenic backdrop for this community college campus 25 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. With 8,126 students and no dorms, Citrus College buzzes during weekdays then empties as commuters head home. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this Mediterranean climate where winter rarely drops below 50 degrees.

The 104-acre campus sits in suburban Glendora, surrounded by strip malls and chain restaurants that serve the 97% in-state student body. With a 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio, expect larger lecture halls for general education courses. Many of the 66% Hispanic student population work part-time jobs while taking classes. Weekends revolve around family time, work shifts, and studying at home rather than campus activities.

The Owls compete in 16 varsity sports with 323 total athletes, though athletic scholarships total $0. Students often transfer to nearby Cal Poly Pomona or UCLA after completing their associate degrees. The $3,800 average net price makes this an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities throughout California's public system.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1915

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Arson 1 0 0 1
Burglary 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
43°–67°F
July Avg
62°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
14.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Citrus College draws overwhelmingly from California, with 97% of students staying local for their education. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 66%, reflecting the demographics of the San Gabriel Valley where the college sits. Women slightly outnumber men at 55%. Nearly 29% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking affordable pathways to four-year universities. This community college has built its reputation by helping local students transfer to California State Universities and UCs while keeping costs manageable for working-class families.
Men
45.5%
Women
54.6%
White
15.1%
Black
3.5%
Hispanic
66.1%
Asian
8.2%
In-State Students
97.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.0%

Location

Citrus College sits in Glendora, California, about 25 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves the San Gabriel Valley, a diverse suburban region nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains. With 97.07% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local communities. Glendora offers a small-town feel with tree-lined streets and historic downtown areas, while remaining connected to the greater LA metropolitan area. The mountain backdrop provides hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. The area's Hispanic population of 66.07% reflects the broader San Gabriel Valley demographics. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Citrus College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Glendora, California 91741-1899
Citrus College
Citrus College

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,065
Median Earnings (5 years)
$42,405
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,600
Loan Repayment Rate
28.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$83/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,851

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Citrus College?

Citrus College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges. With 8,126 students enrolled, the college welcomes anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves as a popular stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities in the UC and CSU systems.

How much does Citrus College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,800 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at just $1,204, while families earning under $30,000 typically pay only $2,561 net. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, making this one of the most affordable college options in the San Gabriel Valley.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Citrus College?

Classes average 24 students per faculty member, which is standard for community colleges but larger than most four-year institutions. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on transfer preparation. Students benefit from small-school attention while accessing comprehensive academic programs designed for university transfer.

What do graduates from Citrus College typically earn?

Alumni earn a median salary of $42,065 ten years after enrollment. The 44% six-year completion rate reflects the college's role as a transfer institution where many students move on before graduating. Those who do complete programs graduate with relatively low debt, averaging just $7,851.

Where is Citrus College located and what is the campus like?

The campus sits in Glendora, a large suburban community in the San Gabriel Valley east of Los Angeles. With 97% of the 8,126 students coming from California, the college serves as a local center for the diverse surrounding communities. The student body is 66% Hispanic and 54% female, reflecting the demographics of the region.

Does Citrus College offer athletic programs?

The Owls compete in 16 varsity sports with 323 total student-athletes participating. Founded in 1915, the college has a long tradition of athletics but offers no athletic scholarships. The programs compete as an independent institution and provide opportunities for student-athletes to develop skills while pursuing their academic goals.