College of Alameda: $1,148 Tuition

$1,148Tuition

4,274Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,563Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About College of Alameda

College of Alameda draws 4,274 students to its Bay Area campus for affordable career training and university transfer preparation. The community college sits in Alameda's large suburban setting, serving as a stepping stone for students heading to four-year universities or entering the workforce directly. Founded in 1968, the school has built a reputation for practical programs that meet regional employment needs.

Students pay an average net price of $9,280 annually, making it accessible for families across income levels. Those from the lowest-income households pay just $8,181 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $42,563 ten years after starting college, though earnings jump over time. The 88.6% employment rate shows strong job market outcomes for completers.

The diverse student body reflects the Bay Area's demographics, with 27.82% Hispanic, 22.67% Asian, 19.75% Black, and 16.85% White students. Women outnumber men 57.60% to 42.40%. The 35:1 student-faculty ratio means large classes are common. Only 33.80% of students complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges where many attend part-time while working. The Cougars compete in just two varsity sports with 22 total athletes.

Academics & Faculty

College of Alameda serves Bay Area students with practical career training and university transfer pathways. The community college enrolls 4,274 students across programs designed to launch careers or prepare students for four-year universities. With a 35:1 student-faculty ratio, students work in larger class settings typical of community colleges. The 33.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or take longer to complete their goals. Students can choose from career-focused programs in areas like healthcare, business, and technology, or complete general education requirements for transfer to California State University or University of California campuses.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 35:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,563

Campus Life

The College of Alameda sits on an island in San Francisco Bay, just 15 minutes from Oakland and 30 minutes from San Francisco by car. With 4,274 students spread across a commuter campus, you'll find a diverse student body where 57.6% are women and no single ethnic group dominates. The mild Bay Area climate means you'll need layers rather than heavy coats, with foggy mornings giving way to sunny afternoons.

As a community college, students don't live on campus and most commute from around the Bay Area. The 35:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, typical for introductory courses before transferring to four-year universities. With only 2 varsity sports and 22 total athletes, the social scene revolves less around athletics and more around academic clubs and transfer preparation. Students often spend weekends working part-time jobs or studying, as the 88.6% employment rate suggests many balance school with work. The island setting provides a quieter alternative to busier urban campuses while keeping you connected to Bay Area opportunities.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1968

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–59°F
July Avg: 56°–71°F
Annual Precipitation: 22.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

College of Alameda draws students from across the Bay Area who want affordable education close to home. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with strong representation from Hispanic, Asian, and Black communities alongside white students. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges that offer strong programs in health sciences and social services. Most students come from California, showing the college's deep roots in local workforce development. The mix of traditional college-age students and working adults creates a practical, career-focused campus culture.

Men: 42.4%
Women: 57.6%
White: 16.9%
Black: 19.8%
Hispanic: 27.8%
Asian: 22.7%
In-State Students: 82.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 9.9%

Location

College of Alameda sits on an island city in the San Francisco Bay, just 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco and Oakland. The campus serves 4,274 students in this unique island community of about 78,000 residents. Alameda maintains a small-town feel despite being surrounded by major metropolitan areas. The island location provides easy access to Bay Area job markets while offering a quieter suburban atmosphere. Students can reach San Francisco via bridge or ferry for internships and cultural activities. The college draws 82.77% of its students from California, many commuting from nearby East Bay communities. Students considering colleges in California may also compare College of Alameda with similar schools in the region.

Address: Alameda, California 94501

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,563
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,475
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 27.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at College of Alameda?

College of Alameda maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 4,274 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the diverse Bay Area community. Students can enroll in both career training programs and transfer preparation courses.

How much does College of Alameda cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,280 annually, though only 9.93% receive financial aid. In-state tuition runs just $1,148 while out-of-state students pay $8,684. The low financial aid percentage reflects the already affordable tuition structure at this community college.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Alameda?

Classes average 35 students per faculty member, which is typical for community colleges but larger than most four-year institutions. The school operates on a semester calendar system and emphasizes practical career training alongside academic transfer preparation. Students benefit from programs designed to meet local workforce needs in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at College of Alameda?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 33.80%, while graduates achieve an impressive 88.6% employment rate. Alumni earn a median salary of $42,563 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's focus on career-oriented programs. The strong employment outcomes demonstrate the value of the college's workforce training approach.

Where is College of Alameda located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Alameda, California, a large suburban community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1968, the school draws 82.77% of its students from within California. The campus serves a diverse student body with significant Hispanic (27.82%), Asian (22.67%), and Black (19.75%) populations.

Does College of Alameda offer athletics programs?

The Cougars field just 2 varsity sports with only 22 total student-athletes, making athletics a minimal part of campus life. The school offers no athletic scholarships and competes as an independent institution. College of Alameda prioritizes academic and career programs over sports, reflecting its mission as a community college focused on workforce development.