Compton College: $1,142 Tuition

$1,142Tuition

2,881Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,181Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Compton College

Compton College builds bridges between high school and four-year universities for students across South Los Angeles. This community college enrolls 2,881 students and has operated in the same suburban community since 1927. The school focuses heavily on transfer preparation and career training programs that respond to local workforce needs. Most students use Compton as a stepping stone to complete their first two years before moving to a Cal State or UC campus.

Students here pay an average net price of $11,103 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in California. In-state tuition runs just $1,142 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $34,181 ten years after starting, which reflects the mix of students who transfer out and those who enter the workforce directly. Only 1.74% of students take federal loans, showing how accessible the education remains without heavy borrowing.

The student body is 53.56% Hispanic and 34.57% Black, reflecting the surrounding community demographics. Women make up 63.66% of enrollment. The Tartans compete in 12 varsity sports with 185 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. Nearly all students are California residents at 94.32%.

Academics & Faculty

Compton College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in South Los Angeles. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. With a 31.6% six-year graduation rate, the school faces typical challenges of community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. The college emphasizes transfer preparation and workforce training programs that align with local industry needs. Students benefit from low in-state tuition of $1,142 annually. The institution has built partnerships with nearby four-year universities to create clear pathways for students planning to continue their education after earning associate degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 55.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,181

Campus Life

Compton College sits in the heart of Compton, about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. You'll need sunscreen year-round as Southern California temperatures rarely dip below 60 degrees. The community college serves a commuter population where 94% of students come from in-state. As a two-year institution, there are no dorms, so students drive to campus from across the greater LA area.

Women make up 64% of the student body, and the campus reflects the diversity of its surrounding community with 54% Hispanic and 35% Black students. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes typical of community colleges. With 185 athletes competing in 12 varsity sports as the Tartars, weekends often center around athletic events and family obligations since most students work while attending school. The suburban setting means students typically head home or to jobs rather than hanging around campus after classes. Many students use Compton College as a stepping stone to transfer to four-year universities or gain career certifications.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1927

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Burglary	16	0
Aggravated Assault	3	2
Robbery	0	3
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	1
Arson	0	1
Domestic Violence	0	1
Fondling	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This community college draws overwhelmingly from the local Compton area, with over nine in ten students staying close to home. The student body is predominantly Hispanic and Black, reflecting the demographics of South Los Angeles. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and social service programs. The high concentration of Pell Grant recipients shows Compton College serves as an affordable pathway for first-generation and working-class students seeking either career training or transfer preparation to four-year universities.

Men: 36.3%
Women: 63.7%
White: 2.9%
Black: 34.6%
Hispanic: 53.6%
Asian: 2.2%
In-State Students: 94.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.1%

Location

Compton College sits in Compton, California, about 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves a diverse suburb in LA County where 53.56% of students are Hispanic and 34.57% are Black. This working-class community has deep roots in hip-hop culture and urban history. Students experience the energy of Southern California while staying close to home, with 94.32% coming from in-state. The college provides an affordable pathway to four-year universities or direct workforce entry in the greater LA metropolitan area. Palm trees and year-round sunshine define the California environment. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Compton College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Compton, California 90221-5393

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,181
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,489

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Compton College?

Compton College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 2,881 students with a strong focus on providing accessible higher education to the local community. Students can enroll in transfer programs or career training without the competitive admissions process found at four-year universities.

How much does Compton College cost after financial aid?

Students at Compton College pay an average net price of $11,103 annually, with in-state tuition starting at just $1,142. The college keeps costs affordable with 27% of students receiving Pell Grants, making it accessible to working-class families in the Compton area. Out-of-state students face higher costs at $8,822 in tuition.

What academic programs is Compton College known for?

Compton College offers both transfer pathways to four-year universities and career training programs designed for immediate workforce entry. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The college has served the community since 1927, building strong relationships with local employers and regional universities.

What are the graduation and earning outcomes at Compton College?

The college reports a 31.6% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. Graduates earn a median salary of $34,181 ten years after enrollment, with five-year earnings reaching $46,489. These outcomes reflect the college's mission to provide practical education for career advancement in the local job market.

What is the student population like at Compton College?

The student body of 2,881 is predominantly Hispanic (53.6%) and Black (34.6%), reflecting the diverse demographics of the Compton community. Women make up 63.7% of enrollment, a common pattern at community colleges nationwide. Nearly all students (94.3%) come from California, creating a tight-knit local campus environment.

Does Compton College have athletic programs?

The Tartans compete in 12 varsity sports with 185 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. As an independent institution, Compton College focuses on providing recreational and competitive opportunities for student-athletes. The athletic programs emphasize participation and skill development rather than high-level recruitment.