Cosumnes River College: $1,288 Tuition

$1,288Tuition

13,527Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,446Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Cosumnes River College

Cosumnes River College serves 13,527 students in California's capital region as one of the Los Rios Community College District's flagship campuses. The college has built a strong reputation for career and technical education programs, particularly in nursing, automotive technology, and business. Students benefit from small class sizes despite the 30:1 student-faculty ratio, with many programs offering hands-on training that connects directly to Sacramento's growing job market. The diverse student body reflects the region's demographics, with 29.35% Hispanic students and 24.35% Asian students.

The financial picture looks compelling for most students. In-state students pay just $1,288 in tuition, and the average net price after aid drops to $4,648. Low-income students pay even less, with families earning under $30,000 paying only $3,368 annually. Graduates earn a median of $42,446 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $10,722 manageable with monthly payments of $114. The 93.8% employment rate shows strong job placement success.

The Hawks compete in nine varsity sports with 178 student-athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. The 32.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the community college mission, as many students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Cosumnes River College serves as a major transfer pathway for Sacramento-area students, with 97% of its 13,527 students coming from California. The community college excels in career-technical education and transfer preparation, particularly in health sciences, business, and automotive technology programs. Students work with faculty in a 30:1 ratio, which means larger class sizes typical of community colleges but still allows for practical, hands-on learning. The 33% six-year completion rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. CRC's strength lies in providing affordable education at just $1,288 for in-state students, making it an accessible stepping stone to four-year universities or immediate workforce entry.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Full-Time Faculty: 43.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,446

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$35,060

View all 101 programs →

Campus Life

Cosumnes River College sits in Sacramento's expanding south side, where strip malls and housing developments stretch toward the foothills. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats in this Mediterranean climate, though mornings can be foggy during California's rainy season from November through March. As a commuter campus with no dormitories, all 13,527 students drive to classes from across the Sacramento metro area. The 30:1 student-faculty ratio means lecture halls fill up quickly, especially for popular transfer courses.

Campus life revolves around the daily rhythm of commuters. Students grab coffee between classes in the student center, then head to jobs or family obligations. Weekend social life happens off-campus since 96.62% of students live in-state and most stay local. The Hawks compete in nine varsity sports with 178 total athletes, but games draw modest crowds. Many students work while taking classes, contributing to the practical, no-frills atmosphere. Study groups often meet in the library before evening shifts at nearby retail jobs along Highway 99.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1970

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Burglary	3	0
Fondling	1	1
Robbery	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 39°–56°F
July Avg: 59°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 18.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Cosumnes River College draws primarily local students, with 97% coming from California. The student body reflects Sacramento's diverse metropolitan area, with significant Hispanic, Asian, and white populations creating a multicultural learning environment. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and social services programs. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable career training. The demographics align perfectly with CRC's mission as an accessible entry point for first-generation college students and career changers in the Sacramento region.

Men: 44.3%
Women: 55.7%
White: 22.1%
Black: 9.1%
Hispanic: 29.4%
Asian: 24.4%
In-State Students: 96.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.2%

Location

Cosumnes River College sits in Sacramento, California's state capital and a city of over 500,000 residents. The campus serves the greater Sacramento metropolitan area, which houses nearly 2.4 million people across multiple counties. Sacramento's Central Valley location places it roughly 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and 380 miles north of Los Angeles. The region blends urban amenities with agricultural landscapes, offering access to both Sierra Nevada foothills and San Francisco Bay Area opportunities. Over 96% of students come from California, reflecting the college's strong local draw. The area's diverse economy spans government, healthcare, agriculture, and technology sectors. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cosumnes River College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sacramento, California 95823-5799

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,446
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,829
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 25.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $114/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,722

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Cosumnes River College?

As a community college, Cosumnes River College maintains an open admission policy for California residents with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 13,527 students and welcomes nearly all applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the Sacramento area.

How much does Cosumnes River College cost after financial aid?

Students at Cosumnes River College pay an average net price of $4,648 annually after aid. In-state tuition costs just $1,288, making it one of the most affordable college options in California. Low-income students with family incomes under $30,000 pay only $3,368 net price, reflecting the school's commitment to accessible education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Cosumnes River College?

Cosumnes River College has a student-faculty ratio of 30:1, which is typical for large community colleges. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on transfer preparation and career training programs. Despite the higher ratio, the college maintains strong connections with local four-year universities for seamless transfer pathways.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Cosumnes River College?

The six-year graduation rate at Cosumnes River College is 32.9%, reflecting the diverse pathways students take through community college. Graduates earn a median of $42,446 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 93.8% employment rate. Many students transfer to four-year institutions rather than completing degrees at CRC, which affects traditional graduation metrics.

Where is Cosumnes River College located and what is the campus like?

Cosumnes River College sits in Sacramento, California, serving a diverse metropolitan area. The student body is 55.7% female and represents significant diversity with 29.35% Hispanic, 24.35% Asian, and 22.05% White students. The Hawks compete in nine varsity sports with 178 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter-focused environment.

Does Cosumnes River College offer financial aid to students?

About 25.21% of students at Cosumnes River College receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need among the student population. Only 7.27% receive institutional grants averaging $3,860, as the college relies primarily on federal and state aid programs. The low federal loan rate of 2.54% reflects the school's affordability, with graduates carrying a median debt of just $10,722.