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$1,150Tuition
12,309Students
35%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,533Earnings
Public4-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Cypress College

Cypress College serves as Orange County's largest community college, enrolling 12,309 students in the heart of suburban Cypress. The Chargers have built a reputation for strong transfer programs and career-focused training since opening in 1966. Students here typically aim to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce with practical skills. The campus maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, which is reasonable for a community college of this size.

The financial picture looks attractive for most students. In-state tuition costs just $1,150, and the average net price after aid is $4,683. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay even less, with net prices dropping to $3,092 for middle-income families. Graduates earn a median of $43,533 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $10,000 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $106 for those who borrow.

The student body reflects Orange County's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 54.80% of enrollment and Asian students making up 21.20%. Nearly all students (98.17%) come from California. While the four-year graduation rate sits at 34.35%, many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. The college fields 14 varsity sports with 225 total athletes competing as independents.

Academics & Faculty

Cypress College serves as a transfer-focused community college with strong pathways to four-year universities. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though professors remain accessible during office hours. Students complete general education requirements and career certifications at a fraction of university costs. The 35% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing degrees here or attend part-time while working. The college emphasizes practical programs like automotive technology, dental hygiene, and business administration. Students often use Cypress as a stepping stone to UC and CSU campuses, taking advantage of guaranteed transfer agreements that smooth the path to bachelor's degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
23:1
Full-Time Faculty
35.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
34.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
35.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,533

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $73,769
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $63,997
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $50,856
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. Associate $37,568
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $37,568
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $18,771
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $18,315

View all 101 programs →

Campus Life

Cypress sits in Orange County just 25 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Students commute to this community college campus from across the region, with 98.17% coming from California. The Mediterranean climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round but never a heavy winter coat. Campus life centers around the day since most students live off-campus and juggle work with classes.

The student body reflects Orange County's diversity, with 54.80% Hispanic students and 21.20% Asian students creating a multicultural environment. With 57.52% women enrolled, female students slightly outnumber men. Class sizes average 23 students per instructor, typical for a community college focused on transfer preparation and career training. The Chargers compete in 14 varsity sports with 225 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Students often spend weekends working part-time jobs or studying, as many are balancing multiple responsibilities. The campus serves as a stepping stone, with students either transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce after completing career programs.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1966

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 15 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 4 0 0 0
Fondling 2 0 0 0
Dating Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
46°–68°F
July Avg
66°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
11.9"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Cypress College draws heavily from Orange County's diverse Latino and Asian communities, with Hispanic students making up more than half the student body and Asian students representing over one-fifth. Nearly all students come from California, reflecting the college's role as a local gateway to higher education. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. The slight female majority aligns with community college trends nationwide, where women often return to school for career changes or professional development.
Men
42.5%
Women
57.5%
White
11.6%
Black
3.8%
Hispanic
54.8%
Asian
21.2%
In-State Students
98.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
32.2%

Location

Cypress sits in Orange County, California, about 25 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The college serves a diverse suburban community where 54.80% of students are Hispanic and 21.20% are Asian. Orange County blends beach culture with inland suburban sprawl, offering students access to both Disneyland and Newport Beach within a short drive. The area features master-planned communities, shopping centers, and a strong job market in healthcare and business services. Nearly all students come from California, with 98.17% being in-state residents. The college draws heavily from local high schools in this densely populated region known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and year-round mild weather. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cypress College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Cypress, California 90630-5897

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,533
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,233
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,400
Loan Repayment Rate
41.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Cypress College?

As a community college, Cypress College maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 12,309 students with a focus on providing accessible higher education in Orange County. This open-door approach allows students to begin their college journey regardless of previous academic performance.

How much does Cypress College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,683 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $1,150 annually. Low-income families earning under $30,000 face net costs of only $4,205, while middle-income families ($30-48K) pay even less at $3,092. The college keeps education affordable as part of California's community college mission.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Cypress College?

Cypress College maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges balancing accessibility with instructional support. The college has built a strong reputation for career and technical education programs alongside traditional transfer pathways. Students benefit from practical, hands-on learning in programs designed to meet local workforce needs.

What are the graduation rates at Cypress College?

The college achieves a 35.10% six-year graduation rate and 34.35% four-year rate, reflecting the diverse paths community college students take. Many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees at Cypress. Graduates earn a median of $43,533 ten years after enrollment with manageable debt loads averaging $10,000.

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

The campus sits in Cypress, a small city in Orange County between Los Angeles and Orange County's beach communities. With 98.17% in-state enrollment and 57.52% female students, the college serves a predominantly local, diverse community. The Chargers compete in 14 varsity sports with 225 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter-focused environment.

Does Cypress College serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 54.80% Hispanic and 21.20% Asian, reflecting Orange County's changing demographics since the college's 1966 founding. Only 11.62% of students are white, making this one of California's most ethnically diverse community colleges. About 32.15% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity as well.