About Folsom Lake College
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $2,650 after aid, while those from middle-income families ($30-48K) pay even less at $2,571. Graduates earn a median of $42,568 ten years after enrollment, making the investment worthwhile. Only 1.97% of students take federal loans, suggesting many can afford the low costs without borrowing.
The college fields 10 varsity sports with 186 total athletes competing as the Falcons. With 98% of students coming from California, this is clearly a local institution serving its community. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at four-year colleges, but the 92% employment rate shows graduates find work successfully. Just 39.5% complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 28:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 39.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,568
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,353 |
Campus Life
Sacramento's Mediterranean climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, though morning fog can roll in during fall and winter months. The 186 student-athletes competing in 10 varsity sports as the Falcons bring some school spirit to this young campus founded in 2004. Weekends typically mean heading home or exploring nearby Sacramento, Lake Tahoe (90 minutes east), or San Francisco (two hours west). The college serves as a launching pad for four-year universities, with many students balancing part-time jobs alongside their studies. Only 15.94% receive financial aid, reflecting the area's relatively affluent demographics. The campus buzzes during weekdays but quiets on weekends as students scatter across the greater Sacramento region.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 2004
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–54°F
- July Avg
- 60°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 22.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.2%
- Women
- 53.8%
- White
- 46.8%
- Black
- 5.3%
- Hispanic
- 23.1%
- Asian
- 11.0%
- In-State Students
- 98.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.9%
Location
- Address
- Folsom, California 95630
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,568
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,396
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Folsom Lake College?
As a community college, Folsom Lake College maintains an open admission policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The college serves 8,937 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the Sacramento area. Founded in 2004, it's one of California's newer community colleges designed to meet growing regional demand.
How much does Folsom Lake College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $3,661 annually, making it highly affordable for most families. In-state tuition is just $1,288, while students from the lowest income families pay only $2,650 after aid. Only 15.94% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's already low costs.
What academic programs is Folsom Lake College known for?
The college operates on a semester system with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. It's particularly recognized for strong transfer pathways to four-year universities in the UC and CSU systems. The college serves as a stepping stone for students seeking to complete general education requirements before transferring.
What are the job outcomes for Folsom Lake College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $42,568 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 92% employment rate. The college maintains a 39.50% six-year graduation rate, which is solid for a community college. However, only 35.93% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans, reflecting the challenges some students face in the job market.
Where is Folsom Lake College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Folsom, California, a small city in the Sacramento metropolitan area. The Falcons compete in 10 varsity sports as an independent with 186 total athletes, though no athletic scholarships are offered. The student body is 53.79% female and draws almost entirely from California, with 98% in-state enrollment.
Does Folsom Lake College offer good value for transfer students?
The college provides exceptional value with its $1,288 in-state tuition and focus on university transfer preparation. Students can complete lower-division requirements at a fraction of four-year university costs before transferring. The low 1.97% federal loan rate indicates most students can afford their education without borrowing .