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$1,288Tuition
8,937Students
40%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,568Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Folsom Lake College

Folsom Lake College serves 8,937 students in the growing Sacramento suburb of Folsom. This community college has built a reputation for strong transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities throughout California. Founded in 2004, the college focuses on providing accessible pathways to bachelor's degrees while serving local workforce development needs. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with 46.82% White, 23.12% Hispanic, and 10.97% Asian students.

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

Folsom Lake College serves as a stepping stone to four-year universities, with strong transfer agreements throughout California. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, but the school compensates with dedicated transfer counseling and academic support programs. Students can choose from over 50 degree and certificate programs, with popular pathways in business, health sciences, and STEM fields. The 39.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working. The college excels at preparing students for transfer to UC and CSU systems, offering guaranteed admission agreements for students who complete specific coursework requirements.

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

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $26,353

View all 66 programs →

Campus Life

Folsom Lake College sits in the foothills east of Sacramento, about 25 miles from California's capital city. The 8,937 students navigate a commuter campus where 98% are California residents and most drive home after classes. With a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger introductory courses that fill quickly during registration.

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

Folsom Lake College draws nearly all its 8,937 students from California, reflecting its role as a vital community resource in the Sacramento region. The student body is 54% women and diverse, with nearly half identifying as students of color. Only 16% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves a more middle-class population than many community colleges. This demographic mix aligns with Folsom's suburban location and reputation as a transfer-focused institution that prepares local students for four-year universities rather than primarily serving as a workforce development center.
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

Folsom sits 25 miles northeast of Sacramento in California's Central Valley. The city of 80,000 residents combines suburban comfort with outdoor recreation opportunities near Folsom Lake. Students here enjoy a small-city atmosphere while staying connected to the state capital's job market and cultural offerings. The college draws 98% of its 8,937 students from California, mostly from the greater Sacramento region. Folsom's historic downtown and proximity to both Sierra Nevada foothills and urban amenities create an appealing setting for community college students. The area offers internship and transfer opportunities through its connection to UC Davis and Sacramento State. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Folsom Lake College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Folsom, California 95630
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus
Folsom Lake College campus

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 .