Fresno City College: $1,334 Tuition

$1,334Tuition

18,774Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,361Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Fresno City College

Fresno City College serves as the Central Valley's largest community college with 18,774 students. The school has built a reputation as a reliable pathway for students seeking affordable higher education and workforce training in California's agricultural heartland. Founded in 1910, it offers strong programs in agriculture, health sciences, and trades that align with regional industry needs. The campus sits in Fresno, giving students access to internships and jobs in one of California's major agricultural centers.

Students pay remarkably little for their education here. The average net price after aid is just $1,699, and low-income families pay even less at $987 annually. Graduates earn a median of $37,361 ten years after starting college. With typical debt of only $4,058 and monthly loan payments of $43, students face minimal financial burden. The math works strongly in students' favor for career preparation without crushing debt.

The student body reflects the Central Valley's demographics, with 65.41% Hispanic enrollment and 92.32% in-state students. The Rams compete in 23 varsity sports with 394 total athletes. A 28.30% six-year graduation rate mirrors typical community college completion patterns, though the 89% employment rate shows most students successfully enter the workforce.

Academics & Faculty

Fresno City College serves as a major transfer pathway and workforce training center in California's Central Valley. The college enrolls 18,774 students with a 26:1 student-faculty ratio that reflects the realities of community college education. Only 28% of students graduate within six years, which is typical for community colleges where many attend part-time while working. The institution offers strong programs in agriculture, allied health, and automotive technology that align with regional job markets. Students benefit from low costs, with in-state tuition at just $1,334 annually. The college emphasizes practical skills training alongside traditional academic transfer preparation for students planning to continue at four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,361

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$79,180
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$71,351
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$35,060
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$26,739
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$26,353
Human Services, General.	Associate	$25,774
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Associate	$24,421

View all 132 programs →

Campus Life

Fresno City College sits in California's Central Valley, where summer temperatures regularly hit triple digits and you'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat. The 18,774 students navigate a sprawling campus in downtown Fresno, about 200 miles from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. With 92.32% of students coming from in-state, most commute from home since this is a community college without dormitories.

The student body reflects the Central Valley's agricultural diversity, with 65.41% Hispanic enrollment making it one of California's most Latino-serving institutions. Students balance classes with work and family responsibilities. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the $1,334 in-state tuition keeps education affordable. The Rams compete in 23 varsity sports with 394 total athletes, giving students opportunities to stay connected to campus life. Weekend activities often revolve around family obligations and part-time jobs rather than traditional college social scenes. Many students transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees or career certificates.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1910

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	15	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	4	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0	0
Arson	1	0	0	0
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–55°F
July Avg: 69°–97°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Fresno City College draws primarily from California's Central Valley, with over 90% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the region's agricultural heritage and diverse Latino community, with Hispanic students making up nearly two-thirds of enrollment. Low-income families find opportunity here, as over a quarter receive Pell Grants and students pay under $1,000 annually on average. The slight majority of women students aligns with the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. This community college serves as an affordable launching pad for Central Valley residents seeking career training or university transfer.

Men: 46.8%
Women: 53.2%
White: 15.1%
Black: 4.8%
Hispanic: 65.4%
Asian: 10.6%
In-State Students: 92.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.3%

Location

Fresno City College sits in California's Central Valley, about 185 miles southeast of San Francisco and 220 miles north of Los Angeles. The campus serves California's fifth-largest city, home to 542,000 residents. Fresno anchors the agricultural heartland of California, surrounded by farms producing everything from grapes to almonds. The Sierra Nevada mountains rise to the east, offering skiing at China Peak and access to Yosemite National Park within two hours. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, while winters stay mild. The diverse urban setting reflects the broader Central Valley's multicultural population. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Fresno City College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fresno, California 93741

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,361
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,314
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $43/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $4,058

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Fresno City College?

Fresno City College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning students can generally enroll without competitive admission requirements. With 18,774 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in California's Central Valley.

How much does Fresno City College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $1,699 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in California. The extremely low cost reflects the college's mission to provide accessible education, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying only $987 annually.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Fresno City College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1, which is typical for large community colleges but means students may find it harder to get individual attention. The college operates on a semester system and serves a predominantly Hispanic student population at 65.41%.

What are the job prospects after attending Fresno City College?

Graduates achieve an 89% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation despite the 28.30% six-year graduation rate. Alumni earn a median of $37,361 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training and certification programs.

Where is Fresno City College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Fresno, a large Central Valley city known for agriculture and as a gateway to Yosemite National Park. With 394 student-athletes competing in 23 varsity sports as the Rams, the campus offers surprising athletic variety for a community college, though scholarships aren't available.

Does Fresno City College offer good financial aid options?

About 28.27% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based aid availability for low-income families. The college keeps debt burden minimal with a median of just $4,058 and monthly loan payments of only $43, making it financially manageable for most students.