About Fullerton College
The financial picture looks favorable for most families. In-state students pay just $1,150 in tuition, though the average net price reaches $8,090 when living costs are included. Graduates earn a median of $43,366 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $4,500 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $48, reflecting the school's affordable approach to higher education.
The student body reflects Orange County's diversity, with 60% Hispanic enrollment and strong representation across ethnic groups. Nearly all students come from California, creating a community rooted in local connections. The Hornets compete in 21 varsity sports with 378 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend toward the larger side, but the college maintains its focus on preparing students for four-year transfers and immediate workforce entry.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,366
Campus Life
Since this is a community college, nearly all students commute from home or nearby apartments. The 98.35% in-state enrollment creates a distinctly local vibe where many students already know each other from high school. Weekends often mean heading to nearby beaches, Disneyland (20 minutes away), or Los Angeles for entertainment. The 21 varsity sports programs, including 378 student athletes, provide school spirit despite the commuter culture. With a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger lecture halls for general education courses. The diverse student body reflects Orange County demographics, with 60.17% Hispanic students creating a active multicultural atmosphere on campus.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1913
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 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
- Men
- 47.4%
- Women
- 52.6%
- White
- 15.1%
- Black
- 3.0%
- Hispanic
- 60.2%
- Asian
- 13.4%
- In-State Students
- 98.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.9%
Location
- Address
- Fullerton, California 92832-2095
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,366
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $48/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $4,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Fullerton College?
Fullerton College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, accepting virtually all applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements. With 16,637 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in Orange County. Students need only a high school diploma or equivalent to begin their academic journey.
How much does Fullerton College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,090 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,302 net, while those earning over $110,000 pay $14,498. The college keeps education affordable with in-state tuition of only $1,150 per year.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Fullerton College?
Classes average 24 students per faculty member, reflecting the reality of community college education where larger class sizes help keep costs down. Founded in 1913, Fullerton College operates on a semester system and has built a reputation for solid transfer preparation. The college serves a diverse student body that is 60.17% Hispanic and 98.35% California residents.
What are the graduation and earnings outcomes at Fullerton College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 33.90%, which reflects the varied paths community college students take toward their goals. Graduates earn a median of $43,366 ten years after enrollment, with relatively low debt burdens averaging just $4,500. Monthly loan payments average only $48, making the financial commitment manageable for most students.
Where is Fullerton College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Fullerton, a large suburban city in Orange County known for its proximity to both Los Angeles and beach communities. With 378 student athletes competing in 21 varsity sports as the Hornets, the college maintains an active athletic program despite offering no athletic scholarships. The gender split is fairly even at 52.56% women and 47.44% men.
Does Fullerton College offer good value for transfer students?
The college serves as one of California's top transfer destinations, with many students using it as an affordable pathway to four-year universities. Only 25.90% of students receive financial aid, largely because the low $1,150 tuition keeps education accessible without extensive borrowing. The loan repayment rate of 36.26% reflects the manageable debt loads students typically carry.
