About Grossmont College
Students pay remarkably little for their education here. The average net price of $2,755 makes this one of California's most affordable college options, especially for low-income families who pay just $1,681 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $40,309 ten years after enrollment, while carrying modest debt loads of $8,625. That translates to manageable monthly loan payments of just $91. With an 86.4% employment rate, students typically find work after completing their programs.
Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local stepping stone. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the college fields 14 varsity sports teams with 293 total athletes competing independently. Women make up 57.97% of the student body, typical for community colleges nationwide.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 31.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,309
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $45,529 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,102 |
Campus Life
The student body of 11,467 creates a diverse community where 38.15% are Hispanic and 39.73% are White. Since this is a community college, students don't live on campus. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll find yourself in larger lecture halls, especially for popular general education courses. Most students juggle work and school, reflected in the 86.4% employment rate among graduates.
Weekends often mean heading to nearby beaches or exploring San Diego's neighborhoods. The Griffins compete in 14 varsity sports with 293 total athletes, giving the campus some school spirit. Students frequently transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees. The campus serves as a launching pad rather than a traditional college experience destination.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–69°F
- July Avg
- 63°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.0%
- Women
- 58.0%
- White
- 39.7%
- Black
- 4.6%
- Hispanic
- 38.2%
- Asian
- 6.7%
- In-State Students
- 94.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.7%
Location
- Address
- El Cajon, California 92020-1799
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,309
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,599
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $91/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,625
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Grossmont College?
Grossmont College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 11,467 students and draws 94.56% of its enrollment from California residents. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students beginning their higher education journey in East County San Diego.
How much does Grossmont College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $2,755 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,681 per year, while those earning over $110,000 pay $8,775. Only 23.67% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving middle-class families alongside traditional community college demographics.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Grossmont College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 23:1, which is typical for large community colleges in California. Founded in 1961, Grossmont has built a reputation as one of the anchor institutions in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. The college operates on a semester system and serves the diverse communities of East County San Diego.
What are the employment outcomes for Grossmont College graduates?
Graduates achieve an 86.4% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. The median earnings reach $40,309 ten years after enrollment, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt loads of $8,625. The college has built strong workforce development programs that connect students with opportunities in San Diego's growing economy.
Where is Grossmont College located and what is the campus like?
The college sits in El Cajon, a large suburban community about 20 miles east of downtown San Diego. The student body reflects the area's diversity, with 39.73% White students, 38.15% Hispanic students, and women comprising 57.97% of enrollment. The campus serves as a commuter center for students throughout East County's sprawling suburban landscape.
Does Grossmont College offer athletic scholarships?
The college provides $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 14 varsity sports teams with 293 total athletes. The Griffins compete as an independent program, focusing on student participation rather than recruitment incentives. This approach aligns with the community college mission of providing affordable access to both academic and athletic opportunities.
