About Los Medanos College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,363 after aid, while even higher-income families rarely pay more than $10,485. Only 1.07% of students take federal loans, suggesting most can afford their education without debt. Graduates earn a median $42,454 ten years after starting, with an impressive 89.4% employment rate showing the college's effectiveness at job preparation.
The campus maintains an intimate feel with a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, though this is higher than many community colleges. The Mustangs field five varsity sports with 141 total athletes competing independently. With 96.04% of students coming from California, Los Medanos serves primarily as a local institution where neighbors build careers and pursue dreams close to home.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 43.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,454
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $32,382 |
Campus Life
The campus serves a diverse community where 47% of students are Hispanic and 19% are White. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Most students work while attending school, contributing to the 38.9% six-year graduation rate as many study part-time. Weekends often mean heading home or to jobs rather than campus activities, though the Mustangs compete in five varsity sports with 141 total athletes. The surrounding area offers suburban amenities and easy access to both San Francisco's opportunities and the Central Valley's affordability. Students typically balance academics with work and family responsibilities rather than traditional college social life.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1974
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 40°–55°F
- July Avg
- 60°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.5%
- Women
- 56.5%
- White
- 18.6%
- Black
- 12.9%
- Hispanic
- 46.8%
- Asian
- 12.0%
- In-State Students
- 96.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.0%
Location
- Address
- Pittsburg, California 94565
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,454
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,598
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Los Medanos College?
Community colleges like Los Medanos typically have open admission policies for students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The college serves 7,100 students primarily from the local East Bay area. Nearly all students are California residents, with 96.04% coming from in-state.
How much does Los Medanos College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,692 after aid, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in California. In-state tuition starts at just $1,312 per year. Families earning under $30,000 pay only $4,363 net, while even higher-income families above $110,000 pay around $10,081.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Los Medanos College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 23:1, which is typical for California community colleges. The college operates on a semester calendar system. Students can choose from various transfer programs and career training pathways designed to serve the diverse East Bay community.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Los Medanos College?
The six-year graduation rate reaches 38.90%, reflecting the college's role as a stepping stone for many students. Alumni maintain an 89.4% employment rate with median earnings of $42,454 ten years after starting. The college serves as a pathway to four-year universities and immediate workforce entry.
Where is Los Medanos College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Pittsburg, California, a large suburban community in the East Bay region. With 141 student athletes competing in five varsity sports as the Mustangs, the college maintains a modest athletic presence. The student body reflects the area's diversity, with 46.83% Hispanic students and 56.46% women.
Does Los Medanos College offer financial aid to students?
Only 24.99% of students receive federal financial aid, indicating many attend part-time or have family support. Just 8.46% receive institutional grants averaging $3,855. The extremely low federal loan rate of 1.07% shows most students avoid borrowing, taking advantage of California's affordable community college system.
