About Mendocino College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $6,575 after aid, rising to $15,096 for higher-income families. Graduates earn a median of $40,243 ten years after enrollment, with typical debt loads of $10,836. Only 2.14% of students take federal loans, suggesting most can afford the low tuition without borrowing heavily. The monthly loan payment averages just $115 for those who do borrow.
Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting enrollment patterns common at community colleges. The Eagles compete in seven varsity sports with 107 total athletes, though no athletic scholarships are available. Nearly 91% of students come from California, with many staying local after graduation given the 87.6% employment rate.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 19.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,243
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 |
Campus Life
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know their students by name. Most students commute from surrounding Mendocino County towns, as this is primarily a commuter campus. Weekend activities often revolve around the region's outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking in nearby redwood forests to exploring local wineries. The college's agriculture and forestry programs connect directly to the area's primary industries. With 90.95% of students from California, the campus feels deeply rooted in its North Coast identity. Students frequently gather for Eagles athletic events, though with only 107 total athletes across seven sports, the social scene remains low-key and community-focused.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1973
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–56°F
- July Avg
- 55°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 32.9%
- Women
- 67.1%
- White
- 39.1%
- Black
- 2.3%
- Hispanic
- 38.6%
- Asian
- 3.8%
- In-State Students
- 91.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.4%
Location
- Address
- Ukiah, California 95482
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,243
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,553
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 23.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $115/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,836
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Mendocino College?
Mendocino College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming all students who can benefit from instruction. The college enrolls 2,857 students, with 91% coming from California. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the North Coast region.
How much does Mendocino College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,500 annually after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $1,423. About 25% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college keeps costs manageable with students typically graduating with $10,836 in debt. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,575 net.
What academic programs is Mendocino College known for?
The college excels in agriculture and forestry programs that reflect the region's rural character and natural resources. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in transfer preparation and career programs. The school also serves as a strong liberal arts transfer pathway for students heading to four-year universities.
What are the job prospects for Mendocino College graduates?
Graduates achieve an 87.6% employment rate, earning a median of $40,243 ten years after graduation. Recent graduates start with median earnings of $46,829, showing the value of career-focused programs. The relatively low monthly loan payment of $115 makes the degree financially manageable for most students.
Where is Mendocino College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Ukiah, a rural-fringe community in California's wine country and redwood region. With 107 student-athletes competing across 7 varsity sports as the Eagles, the campus maintains a close-knit feel. Women make up 67% of the student body, and the diverse population is 39% Hispanic and 39% white.
Does Mendocino College have a good graduation rate?
The college posts a 31% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Founded in 1973, the institution serves a working student population where only 2.14% take federal loans. Many students successfully transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before the six-year mark.
