About Modesto Junior College
The financial picture makes MJC strongly accessible. Students pay just $1,270 for in-state tuition, and the average net price of $10,176 includes living expenses. Low-income families pay even less, with students from families earning under $30,000 facing costs of only $8,525 annually. Graduates earn a median of $32,560 within one year and $42,368 after ten years. With virtually no students taking federal loans (0.22% loan rate), most graduate debt-free and ready for transfer or immediate employment.
The student body reflects Central Valley demographics, with 56% Hispanic enrollment and 98.6% in-state students. Women outnumber men 61% to 39%, typical for community colleges focused on health sciences and education transfer paths. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the 87.4% employment rate shows strong job market connections.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 28:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 25.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,368
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $86,263 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,052 |
Campus Life
Nearly 99% of students are California residents, and like most community colleges, MJC has no on-campus housing. Students commute from throughout Stanislaus County, creating a campus that empties after classes. The Pirates compete in 21 varsity sports with 373 total athletes, giving the college more of an athletic presence than typical for community colleges. Weekends often involve working part-time jobs or family commitments rather than traditional college social events. Many students are older or returning to education, so the social scene centers more around study groups and campus clubs than parties. The semester system allows for a traditional academic calendar despite the commuter culture.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1921
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–56°F
- July Avg
- 62°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.3%
- Women
- 60.7%
- White
- 31.7%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 56.0%
- Asian
- 6.4%
- In-State Students
- 98.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.2%
Location
- Address
- Modesto, California 95350-5800
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,368
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,772
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,200
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to Modesto Junior College?
Modesto Junior College follows open enrollment policies typical of California community colleges, meaning virtually all applicants are accepted. The school serves 14,714 students and provides accessible higher education to the Central Valley region. Nearly 99% of students come from within California.
What does Modesto Junior College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Modesto Junior College is $10,176 annually. In-state tuition runs just $1,270, while students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $8,525 after aid. Only 26% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low base tuition costs.
What are class sizes like at Modesto Junior College?
Modesto Junior College has a student-faculty ratio of 28:1, which is typical for large community colleges. The school operates on a semester system and serves a diverse student body that is 56% Hispanic and 60% female. Founded in 1921, it has long been a gateway to higher education in the Central Valley.
How successful are Modesto Junior College graduates in finding employment?
Graduates achieve an 87% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. Median earnings reach $42,368 ten years after graduation, while one-year post-graduation earnings average $32,560. The school effectively prepares students for both immediate employment and transfer to four-year institutions.
Where is Modesto Junior College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Modesto, a mid-sized Central Valley city known for agriculture and food processing. With 21 varsity sports teams competing as the Pirates, the college fields 373 student-athletes across various sports. The school maintains strong community ties in this working-class region of California.
What is the graduation rate at Modesto Junior College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 26%, while the four-year rate reaches 25%. These completion rates reflect the community college mission of serving diverse student populations, including many working adults and first-generation college students. The school focuses heavily on career training and transfer preparation rather than traditional four-year degree completion.
