Monterey Peninsula College: $1,188 Tuition

$1,188Tuition

5,759Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,176Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey Peninsula College serves as a gateway to higher education for students across California's scenic Central Coast. The college enrolls 5,759 students and has built a strong reputation for transfer programs that help students continue to four-year universities. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic (49.78%), reflecting the diverse communities of Monterey County. Founded in 1947, MPC specializes in both academic transfer pathways and career training programs that prepare students for immediate employment.

The financial picture looks favorable for most students. In-state tuition costs just $1,188 annually, and the average net price of $13,498 remains manageable for families across income levels. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay about $12,241 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $42,176 ten years after starting college, providing solid returns on their community college investment. Only 1.16% of students take out federal loans, keeping debt burdens low.

The 30.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees. MPC fields 12 varsity sports teams with 233 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter-heavy environment where 92.58% of students come from California.

Academics & Faculty

Monterey Peninsula College serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing four-year degrees and career certifications. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though professors remain accessible during office hours. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the region's demographics and the college's role in serving first-generation college students. The 30.20% six-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages, where many students attend part-time while working. The college offers strong transfer pathways to UC and CSU systems, plus career programs in healthcare, business, and hospitality that connect to Monterey's tourism economy.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,176

Campus Life

The Monterey Peninsula College campus sits in one of California's most scenic coastal regions, just two hours south of San Francisco. With 54% women and 46% men among its 5,759 students, the college draws heavily from local communities with nearly 93% coming from in-state. Students experience mild coastal weather year-round, where a light jacket handles most "winter" days and fog often rolls in during summer afternoons.

As a community college, MPC has no on-campus housing, so students commute from nearby Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Seaside. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means classes fill up quickly, especially popular transfer courses. Weekends often involve exploring the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, hiking in nearby state parks, or working part-time jobs in the tourism-heavy local economy. The campus serves a diverse population with nearly 50% Hispanic students, reflecting the broader Central Coast demographics. Many students balance coursework with jobs in hospitality, agriculture, or marine-related industries that dominate the region's economy.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1947

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0
Rape	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–60°F
July Avg: 52°–67°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.3"

Student Demographics

Monterey Peninsula College draws students from across the Monterey Bay area, with 93% coming from California. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the region's demographics and the college's role as an accessible pathway to higher education for local families. Women slightly outnumber men at 54%. The college serves as a community anchor, helping local students transfer to four-year universities or enter careers without the financial burden of expensive tuition. Many students work while attending, balancing education with the area's tourism and agriculture industries.

Men: 45.9%
Women: 54.1%
White: 30.4%
Black: 2.6%
Hispanic: 49.8%
Asian: 6.4%
In-State Students: 92.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.4%

Location

Monterey Peninsula College sits in Monterey, California, about 120 miles south of San Francisco on the scenic Monterey Peninsula. The campus serves a coastal region famous for its rugged coastline, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Pebble Beach golf courses. Students attend classes just minutes from Cannery Row and the Pacific Ocean, with the Santa Lucia Mountains rising inland. The area blends tourism, marine science, and agriculture, creating diverse internship opportunities. About 93% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local ties to the Peninsula community. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Monterey Peninsula College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Monterey, California 93940-4799

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,176
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,075
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Monterey Peninsula College?

Monterey Peninsula College follows an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, meaning most students can enroll without competitive admissions. The college serves 5,759 students with 92.58% coming from in-state. Founded in 1947, MPC focuses on providing accessible higher education and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

How much does Monterey Peninsula College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,498 annually at Monterey Peninsula College. In-state tuition runs just $1,188, while out-of-state students pay $9,924. Only 19.40% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low cost structure of this public community college.

What academic programs is Monterey Peninsula College known for?

Monterey Peninsula College operates on a semester calendar system with a 23:1 student-faculty ratio. The college emphasizes transfer programs to four-year universities and career training programs. Students can choose from programs that prepare them for immediate workforce entry or successful transfer to complete bachelor's degrees.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at Monterey Peninsula College?

Monterey Peninsula College reports a 30.20% six-year graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,176 ten years after enrollment. The loan repayment rate stands at 31.75%, reflecting the college's focus on affordable education.

Where is Monterey Peninsula College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Monterey, California, in a midsize suburban setting along the scenic Monterey Peninsula. With 54.12% women and 45.88% men, the student body is 49.78% Hispanic and 30.40% White. The college offers 12 varsity sports programs with 233 total athletes competing as an independent institution.

Does Monterey Peninsula College serve a diverse student population?

Monterey Peninsula College reflects the demographics of the Monterey Peninsula with 49.78% Hispanic students comprising the largest ethnic group. The college also serves 30.40% White students and 6.42% Asian students. This diversity mirrors the agricultural and service economy of the Monterey Bay area, where the college has served the community since 1947.