Norco College: $1,420 Tuition

$1,420Tuition

8,359Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,206Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Norco College

The Mustangs serve 8,359 students in Norco's suburban setting east of Los Angeles. This community college has built a reputation as a reliable stepping stone for Inland Empire students seeking four-year degrees or career training. The campus draws heavily from local communities, with 61% Hispanic enrollment reflecting the region's demographics. Founded in 1991, Norco College focuses on accessible education and workforce development.

Students pay an average net price of $2,845 after aid, making this one of California's more affordable college options. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $1,788 annually. Graduates earn a median of $51,206 ten years after starting, representing solid returns on a modest investment. Only 0.34% of students take federal loans, keeping debt burdens minimal for most.

The 32.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college life, where many students attend part-time while working. With a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, classes can feel crowded but remain manageable. The campus offers just two varsity sports with 52 total athletes, so school spirit centers more on academics than athletics. Nearly 94% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit regional community.

Academics & Faculty

Norco College serves the Inland Empire as a community college focused on transfer preparation and workforce training. The school enrolls 8,359 students with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, typical for community colleges where students often balance work and family commitments. Only 32.6% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the part-time nature of many community college students rather than academic quality. The college emphasizes career and technical education alongside traditional transfer pathways to four-year universities. Students benefit from affordable tuition at just $1,420 for in-state residents. The curriculum combines general education requirements with practical job training programs designed to meet regional employment needs in the growing Inland Empire market.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Full-Time Faculty: 31.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,206

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$20,140
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,113

View all 78 programs →

Campus Life

Norco College sits in the heart of horse country, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles in California's Inland Empire. The 141-acre campus features modern buildings surrounded by rolling hills and equestrian trails. With 93.94% of students coming from in-state, you'll be learning alongside locals who know the area well.

As a community college, Norco has no dormitories, so students commute from across the region. The student-faculty ratio of 28:1 means you'll be in larger classes, but professors know this is often a stepping stone to four-year universities. With 61.07% Hispanic enrollment, the campus reflects the diverse communities of Riverside County.

Expect year-round sunshine that requires more sunscreen than sweaters. Weekends often involve exploring nearby attractions like Glen Ivy Hot Springs or driving to beaches an hour west. Many students work while attending classes, which explains the high employment rate of 79%. The campus culture centers around transfer preparation and career training rather than traditional college social life. Students here are focused and goal-oriented, balancing education with real-world responsibilities.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1991

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. 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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–69°F
July Avg: 62°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 10.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Norco College draws overwhelmingly from California, with nearly 94% of students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 61%, reflecting the demographics of the Inland Empire region it serves. This community college attracts students seeking affordable education close to home. The balanced gender split suggests diverse program offerings that appeal equally to men and women. Low Pell Grant usage at 16% indicates the school serves a mix of income levels, though the affordable tuition keeps costs manageable for working families in the area.

Men: 49.6%
Women: 50.4%
White: 17.5%
Black: 6.4%
Hispanic: 61.1%
Asian: 8.8%
In-State Students: 93.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 15.7%

Location

Norco sits in Southern California's Riverside County, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles. The city serves as a gateway to the Inland Empire, a rapidly growing region known for its logistics industry and suburban communities. Norco calls itself "Horsetown USA" and maintains rural character with horse trails and ranch properties despite urban sprawl. The college draws 93.94% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local community college. Students benefit from proximity to both LA job markets and more affordable inland housing. The area offers desert hiking and mountain access within driving distance. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Norco College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Norco, California 92860

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,206
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,887
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Norco College?

Norco College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, serving 8,359 students who are ready to begin their higher education journey. The college welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, with 61.07% of students identifying as Hispanic and strong representation from throughout the Inland Empire region.

How much does Norco College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,845 annually, making Norco College highly affordable for working families. In-state tuition runs just $1,420, and students from the lowest income bracket pay only $1,788 after aid, reflecting the college's commitment to accessible education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Norco College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 28:1, which is typical for community colleges focused on efficient, large-scale education delivery. Norco College emphasizes practical career training and transfer preparation, helping students build foundations for four-year universities or immediate workforce entry.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Norco College?

The six-year graduation rate reaches 32.60%, while the employment rate hits 79.0% for graduates who enter the workforce. Median earnings climb from $22,091 one year after graduation to $51,206 after ten years, demonstrating the long-term value of community college credentials.

Where is Norco College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Norco, California, a large suburban community in the Inland Empire known for its equestrian heritage. With only 52 total athletes across 2 varsity sports, Norco College focuses more on academics and career preparation than traditional college athletics.

Does Norco College offer good transfer opportunities?

Founded in 1991 as part of the California community college system, Norco College specializes in transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities. With 93.94% of students coming from in-state, the college serves as a local gateway to higher education for Inland Empire residents seeking affordable pathways to bachelor's degrees.