About Pasadena City College
The financial picture makes PCC attractive for budget-conscious students. In-state tuition runs just $1,180 annually, and the average net price after aid is $3,123. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $2,205 net. Graduates earn a median of $43,937 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads hit just $6,651. Monthly loan payments average $71, making PCC one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in expensive Southern California.
The student body reflects the area's diversity, with 47.59% Hispanic students, 23.63% Asian students, and 17.01% white students. The Lancers compete in 16 varsity sports with 269 total athletes. With a 41.10% six-year graduation rate and 86.5% employment rate, PCC delivers solid outcomes for students seeking both workforce entry and transfer opportunities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 48.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,937
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $68,079 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $14,935 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $12,221 |
Campus Life
As a commuter school with no on-campus housing, the rhythm here centers around class schedules rather than residence hall life. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means lecture halls can feel crowded, but professors often know students by name in smaller programs. Weekends typically find students working jobs or spending time with family rather than attending campus events. The diverse student body reflects Pasadena's demographics, with 47.59% Hispanic and 23.63% Asian students. Many juggle classes with work or family responsibilities, creating a practical, goal-oriented atmosphere focused on transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce quickly.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1924
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–68°F
- July Avg
- 62°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 20.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.5%
- Women
- 53.6%
- White
- 17.0%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 47.6%
- Asian
- 23.6%
- In-State Students
- 95.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.0%
Location
- Address
- Pasadena, California 91106-2003
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,937
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,757
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $71/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,651
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Pasadena City College?
Pasadena City College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 20,624 students and draws 95.77% of its student body from California. Founded in 1924, PCC has long been a gateway for students seeking affordable higher education or transfer pathways to four-year universities.
How much does Pasadena City College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $3,123 annually, making PCC one of the most affordable college options in California. In-state tuition runs just $1,180 per year, while families earning under $30,000 pay only $2,205 after aid. The college keeps costs low while maintaining quality programs that lead to median earnings of $43,937 ten years after enrollment.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pasadena City College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 23:1, which is typical for large community colleges serving diverse populations. PCC operates on a semester system and attracts students from across the San Gabriel Valley. The college is known for strong transfer programs to UC and CSU schools, as well as career technical education in fields like nursing and automotive technology.
What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Pasadena City College?
The six-year graduation rate reaches 41.10%, reflecting the varied paths community college students take through their education. Post-graduation employment rate hits 86.5%, with graduates earning a median of $43,937 after ten years. Many students transfer before completing their associate degree, making PCC a popular stepping stone to four-year universities.
Where is Pasadena City College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Pasadena, a mid-size city known for the Rose Bowl and proximity to Los Angeles. PCC fields 16 varsity sports teams called the Lancers, with 269 total student-athletes competing as independents. The diverse student body is 47.59% Hispanic, 23.63% Asian, and 53.55% female, creating a multicultural learning environment.
Does Pasadena City College offer strong programs for students planning to transfer?
PCC has built a reputation as one of California's top transfer institutions, particularly for students headed to UCLA, USC, and Cal Tech. The college's location near major research universities and entertainment industry creates unique internship and networking opportunities. Students graduate with relatively low debt at a median of $6,651, positioning them well for continued education or immediate workforce entry.
