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$1,288Tuition
16,952Students
31%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,214Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Sacramento City College

Sacramento's oldest community college has trained students for over a century since opening in 1916. Sacramento City College serves 16,952 students in California's capital city, offering a full range of transfer and career programs. The Panthers compete in 17 varsity sports with 309 total athletes, building a strong athletic tradition despite offering no athletic scholarships.

Students pay an average net price of $3,974 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education. In-state tuition costs just $1,288 annually. Graduates earn a median of $42,214 ten years after enrollment, while typical student debt reaches only $10,500. The employment rate hits 92.4%, showing strong job market outcomes. Monthly loan payments average a manageable $111.

The student body reflects Sacramento's diversity, with 32.5% Hispanic students, 26.7% White students, and 15.9% Asian students. Women make up 58.5% of enrollment. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common. Only 25% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many attend part-time or have family support. The 31.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students transfer before completing degrees here.

Academics & Faculty

Sacramento City College serves as a gateway to four-year universities and career training for California's capital region. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, but students benefit from affordable pathways to transfer or immediate employment. With a 31% six-year completion rate, the college focuses on flexible scheduling for working adults and part-time students. SCC is particularly known for its nursing program, which has strong ties to Sacramento's major medical centers. The college also offers robust career and technical education in fields like automotive technology and culinary arts. Strong transfer agreements with UC and CSU systems help students continue their education affordably after completing general requirements.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
26:1
Full-Time Faculty
40.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
31.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,214

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $94,784
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $55,964
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Associate $15,552

View all 116 programs →

Campus Life

Sacramento City College sits in California's capital, where students navigate a sprawling urban campus under year-round sunshine that rarely requires more than a light jacket. The 16,952 students come from across the Sacramento Valley, with 94.89% staying in-state for the affordable education. Most commute from nearby apartments or family homes since this is a community college without dormitories.

The diverse student body reflects Sacramento's demographics, with 32.50% Hispanic students, 26.73% white students, and 15.90% Asian students creating a multicultural atmosphere. Women make up 58.51% of enrollment. With a 26:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes can feel crowded, but the Panthers athletic program offers 17 varsity sports that bring 309 students together for competition. Weekends often mean working part-time jobs or studying, as the median earnings jump from $35,869 after one year to $52,442 after five years. Students frequently transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees, though the 31.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many face balancing work, family, and education.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1916

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Arson 1 0 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
39°–56°F
July Avg
59°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
18.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Sacramento City College draws working adults and recent high school graduates from across California's capital region. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep roots in the local community since 1916. Women make up 58% of enrollment, typical for community colleges that attract students in healthcare, education, and business transfer programs. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic students representing the largest group at 33%, followed by white students at 27% and Asian students at 16%. This demographic mix mirrors Sacramento's multicultural population and the college's role as an accessible pathway to four-year universities.
Men
41.5%
Women
58.5%
White
26.7%
Black
9.4%
Hispanic
32.5%
Asian
15.9%
In-State Students
94.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.0%

Location

Sacramento City College sits in California's capital city, home to 525,000 residents and the state government. The campus operates in an urban environment 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and 380 miles north of Los Angeles. Sacramento anchors the Central Valley, known for its agricultural economy and diverse population that mirrors the college's demographics. With 58.51% female enrollment, the student body reflects the city's working-class character. The area combines government jobs with emerging tech and healthcare sectors. Students benefit from internship opportunities in state agencies and local businesses. The college draws 94.89% of its students from California. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Sacramento City College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Sacramento, California 95822-1386
Sacramento City College Library
Sacramento City College Library
Sacramento City College campus
Sacramento City College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,214
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,442
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,400
Loan Repayment Rate
30.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Sacramento City College?

Sacramento City College has an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, meaning qualified students are generally accepted. With 16,952 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the Sacramento region. Nearly 95% of students come from California, reflecting its role as a local educational center.

How much does Sacramento City College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,974 after aid, making it one of the most affordable college options available. In-state tuition runs just $1,288 annually, while students from low-income families (under $30K) pay only $2,785 net. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, largely because the base costs are already extremely low.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Sacramento City College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1, which is higher than many four-year institutions but typical for large community colleges. Founded in 1916, Sacramento City College has built a reputation for practical, career-focused education. The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong connections with local employers.

What are the employment outcomes for Sacramento City College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 92.4% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. Median earnings reach $42,214 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on career training and workforce development. The relatively low median debt of $10,500 means graduates enter the workforce without crushing financial burdens.

Where is Sacramento City College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Sacramento, California's capital city, providing students access to government internships and urban opportunities. With 58.5% female enrollment and a diverse student body that's 32.5% Hispanic and 26.7% White, the college reflects the region's demographics. The Panthers compete in 17 varsity sports with 309 total athletes, though no athletic scholarships are offered.

Does Sacramento City College have good transfer rates?

The college reports a 31.4% six-year graduation rate, which includes both degree completion and successful transfers to four-year universities. As one of California's oldest community colleges, Sacramento City College has established strong transfer pathways to UC and CSU systems. The low loan repayment rate of 30.9% suggests many students either transfer before accumulating significant debt or enter careers that don't require extensive borrowing.