About Saddleback College
Students pay an average net price of just $2,976 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive Orange County. Low-income families pay even less at $2,084 annually. Graduates earn a median of $50,874 ten years after enrollment, creating strong return on investment despite the modest $9,500 in typical debt. Only 1.24% of students take federal loans, reflecting both the low costs and the financial stability of many families in the area.
The Bobcats field 21 varsity sports with 363 total athletes, giving this large community college a surprisingly robust athletic program. The 26:1 student-to-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the 83.1% employment rate shows graduates find work successfully after completing their programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 26:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 28.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,874
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $70,456 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,444 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $9,167 |
Campus Life
With a 26:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. The campus buzzes during weekday mornings and early afternoons, then quiets as commuter students head to jobs or four-year universities. Students gather at the Student Services building between classes and use the library for group study sessions. The Bobcats field 21 varsity sports teams with 363 total athletes, creating some school spirit around basketball and football games.
Weekends see most students working or transferring coursework to nearby universities like UC Irvine or Cal State Fullerton. The campus serves as a launching pad rather than a social center. Mission Viejo's suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance, plus easy freeway access to beaches and entertainment twenty minutes away.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1968
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–68°F
- July Avg
- 60°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.7%
- Women
- 54.3%
- White
- 44.7%
- Black
- 2.3%
- Hispanic
- 30.2%
- Asian
- 12.1%
- In-State Students
- 90.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.3%
Location
- Address
- Mission Viejo, California 92692-3635
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,874
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,295
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Saddleback College?
Saddleback College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 15,959 enrolled students, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in Orange County. The school has operated under this inclusive approach since its founding in 1968.
How much does Saddleback College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $2,976 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options in California. In-state tuition runs just $1,432 per year, while students from families earning under $48,000 pay only $2,084 after aid. Only 15.32% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the college's already low base costs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saddleback College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1, which is typical for large community colleges focused on serving high enrollment numbers. Classes tend to be lecture-based rather than seminar-style, reflecting the college's mission to provide foundational education to nearly 16,000 students. The college operates on a semester system that allows for structured academic progression.
What are the job prospects for Saddleback College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $50,874 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating solid career outcomes for a two-year institution. The employment rate reaches 83.1%, reflecting the college's focus on career preparation and transfer programs. Students typically carry manageable debt loads of $9,500, with monthly loan payments averaging just $101.
Where is Saddleback College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Mission Viejo, an affluent suburban community in Orange County known for its planned neighborhoods and family-friendly atmosphere. With 54.31% female and 45.69% male students, the campus serves a diverse population that is 44.68% white and 30.24% Hispanic. The suburban setting provides a quieter college experience compared to urban campuses, though it may lack the vibrancy some students seek.
Does Saddleback College offer athletic scholarships?
The college provides no athletic scholarships despite fielding 21 varsity sports teams with 363 total athletes competing as the Bobcats. This reflects the community college model where athletics serve as a pathway to four-year universities rather than a revenue source. Students interested in sports can compete at a high level while keeping education costs minimal through the college's low tuition structure.
