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$3,412Tuition
16,067Students
22%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$39,711Earnings
Public4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About San Antonio College

San Antonio College serves as the flagship community college for one of America's fastest-growing cities, enrolling 16,067 students in the heart of Texas. The college has built its reputation as an affordable pathway to four-year degrees and career certifications, particularly strong in health sciences, automotive technology, and business programs. Nearly 70% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the active culture of San Antonio itself. The Armadillos compete in athletics while maintaining the practical, career-focused mission that defines community college education.

Students pay an average net price of $5,290 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in Texas. In-state tuition runs just $3,412 annually. Graduates earn a median of $39,711 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt of only $10,500. The math works for most students, especially those using San Antonio College as a stepping stone to four-year universities or entering the workforce quickly.

The student-faculty ratio sits at 26:1, typical for a large community college but requiring students to be self-directed. With a 24% four-year graduation rate, success depends heavily on student motivation and clear academic planning. The college draws 97% of its students from Texas, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting.

Academics & Faculty

San Antonio College serves as a full community college with classes averaging 26 students per faculty member. The college specializes in career-focused programs including nursing, automotive technology, and culinary arts that connect directly to San Antonio's growing job market. Students can complete associate degrees or certificate programs, with 24% finishing their programs within four years. The college emphasizes workforce preparation alongside traditional transfer pathways to four-year universities. Many students use SAC as an affordable stepping stone, taking advantage of small class discussions and hands-on learning in technical labs. The nursing program particularly stands out for producing qualified healthcare workers for the region's medical centers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
26:1
Full-Time Faculty
52.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
23.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
22.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,711

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $57,770
Fire Protection. Certificate $38,289
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $33,459
Fire Protection. Associate $32,563
Legal Support Services. Associate $32,119
Psychology, General. Associate $31,133
Design and Applied Arts. Associate $28,598
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $26,353
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $25,194
Social Work. Associate $23,351

View all 91 programs →

Campus Life

San Antonio College sits in the heart of Texas's seventh-largest city, where students navigate 100-degree summers and mild winters that rarely require more than a light jacket. Nearly 70% of the student body is Hispanic, creating a active bilingual campus culture that reflects the city's deep Mexican-American roots. The college draws almost exclusively from Texas, with 97% of students coming from in-state.

As a community college, SAC has no dormitories, so students commute from across the sprawling metropolitan area of 2.5 million people. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but also reflects the college's role as an affordable stepping stone for working adults and recent high school graduates. Women make up 61% of enrollment, and many students juggle jobs alongside their studies. Weekends often mean family time or work shifts rather than campus activities. The Armadillos nickname hints at the school's Texas character, though athletics take a backseat to academics and career preparation at this practical, no-frills institution.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 8 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 2
Burglary 2 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 2 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
39°–62°F
July Avg
73°–93°F
Annual Precipitation
34.9"
Annual Snowfall
-1,555.4"

Student Demographics

San Antonio College draws overwhelmingly from Texas, with 97% of students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 70%, reflecting the college's deep roots in San Antonio's Latino community. Women make up 61% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and human services programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway for working-class families. This demographic mix creates a tight-knit campus where local students can stay close to home while building career skills.
Men
39.2%
Women
60.8%
White
16.6%
Black
7.4%
Hispanic
69.5%
Asian
2.5%
In-State Students
97.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.7%

Location

San Antonio College sits in the heart of Texas's second-largest city, home to 1.5 million residents. The campus operates within a major metropolitan area known for its rich Hispanic culture and historic missions. San Antonio's economy centers on military installations, healthcare, and tourism, with the famous River Walk drawing millions of visitors annually. The city's 69.53% Hispanic student population reflects the broader community's cultural identity. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95 degrees, while winters remain mild. The college serves as an affordable gateway for local students, with 97.40% coming from within Texas. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare San Antonio College with similar schools in the region.
Address
San Antonio, Texas 78212-3941
SAC summer08
SAC summer08

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,711
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,334
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,800
Loan Repayment Rate
38.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at San Antonio College?

San Antonio College operates as an open-access community college, meaning they admit all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 16,067 students and maintains a welcoming environment for both traditional and non-traditional learners seeking affordable higher education pathways.

How much does San Antonio College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,290 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options in Texas. In-state tuition runs just $3,412 per year, and families earning under $30,000 typically pay only $4,617 after aid.

What are the class sizes like at San Antonio College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1, which is typical for a large community college serving diverse academic needs. Classes range from basic education and workforce training to college transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities.

What kind of job prospects do San Antonio College graduates have?

Graduates achieve an 89.7% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong focus on career-ready programs. Median earnings reach $39,711 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating solid returns for students pursuing both certificate programs and associate degrees.

Where is San Antonio College located and what is the campus environment like?

The college sits in the heart of San Antonio, Texas's second-largest city, providing students access to internships and jobs across healthcare, technology, and military sectors. The diverse student body reflects the city's demographics, with 69.53% Hispanic enrollment and 60.83% women.

Does San Antonio College offer good financial aid options for students?

About 33.69% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many low-income families seeking educational advancement. Students who do borrow graduate with a median debt of just $10,500, resulting in manageable monthly loan payments of $111.