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$1,992Tuition
23,071Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,062Earnings
Public4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About San Jacinto Community College

San Jacinto Community College serves the industrial heart of southeast Texas, where petrochemical plants and refineries create steady demand for skilled workers. The college enrolls 23,071 students across its campuses in Pasadena and surrounding areas. Students here typically pursue technical certifications and associate degrees that lead directly to jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and energy sectors. Nearly 64% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of this working-class region near Houston.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. In-state tuition costs just $1,992, and the average net price after aid is $7,540. Graduates earn a median of $43,062 ten years after starting college. Students typically leave with $9,500 in debt, requiring monthly payments of only $101. That debt-to-earnings ratio works in favor of students who complete their programs and enter the local job market.

Nearly 98% of students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. The student-faculty ratio of 25:1 reflects the college's focus on practical, hands-on learning rather than small seminar discussions. With an employment rate of 89.1%, most graduates find work quickly in the region's robust industrial economy.

Academics & Faculty

San Jacinto Community College serves as a major workforce pipeline for the Houston petrochemical corridor, with strong programs in process technology and manufacturing. The college enrolls 23,071 students across multiple campuses. Classes average 25 students per faculty member, providing more personal attention than many larger institutions. The 33% four-year graduation rate reflects the college's open-access mission and large population of working students who attend part-time. San Jacinto is particularly known for its nursing program, which has earned national recognition for NCLEX pass rates. The college also offers robust transfer pathways to four-year universities. Nearly 64% of students are Hispanic, making it one of the most diverse community colleges in Texas.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Full-Time Faculty
37.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
33.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
34.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,062

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $65,066
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. Associate $62,260
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $53,608
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $47,260
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $45,852
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. Certificate $45,696
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Associate $41,441
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $41,193
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $39,523
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Associate $39,009

View all 89 programs →

Campus Life

San Jacinto sits in Pasadena, Texas, just 15 miles southeast of downtown Houston. The sprawling campus serves over 23,000 students in a city dominated by oil refineries and the nearby Johnson Space Center. With 97% of students coming from in-state, you'll find a deeply rooted Texas community where pickup trucks fill parking lots and cowboy boots aren't uncommon.

Most students commute to campus since San Jacinto doesn't offer dormitories. The student body is 64% Hispanic, reflecting the diverse working-class neighborhoods of southeast Houston. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger classes where participation matters. Students often work part-time jobs in the petrochemical industry or service sector while attending school. Weekends typically mean heading home to family or exploring Houston's food scene and cultural attractions. The humid subtropical climate means shorts and t-shirts year-round, though you'll want an umbrella during hurricane season. Campus life revolves around practical career preparation rather than traditional college social activities.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 5 0 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
46°–63°F
July Avg
76°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
55.6"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

San Jacinto Community College draws overwhelmingly from the local Houston metro area, with nearly all students calling Texas home. The student body is majority Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of Pasadena and surrounding communities. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely drawn to the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year transfers. This is a commuter campus where students balance classes with jobs and family responsibilities in the petrochemical corridor.
Men
40.9%
Women
59.1%
White
17.0%
Black
8.7%
Hispanic
63.7%
Asian
4.7%
In-State Students
97.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
30.3%

Location

San Jacinto Community College sits in Pasadena, Texas, about 15 miles southeast of downtown Houston. The campus serves a diverse student body where 63.69% of students are Hispanic and 97.72% come from in-state. Pasadena is an industrial city known for its petrochemical plants and refining facilities, giving students access to career opportunities in energy and manufacturing. The area offers the suburban feel of a midsize city while remaining close to Houston's job market and cultural attractions. With 23,071 students enrolled, the college reflects the working-class character of this Gulf Coast region. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare San Jacinto Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Pasadena, Texas 77505
SanJacCentralMain
SanJacCentralMain

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,062
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,896
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,000
Loan Repayment Rate
34.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at San Jacinto Community College?

As a community college, San Jacinto maintains an open enrollment policy that welcomes students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves over 23,000 students and draws nearly 98% of its student body from within Texas. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education in the Houston metropolitan area.

How much does San Jacinto Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,540 annually, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Texas. In-state tuition runs just $1,992 per year, while out-of-state students pay $5,352. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and those who borrow graduate with a median debt of only $9,500.

What is the student-faculty ratio at San Jacinto Community College?

The college maintains a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for large community colleges. San Jacinto operates on a semester calendar system and serves a diverse student population that is 64% Hispanic and 59% female. The college focuses heavily on workforce development and transfer preparation for students planning to continue their education.

What are the graduation rates at San Jacinto Community College?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 33%, while the six-year rate reaches 34%. These rates reflect the college's mission as a stepping stone institution where many students transfer before completing degrees or pursue certificate programs. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,062 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating solid career preparation despite the modest graduation timeline.

Where is San Jacinto Community College located?

The college sits in Pasadena, Texas, a mid-sized industrial city southeast of Houston known for its petrochemical plants and blue-collar workforce. This location puts students near major employment centers in the energy sector and Houston's sprawling job market. The setting reflects the college's strong emphasis on career and technical education programs that serve local industries.

Does San Jacinto Community College offer athletic scholarships?

The college awards $883,867 in athletic scholarships across just two NJCAA varsity sports programs. With only 79 total athletes, this represents substantial per-athlete investment in a focused athletic program. The limited sports offerings reflect the college's primary focus on academics and workforce training rather than comprehensive athletic competition.