About Santa Ana College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. Students pay an average net price of just $3,854 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in expensive Orange County. Graduates earn a median of $43,552 ten years after starting, while carrying only $6,871 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $73, making the financial burden manageable for most families. Only 16.08% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families just above the poverty line.
The student body skews male at 61.07%, reflecting strong enrollment in trade and technical programs. With 95.62% of students coming from California, this is truly a local institution serving its immediate community's educational needs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 32:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.5%
- Retention Rate
- 100.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,552
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $74,576 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $54,035 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,087 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Associate | $34,704 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $31,852 |
Campus Life
As a community college, Santa Ana has no dormitories, so students commute from across Orange County. The 32:1 student-to-faculty ratio means large classes are common, but the affordable $1,180 annual tuition keeps education accessible. Students often work part-time jobs while attending classes, balancing academics with employment in the surrounding retail and service industries. The Dons compete in 13 varsity sports with 198 total athletes, though weekend social life typically happens off-campus. Many students transfer to four-year universities after completing their general education requirements, with the college serving as an affordable stepping stone to higher education.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1915
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 48°–69°F
- July Avg
- 64°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 61.1%
- Women
- 38.9%
- White
- 17.8%
- Black
- 1.6%
- Hispanic
- 53.1%
- Asian
- 7.5%
- In-State Students
- 95.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.1%
Location
- Address
- Santa Ana, California 92706-3398
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,552
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,774
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $73/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,871
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the enrollment size at Santa Ana College?
Santa Ana College serves 22,011 students, making it one of the larger community colleges in California. The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 53.11%, reflecting the diverse Orange County community it serves. With a 32:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be larger than at four-year institutions.
How much does Santa Ana College cost for in-state students?
In-state tuition costs just $1,180 annually at Santa Ana College. The average net price after aid is $3,854, making it extremely affordable for California residents. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to only $3,151 per year.
What is the graduation rate at Santa Ana College?
The six-year graduation rate is 31.50% at Santa Ana College. Many students transfer to four-year universities before completing their associate degrees, which is common at community colleges. The school maintains a 100% retention rate, indicating strong student support systems.
How much do Santa Ana College graduates typically earn?
Graduates earn a median of $43,552 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 89.5%, demonstrating strong job placement outcomes. With median debt of only $6,871 and monthly loan payments of $73, the return on investment is solid for career-focused programs.
Where is Santa Ana College located and what is the campus setting?
Santa Ana College sits in the heart of Santa Ana, California, in a large city setting. Founded in 1915, it's one of the oldest community colleges in the state. The urban location provides students access to internships and job opportunities throughout Orange County.
Does Santa Ana College offer athletic programs?
Santa Ana College fields 13 varsity sports teams with 198 total athletes competing as the Dons. The athletic program operates independently without conference affiliation. No athletic scholarships are offered, typical for California community college sports programs.
