About Santa Barbara City College
Students pay an average net price of $10,029, which represents strong value in expensive Santa Barbara. Graduates earn a median of $47,647 ten years after starting, while carrying just $11,000 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $117 makes this education highly affordable. Even students from families earning over $110,000 pay only $18,111 net price, making SBCC accessible across income levels.
The Vaqueros compete in 18 varsity sports with 364 total athletes, creating a surprisingly robust athletic culture for a community college. Women make up 55.5% of students, while the student body reflects California's diversity with 38.43% Hispanic and 40.19% white students. The 35:1 student-faculty ratio means large classes, but the 92.8% employment rate shows students find work after graduation. Only 15.52% receive Pell Grants, indicating many students come from middle-class families choosing an affordable path.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 35:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,647
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $79,081 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $64,990 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $46,087 |
Campus Life
As a community college, SBCC has no residence halls, so all 10,070 students commute from nearby apartments or family homes. The 86% in-state population creates a local feel where students often run into high school classmates. Weekends revolve around the beach culture that defines Santa Barbara. Students surf at nearby Leadbetter Beach, explore State Street's shops and restaurants, or hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains. The Vaqueros field 18 varsity sports teams with 364 athletes competing year-round. Many students work part-time jobs in the tourist-heavy economy, balancing classes with shifts at beachfront hotels or downtown cafes. The campus empties by evening as students head to their off-campus lives.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1909
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–66°F
- July Avg
- 60°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.5%
- Women
- 55.5%
- White
- 40.2%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 38.4%
- Asian
- 4.8%
- In-State Students
- 86.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.5%
Location
- Address
- Santa Barbara, California 93109-2394
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,647
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,220
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Santa Barbara City College?
Santa Barbara City College has an open admissions policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college enrolls 10,070 students and serves as a popular transfer pathway to UC and Cal State universities. Students simply need a high school diploma or equivalent to begin their academic journey.
How much does Santa Barbara City College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,029 per year, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $8,061 annually, while those from higher-income families pay up to $18,111. Only 15.52% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already affordable tuition structure.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Santa Barbara City College?
The student-faculty ratio is 35:1, which is typical for large community colleges but means students need to be proactive about getting individual attention. Founded in 1909, SBCC has a long tradition of serving the Central Coast region. The college operates on a semester system and offers a comprehensive range of academic and career programs.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Santa Barbara City College?
The six-year graduation rate is 35.60%, while the employment rate reaches an impressive 92.8% for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $47,647 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of just $117. The college is known for strong career training programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the local job market.
Where is Santa Barbara City College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in the small city of Santa Barbara, offering students access to beaches and outdoor recreation year-round. With 55.50% women and 44.50% men, the student body is 40.19% white and 38.43% Hispanic, reflecting the region's diverse population. The Vaqueros compete in 18 varsity sports with 364 total athletes, though athletic scholarships are not offered.
Does Santa Barbara City College offer good transfer opportunities?
SBCC is widely recognized as one of California's top transfer institutions, particularly for students heading to UC Santa Barbara and other University of California campuses. With 86.16% of students coming from in-state, the college has built strong relationships with four-year universities. The college's location and reputation make it an attractive option for students seeking an affordable path to a bachelor's degree.
