About Santa Rosa Junior College
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $4,623 per year after aid, while even middle-income families ($48,000-$75,000) face costs around $7,032. Graduates who borrowed money typically owe $9,500 and make monthly payments of $101. Within five years of leaving, former students earn a median of $58,892, making the debt load very manageable for most.
The Bear Cubs field 17 varsity sports with 381 total athletes competing independently. Nearly 41% of students are Hispanic and another 41% are white, reflecting the changing demographics of Northern California. With 95% of students coming from in-state and a 91% employment rate after graduation, this college clearly serves its local community well.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,224
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $90,678 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $76,460 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $75,832 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $71,015 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $68,219 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $48,849 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $42,682 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $37,208 |
Campus Life
The Bear Cubs compete in 17 varsity sports with 381 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter nature. Students split their time between the main campus and satellite locations throughout Sonoma County. Many work part-time jobs in the region's thriving hospitality industry or local wineries. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally in smaller programs. On weekends, students often head to nearby hiking trails, the Russian River, or drive south to San Francisco for entertainment. The campus culture revolves around academic preparation for transfer to four-year universities, with many students balancing studies with work and family responsibilities.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1918
Campus Safety (2023)
26 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–59°F
- July Avg
- 52°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 31.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.5%
- Women
- 54.5%
- White
- 40.6%
- Black
- 2.0%
- Hispanic
- 40.7%
- Asian
- 4.4%
- In-State Students
- 95.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.5%
Location
- Address
- Santa Rosa, California 95401-4395
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,224
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,892
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Santa Rosa Junior College?
Santa Rosa Junior College operates under California's open enrollment policy for community colleges, meaning anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. The college serves 14,327 students and maintains a welcoming environment for both recent graduates and returning adults seeking career changes or skill development.
How much does Santa Rosa Junior College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,541 annually, with in-state tuition set at just $1,318 per year. The college keeps costs accessible, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying only $4,623 net price, making it one of the most affordable educational options in Sonoma County.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Santa Rosa Junior College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 19:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. Santa Rosa Junior College has built a strong reputation for transfer preparation, particularly for students planning to continue at UC and CSU campuses.
What are the employment outcomes for Santa Rosa Junior College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 90.9% employment rate, with median earnings reaching $47,224 ten years after enrollment. The college's career-focused programs and proximity to both San Francisco Bay Area job markets and local wine industry opportunities contribute to strong employment prospects for graduates.
Where is Santa Rosa Junior College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Santa Rosa, a mid-sized city in California's wine country about 55 miles north of San Francisco. With 95.58% in-state students and Bear Cubs athletics featuring 17 varsity sports with 381 total athletes, the college maintains strong community ties while serving a diverse student body that is 40.68% Hispanic and 40.64% White.
Does Santa Rosa Junior College offer good value for students seeking transfer opportunities?
The college provides exceptional transfer value with its 34.30% six-year graduation rate and low median debt of $9,500. Founded in 1918, Santa Rosa Junior College has developed robust transfer agreements with four-year universities, making it a popular choice for students wanting to complete general education requirements affordably before transferring.