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$1,318Tuition
14,327Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$47,224Earnings
Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Santa Rosa Junior College

This Sonoma County institution has been preparing students for four-year universities and careers since 1918. Santa Rosa Junior College serves 14,327 students in the heart of wine country, just an hour north of San Francisco. The college built its reputation on strong transfer programs and career training that connects directly to local industries like healthcare, agriculture, and hospitality. Students appreciate the smaller feel despite the sizable enrollment, with classes averaging 19 students per faculty member.

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

Santa Rosa Junior College serves as a stepping stone for students across Sonoma County's wine industry and healthcare sectors. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors across more than 100 academic programs. However, the 34% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. The college has built a strong reputation for its culinary arts program, which connects directly to the region's well-known food and wine culture. Its nursing and fire technology programs consistently place graduates in local careers. With 14,327 students enrolled, SRJC functions as both a transfer pathway to four-year universities and a career training center for practical skills.

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

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian 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

View all 135 programs →

Campus Life

Santa Rosa Junior College sits in California's wine country, about 55 miles north of San Francisco. The campus sprawls across rolling hills where students need light jackets for foggy mornings but can expect plenty of sunshine year-round. With 14,327 students and no dormitories, this is a commuter campus where 95.58% of students live in-state and drive to class each day.

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic 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

Santa Rosa Junior College draws heavily from its local community, with over 95% of students coming from California. The student body reflects Sonoma County's diversity, with roughly equal numbers of White and Hispanic students making up the majority. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges that emphasize health sciences and liberal arts transfer programs. The Bear Cubs serve a working-class population, though only 16% qualify for Pell Grants. This mix of local students from varied backgrounds creates a practical, community-focused campus where neighbors pursue career training and university transfer pathways together.
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

Santa Rosa Junior College sits in Santa Rosa, California, about 55 miles north of San Francisco. The campus serves 14,327 students in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Santa Rosa is a mid-size city of roughly 180,000 people surrounded by rolling hills and well-known vineyards. Students experience a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, with easy access to both the Pacific Coast and Napa Valley. The region's Mediterranean climate and proximity to outdoor recreation make it attractive to many California students. Nearly 96% of enrolled students come from in-state. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Santa Rosa Junior College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Santa Rosa, California 95401-4395
Sign in Front of Santa Rosa Junior College
Sign in Front of Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa Junior College Frank P. Doyle Library
Santa Rosa Junior College Frank P. Doyle Library
Santa Rosa Junior College Museum
Santa Rosa Junior College Museum

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.