Sierra College: $1,156 Tuition

$1,156Tuition

13,455Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,294Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Sierra College

Sierra College draws 13,455 students to its suburban Rocklin campus, serving as a major transfer pipeline to California's four-year universities. The community college has built a strong reputation for affordable education and practical career training since 1936. Students benefit from diverse program offerings that prepare them for both immediate employment and university transfer. The large suburban setting provides access to Sacramento-area internships and jobs while maintaining a more relaxed pace than urban campuses.

The financial picture here is compelling. Students pay an average net price of $4,462 after aid, with in-state tuition at just $1,156. Low-income students pay even less, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying only $3,048 total. Graduates earn a median of $45,294 ten years later, making the modest $10,500 in typical debt very manageable at $111 monthly payments. The math works strongly in students' favor.

Nearly all students are California residents (99.17%), creating a tight-knit community feel despite the large enrollment. The Wolverines compete in 18 varsity sports with 372 student-athletes, though without athletic scholarships. With women comprising 54.35% of enrollment and a diverse student body that's 53.92% white and 23.78% Hispanic, Sierra reflects the changing demographics of Northern California.

Academics & Faculty

Sierra College serves 13,455 students with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio that reflects the typical community college experience where students need to be self-directed. The school has built a strong reputation for its nursing and health sciences programs, which consistently produce graduates who pass state licensing exams at high rates. Students also flock here for business and computer science coursework that transfers seamlessly to four-year universities. The 38.30% six-year graduation rate is common for community colleges where many students attend part-time or take breaks for work. Sierra particularly excels at preparing students for California State University transfers, with robust articulation agreements that guarantee credit acceptance.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 30.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,294

Campus Life

Sierra College sits in the foothills east of Sacramento, about 25 miles from California's capital city. The Rocklin campus enjoys mild California weather where students need light jackets in winter but can wear shorts most of the year. With only 120 housing spots for over 13,000 students, less than 1% live on campus. Most students commute from nearby communities in Placer County.

The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Students often juggle work with classes since 87.2% find employment. Weekend life revolves around Sacramento's attractions, Lake Tahoe skiing an hour away, or San Francisco day trips. The Wolverines compete in 18 varsity sports with 372 total athletes, giving the campus some athletic energy. Many students transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees, while others pursue career training in programs like nursing and automotive technology. The suburban setting attracts students seeking affordable education close to outdoor recreation and job opportunities in the growing Sacramento metro area.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 120 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1936

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Stalking	2	0
Aggravated Assault	0	1
Arson	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–56°F
July Avg: 63°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Sierra College draws from the growing Sacramento suburbs, with 99% of its 13,455 students coming from California. The student body reflects the changing demographics of Placer County, with about half being white students and nearly a quarter Hispanic. Women make up 54% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. Only 20% receive Pell Grants, indicating Sierra serves more middle-class families than many community colleges. This aligns with Rocklin's reputation as an affluent suburb where students often choose Sierra for affordable general education before transferring to four-year universities.

Men: 45.7%
Women: 54.4%
White: 53.9%
Black: 3.4%
Hispanic: 23.8%
Asian: 8.2%
In-State Students: 99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.9%

Location

Rocklin sits in the Sacramento metropolitan area, about 25 miles northeast of California's capital city. The campus serves over 13,000 students in Placer County's foothills region. This suburban community of roughly 70,000 residents sits along historic Highway 80, the main corridor between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Students enjoy access to both Sierra Nevada recreation and Sacramento's urban amenities. The area balances suburban comfort with outdoor adventure opportunities. Rocklin's proximity to tech corridors in Sacramento and the Bay Area creates internship possibilities for career-focused students. The region experiences typical Central Valley weather with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Sierra College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rocklin, California 95677-3397

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,294
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Sierra College?

Sierra College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges, welcoming nearly all applicants who can benefit from instruction. With 13,455 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the greater Sacramento area. Students can enroll in transfer programs, career training, or basic skills courses regardless of their academic background.

How much does Sierra College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,462 annually, making Sierra College one of the most affordable options in California. In-state tuition runs just $1,156, though only 19.92% of students receive financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of only $3,048 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Sierra College?

Sierra College operates with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for large community colleges. The college has built a strong reputation for its nursing, fire technology, and automotive programs. Students often transfer to UC and CSU schools after completing their general education requirements at Sierra.

What percentage of Sierra College students graduate within six years?

Sierra College reports a 38.30% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the varied paths community college students take. Many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees at Sierra. Graduates earn a median of $45,294 ten years after entering, with an 87.2% employment rate showing strong job market outcomes.

Does Sierra College offer on-campus housing?

Sierra College provides limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 120 students out of 13,455 total enrollment. The Rocklin campus sits in a large suburban setting in the foothills east of Sacramento. Most students commute from surrounding communities, with 99.17% coming from California.

What sports teams does Sierra College compete in?

Sierra College fields 18 varsity sports with 372 total athletes competing as the Wolverines. The athletic program operates independently without conference affiliation and offers no athletic scholarships. The college has produced notable athletes who have transferred to four-year universities, particularly in football and baseball.