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$1,332Tuition
7,132Students
41%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$55,702Earnings
Public4-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Skyline College

Skyline College serves 7,132 students in the hills above San Francisco Bay as a transfer-focused community college. The school has built its reputation as a stepping stone to four-year universities, particularly for students seeking affordable pathways to bachelor's degrees. Students typically complete their general education requirements here before transferring to CSU or UC campuses.

The financial picture tells a compelling story. Students actually receive money back after aid, with an average net price of negative $1,180 annually. In-state tuition costs just $1,332 before financial assistance kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $55,702 ten years after starting, making this one of the strongest return-on-investment options in California higher education. Only 0.40% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's affordability.

The student body reflects the Bay Area's diversity, with 34.37% Hispanic students and 30.62% Asian students creating a multicultural learning environment. About 90% of students come from California. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the school compensates with strong transfer counseling services. Eight varsity sports programs compete under the Trojans nickname, though athletics take a backseat to academics for most of the 154 student-athletes.

Academics & Faculty

Skyline College serves as a transfer-focused community college with strong pathways to four-year universities. The 28:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though students can still access personalized support through tutoring centers and counseling services. With a 41% six-year graduation rate, the school sees solid completion numbers for students pursuing associate degrees or transfer requirements. The college is particularly known for its allied health programs, automotive technology, and cosmetology training that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Many students use Skyline as an affordable stepping stone to UC and CSU campuses. The diverse student body reflects the Bay Area's multicultural community.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
28:1
Full-Time Faculty
44.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
40.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
41.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,702

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $83,546
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $43,798

View all 71 programs →

Campus Life

This community college sits in the San Francisco Peninsula, just 12 miles south of downtown San Francisco. With 7,132 students spread across a commuter campus, you'll find parking spots harder to come by than dorm rooms since virtually no students live on campus. The mild Bay Area climate means you'll need layers more than heavy coats, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F or climbing above 80°F.

The diverse student body reflects the region's demographics, with 34.37% Hispanic and 30.62% Asian students creating a multicultural environment. With a 28:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Most of your classmates juggle work and family responsibilities alongside studies. The 91.5% employment rate suggests many students work while attending classes. Weekend social life centers around off-campus activities in nearby San Francisco or local Peninsula communities rather than traditional college parties. Students often transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees, with the 41.40% six-year graduation rate reflecting the typical community college pathway of stopping and starting education around life demands.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1960

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
45°–58°F
July Avg
52°–69°F
Annual Precipitation
31.9"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Skyline College draws primarily local students, with 90% coming from California. The student body reflects the Bay Area's diversity, with Hispanic students making up about one-third of enrollment and Asian students representing nearly another third. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where nursing and other health programs attract female students. Most students work while attending classes, taking advantage of the college's flexible scheduling and career-focused programs. The school serves as an accessible entry point for first-generation college students and those seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or immediate employment.
Men
45.7%
Women
54.3%
White
18.3%
Black
2.9%
Hispanic
34.4%
Asian
30.6%
In-State Students
90.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
10.1%

Location

Skyline College sits in San Bruno, California, just 15 miles south of San Francisco. The campus serves a diverse student body where 34.37% of students are Hispanic and 30.62% are Asian. San Bruno offers suburban living with easy access to Silicon Valley tech companies and San Francisco's cultural attractions. The area provides internship opportunities at nearby biotech firms and startups. With 90.03% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the Bay Area's high cost of living and competitive job market. The college draws students who want affordable education near major employment centers. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Skyline College with similar schools in the region.
Address
San Bruno, California 94066-1698
Skyline College Campus
Skyline College Campus
SF From Marin Highlands3
SF From Marin Highlands3
Skyline College campus
Skyline College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,702
Median Earnings (5 years)
$64,375
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,300
Loan Repayment Rate
51.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Skyline College?

Skyline College maintains an open admission policy as a community college, welcoming students regardless of their academic background. The college serves 7,132 students and focuses on providing accessible education to the San Francisco Bay Area community. Most students begin here to complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities.

How much does Skyline College cost after financial aid?

Students at Skyline College actually receive an average net price of negative $1,180, meaning financial aid exceeds the cost of attendance. In-state tuition is just $1,332 per year, making this one of the most affordable educational options in California. The college's low costs reflect its mission as a community college serving local students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Skyline College?

Skyline College has a student-faculty ratio of 28:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than most four-year institutions. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on transfer preparation and career training programs. Despite larger class sizes, the college maintains strong connections to local employers and four-year universities.

What are the graduation rates at Skyline College?

Skyline College has a six-year graduation rate of 41.40% and a four-year rate of 40.82%. These rates reflect the college's role as a transfer institution where many students complete two years before moving to four-year universities. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,702 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating strong career outcomes.

Where is Skyline College located and what is campus life like?

Skyline College sits in San Bruno, California, in a large suburban setting between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The college fields eight varsity sports with 154 total athletes competing as the Trojans. With 54.26% women and a diverse student body that is 34.37% Hispanic and 30.62% Asian, the campus reflects the Bay Area's multicultural community.

Does Skyline College have strong job placement rates?

Skyline College boasts an impressive employment rate of 91.5% for its graduates. Students earn a median of $32,381 one year after graduation, which typically increases as they advance in their careers or complete bachelor's degrees. The college's location in the Bay Area provides excellent internship and job opportunities in technology and other growing industries.