About Solano Community College
The financial picture makes this an accessible option for most families. Students from low-income households pay just $2,594 annually after aid, while even those from higher-income families rarely pay more than $11,040. Graduates earn a median of $44,170 ten years after enrollment with typical debt loads of only $12,000. The school keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $1,172 per year.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with Hispanic students making up 37.77% of enrollment and significant Asian and Black populations. Nearly all students come from California, creating a tight community connection. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the graduation rate of 33.80% shows that motivated students can succeed. Eight varsity sports programs give the 102 Falcons athletes opportunities to compete while pursuing their academic goals.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 27:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 33.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,170
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 |
Campus Life
Expect mild Northern California weather year-round, with occasional rain jackets needed but rarely heavy coats. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, typical for a community college focused on transfer preparation and career training. Since this is a two-year institution without dorms, campus life revolves around getting to class and work. Students often balance jobs with studies, the area's proximity to both the Bay Area and Central Valley provides employment opportunities. Weekends typically mean heading home or exploring nearby Napa Valley, San Francisco, or outdoor recreation in the surrounding hills rather than campus activities.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1945
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 40°–56°F
- July Avg
- 57°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 24.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.6%
- Women
- 54.4%
- White
- 21.3%
- Black
- 14.3%
- Hispanic
- 37.8%
- Asian
- 14.8%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.8%
Location
- Address
- Fairfield, California 94534-3197
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,170
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,959
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 28.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Solano Community College?
As a community college, Solano has an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 7,688 students primarily from the local area, with 98.21% coming from in-state. Founded in 1945, Solano focuses on providing accessible higher education to Solano County residents.
How much does Solano Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $3,869 annually, making it highly affordable compared to four-year institutions. In-state tuition runs just $1,172 per year, while families earning under $30,000 pay only $2,594 net. The college keeps education accessible with low costs and minimal student debt of $12,000 median.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Solano Community College?
Classes average 27 students per faculty member, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training and transfer preparation. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes workforce development alongside academic transfer programs. Students benefit from hands-on learning in programs designed to meet local employment needs.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Solano Community College?
The college achieves a 33.80% six-year graduation rate, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median of $44,170 ten years after starting, with an 87% employment rate. The college successfully prepares students for both immediate workforce entry and transfer to four-year universities.
Where is Solano Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Fairfield, California, a mid-sized suburban community between San Francisco and Sacramento. With 54.40% female enrollment and a diverse student body that is 37.77% Hispanic, the college reflects the demographics of Solano County. The Falcons compete in 8 varsity sports with 102 total athletes across all programs.
Does Solano Community College offer good value for career training?
The college delivers strong return on investment with graduates earning $36,724 just one year after completion and monthly loan payments averaging only $127. Only 1.42% of students take federal loans, reflecting the college's affordability for working adults and recent high school graduates. The focus on practical skills training helps students quickly enter the workforce in high-demand fields.
