California is known as a major tourist attraction, with sights such as Disneyland, Hollywood, and many beautiful beaches. What many do not know is that it is a perfect destination for students. If you want to find the best school for your education and kick off your professional career, this article highlights the best community colleges in Sacramento.
We will discuss the best online community colleges in Sacramento for distance education, the best programs from every school, and what you need to get accepted. Stop putting off your future and discover what the community colleges in Sacramento have to offer.
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How Many Community Colleges Are in Sacramento?
There are three community colleges in Sacramento and 11 community colleges within 50 miles from Sacramento. Any of these schools are about a 20-minute drive from Sacramento. If you consider attending any of the schools just outside of Sacramento, commuting shouldn’t be much of a hassle.
What Is the Biggest Community College in Sacramento?
The biggest community college in Sacramento is the American River College. This college enrolls over 25,000 full-time and part-time students yearly and offers approximately 80 programs. It is also an affordable college, providing $200,000 to students each year via Los Rios Foundation scholarships.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in Sacramento?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Folsom Lake College | 38% | 28:1 |
| 2 | American River College | 29% | 25:1 |
| 3 | Cosumnes River College | 29% | 29:1 |
| 4 | Woodland Community College | 28% | 21:1 |
| 5 | Sacramento City College | 25% | 26:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in Sacramento: Explained
The section below will give an overview of the five best community colleges in Sacramento for associate programs. We’ll explore their student population, tuition, and graduation rates. Additionally, we will explain some of the academic programs they offer and their admission requirements.
Despite only receiving its official accreditation in 2004, Folsom Lake College was initially established in 1965. This college teaches the foundational skills needed to achieve your career goals and can help you save money on tuition with its affordable programs. Students can earn associate degrees and certificates and transfer to four-year institutions.
Folsom Lake College Overview
- Tuition: $46/credit hour (in district); $395/credit hour (out of district)
- Student Population: 9,542
- Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 88%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
- Minimum GPA Requirement: None
Best Folsom Lake College Programs
- AAT in Studio Art. If you want to transfer to a four-year university to study studio art, this Associate of Arts for Transfer (AAT) degree is for you. You get to learn the major art prerequisites, which would give you a solid foundation to further your career path in the industry. It requires 60 semester units.
- AS in Computer Science. This associate degree introduces you to the basic principles of computer science. It offers the academic rigor necessary to prepare you for entry-level opportunities in the computer and technology-related industries. Graduates may become software developers, testers, or analysts.
- AAT in English. This program includes courses in literature, composition, creative writing, and communication skills. After your program, you can easily transfer to a four-year institution if you want to pursue a bachelor's degree. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in all of their 60 semester units.
- AAT in Political Science. This 60-semester-unit program prepares you for a future career in politics. Students can pursue positions such as campaign worker, lawyer, or public relations specialist. It fulfills the general requirements for transfer to multiple accredited universities across the state.
- AAT in Philosophy. This degree is all about the analytical examination of social issues and critical thinking. Students who complete this program can qualify for various career options, from government and education to business and religious service.
American River College was established in 1955. It is in the Los Rios Community College District and offers 87 associate degrees and certificate programs. Graduates can transfer to other colleges and universities after completing the curriculum to further their education and access more opportunities.
American River College Overview
- Tuition: $46/credit hour (in district); $395/credit hour (out of district)
- Student Population: 25,422
- Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 89%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
- Minimum GPA Requirement: None
Best American River College Programs
- AST in Business Administration. This Associate of Science for Transfer (AST) degree prepares you for a business major in a four-year college. Students can secure positions like investment counselor, public administrator, purchasing agent, and stockbroker. Students must complete 26 to 27 core units.
- AAT in Geography and GIS. This 19-core-unit degree gives you a jumpstart in your journey as a geographer, GIS analyst, or technician. You’ll take courses like geography, statistics, and history to give you the foundational technical background you need in the field.
- AA in Paralegal Studies. An Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies will help you get an entry-level role in a legal firm. Courses in this program include civil litigation, legal research, legal writing, and contracts. You can also proceed to get a degree in law and go to law school.
- AAT in Sociology. This 60-unit degree in sociology teaches the essential practices of sociology. Students learn cultural anthropology, the sociology of popular culture, and introduction to crime. This degree gives you a chance to transfer to a four-year university to get a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology.
- AAT in Theater Arts. This program covers courses like techniques of acting, stagecraft, and modern technical production. Students learn the basics of theater arts and gain exposure to the major principles and practices in the industry.
Established in 1970, Cosumnes River College offers approximately 85 associate degrees and certificates. This school creates an inclusive environment by educating and empowering its diverse student community. Students are encouraged to achieve their goals in their various career paths, advocate for equity, and improve their well-being.
Cosumnes River College Overview
- Tuition: $46/credit hour (in district); $395/credit hour (out of district)
- Student Population: 14,667
- Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 94%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
- Minimum GPA Requirement: None
Best Cosumnes River College Programs
- AST in Biology. This Associate of Science in Biology will give you a solid foundation in courses such as math, science, and chemistry. In addition, you will understand how to work on lab projects with fellow students and conduct specific research work. Students must complete 38 core units.
- AA in Digital Marketing. This Associate Degree in Digital Marketing teaches students to harness the power of the Internet for business. They learn to create and build their clients’ brands and presence in the digital world.
- AS in Engineering. Students in this program can choose between a civil/mechanical or electrical/computer specialization. The program provides a foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering.
- AAT in Sociology. This degree in sociology provides students with the basic concepts of sociology, such as sexual orientation, political affiliation, gender, and class. It is designed to foster successful transfer to bachelor's degree programs in sociology.
- AS in Veterinary Technology. This associate's degree focuses on animal behavior, nutrition, and nursing. Students receive lessons from trained professionals who work as expert assistants to veterinarians and researchers. This is a wonderful opportunity for students as is one of the only six programs in California to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Woodland Community College was established in 1981. It offers over 25 two-year degrees, career certificates, and transfer programs. Woodland Community College promotes a positive learning environment that discourages discrimination, intolerance, and violence. It offers a very affordable tuition fee for non-resident and international students.
Woodland Community College Overview
- Tuition: $46/credit hour (in district); $280/credit hour (out of district)
- Student Population: 4,598
- Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 41%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
- Minimum GPA Requirement: None
Best Woodland Community College Programs
- AS in Agriculture. This 18-major-unit degree teaches you how to build a career in the agricultural industry and understand how agriculture helps the economy. It’s possible to transfer to a four-year university to further your studies. Students learn the principles of animal and plant science.
- AA in Culinary Arts. This program will equip you with the required skills necessary in the hospitality and restaurant industry. You can work in hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Courses include advanced baking and pastry, advanced food and catering, and business computer applications.
- AS in Early Childhood Education. This program teaches a practical approach to working with children from birth to 12 years old. Graduates have job opportunities in private care centers and child development programs as teachers and parent educators. This program is a great first step if you want to become a schoolteacher.
- Welding Technologies Certificate of Achievement. This certificate teaches students about repairing, joining, and fabricating metals. Students who graduate from this program are equipped for entry-level positions in fields that require welding as part of their duties.
- AA-T in Sociology. As an associate degree holder in sociology, you get to work in fields like criminology, law, social work, and urban planning. The program teaches social problems, social psychology, and marriage and family. Students must fulfill a major requirement of 18 units.
Established in 1926, Sacramento City College provides a wide range of educational opportunities and student services for its students' career advancement. This college helps you grow personally and gives you a strong foundation for real-life challenges.
Sacramento City College Overview
- Tuition: $46/credit hour (in district); $395/credit hour (out of district)
- Student Population: 20,027
- Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 91%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
- Minimum GPA Requirement: None
Best Sacramento City College Programs
- AS in Accounting. This program equips you with skills that you will need in the fields of business and finance. Students learn skills such as computer technology, ethical behavior, and teamwork. Students must complete a total of 60 units in core, general education, and elective courses.
- AS in Chemical Technology. This program teaches you how to carry out laboratory techniques and safety procedures. You will learn the fundamentals of chemistry for practical work. It is a 60-unit program.
- AAT in Economics. Economics teaches you principles about money and people’s wants. Students learn how to distribute limited resources to our ever-increasing global population. This is a math-heavy program, containing multiple calculus and algebra classes.
- AAT in Geography. This degree teaches you the fundamentals of geography and elements of social and cultural activities. You can qualify for positions in international development, transportation logistics, and environmental conservation. Students learn about human and physical geography.
- AS in Nursing, Registered. This degree teaches basic concepts and practices like background checks, drug screening, immunizations, and examinations. To be a professional nurse, you can take a nursing course at a four-year college. Students may also enroll to become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).
Best Online Community Colleges in Sacramento
- American River College. Online education at American River College is tailored for your flexible schedule. The school provides Canvas as the online learning management system where students have access to technology resources like the Adobe Creative Cloud app. Courses are offered both asynchronously and synchronously.
- Folsom Lake College. Folsom Lake College’s online programs provide you with the latest technological resources for your convenience. You get to become a Los Rios Community College District member, which gives you access to the course inventory of the district’s colleges.
- Sierra College. Sierra College’s distance learning program provides the option of hybrid or online classes. It also uses Canvas as a learning mechanism. Students get to do their assignments and exams and communicate in a virtual classroom setting. Students must be residing in California or Nevada to take Sierra’s online courses.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other Sacramento Community College Rankings
There are multiple Sacramento community colleges for all of your education needs. In the sections below, we will look at the best schools for transfer and mathematics in the beautiful city of Sacramento.
Best Community Colleges in Sacramento for Transfer
- Folsom Lake College. At Folsom College, students’ eligibility to transfer to four-year colleges is based on high school records and test scores. Students at this community college typically transfer to four-year schools like the University of California and California State University.
- Napa Valley College. Napa Valley offers several services for prospective transfer students, such as transfer guidance, student appointments, and general counseling services. Students transfer to four-year schools like the University of California, the University of San Francisco, or the Dominican University of California.
- Yuba College. Yuba College will support your transfer planning with services such as application workshops, transfer admission webinars, and campus tours. If you attend this school, you can transfer to four-year schools like the University of California and California State University.
Best Community Colleges for Mathematics in Sacramento
- American River College. The American River College provides an Associate Degree in Mathematics and an Associate Degree in Physical Science/Mathematics. Students get the foundation needed to transfer to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree. They can take linear algebra, differential equations, and calculus courses.
- Cosumnes River College. Cosumnes River College offers an Associate Degree and an Associate Transfer Degree in Mathematics and Statistics. It provides you with a thorough curriculum that covers subjects like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Sierra College. The courses of Sierra College’s associate degrees will help you scale up the ladder in your mathematics career. This school provides resources such as Mathematics Program Student Learning Outcomes and the Individualized Learning Program (ILP) on Math Classes and Labs.
Best Sacramento Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
As most community colleges only offer two-year programs, there are not any community colleges in Sacramento that offer bachelor’s degrees. However, students who have attended one of these schools can attend four-year colleges in Sacramento by transferring to schools like California State University and William Jessup University.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in Sacramento
If you have plans to attend the best community colleges in Sacramento, you should consider studying the best programs that these colleges have to offer. We will look into the different programs available in Sacramento and the subjects students will learn.
Computer Science
If you are looking to excel in computer science, you need background knowledge in both science and mathematics. Computer science degree students in Sacramento learn to design and analyze software, as well as solve business problems. The community colleges in Sacramento offer this program as associate degrees and certifications.
Engineering
Physics, chemistry, and mathematics are all prerequisites for getting a degree in engineering. In Sacramento, community colleges typically offer this program as an Associate of Science degree, while colleges like Sierra College also offer it as a certificate.
History
Students fascinated by historical information and human existence will thrive in a history program. They learn about different cultures, improve their critical thinking, and gain well-informed perspectives on today’s world. The colleges in Sacramento offer it as an associate transfer degree.
Mathematics/Statistics
This course involves numbers, critical thinking, and logic. Students who have a knack for manipulating numbers and data would do well in a program like this. The colleges in Sacramento offer it as an associate transfer degree.
Nursing
A nursing program is ideal for those inclined to help people who have a background in science and biology. The community colleges in Sacramento offer this program as a certificate program or an Associate of Science degree.
Sacramento Community College Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a community college in Sacramento include a high school diploma or equivalent, residency in California, and financial aid enrollment. The section below will elaborate on some of these requirements so you can be well prepared to enroll in a Sacramento community college.
Sacramento Community College GPA Requirements
There are no GPA requirements for admission to a community college in Sacramento. However, if you want to apply for any form of financial aid, you will have to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 with a completion rate of 66.67 percent. Many community colleges in Sacramento have a very high acceptance rate, allowing most students with a high school diploma.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in Sacramento
Students qualified for residency in Sacramento pay an average in-state tuition of $46 per unit. According to the Los Rios Community College District, a California resident is someone who holds a California driver’s license, is a taxpayer, and has a voting right.
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As a non-resident, you pay $395 per unit. Regardless, you can still be eligible for your school’s residency. To be eligible for the resident tuition fees, you must be a US citizen and have been living in California for at least one year.
Sacramento Community College Age Requirements
You need to be at least 18 years old to gain admission into any community college in the city of Sacramento. However, some schools accept high school students in their final years of study that are no younger than 16. Be sure to know the exact age requirement before enrolling.
Sacramento Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- Completion of the application form
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Essay (optional)
- Letter of recommendation (optional)
Why Study in Sacramento?
You should study in Sacramento because of low tuition costs, sports activities, job opportunities, and access to diverse arts and culture. In addition, you have access to the best Sacramento coding bootcamps. The section below will give a more detailed explanation of the reasons you should study in Sacramento.
Cost
One reason you should study at a community college in Sacramento is the low tuition costs. As a resident student, you can pay as low as $46 per unit for most courses. Students can always apply for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships.
Sports
Sacramento is a great city to study in for sports fans with basketball and baseball teams such as the Sacramento Kings or the Sacramento River Cats. You can even try out for these teams to help the community with educational and charitable programs in the city.
Job Opportunities
There are many internships and job opportunities in Sacramento and California. Positions like data analysts, technicians, architects, and civil engineers are a few options available to current and graduate students. Knowing that there’s an abundance of work eases the stress of starting your professional career after graduation.
Sacramento Employment Outlook for Community College Students
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate in Sacramento decreased by 1.1 percent over the last six months. There are employment opportunities for those who wish to go into construction, mining and logging, manufacturing, professional and business services, education, and health services.
5 In-Demand Sacramento Jobs
No matter the degree you acquire, there are many jobs available to community college graduates in Sacramento. If you are still debating which career choice is the best fit for you, this section below will brief you on five in-demand jobs you can get to tailor your choice of degree.
Mathematicians work in finance, software development, and insurance companies to help solve real problems with mathematical theories and formulas. Their duties include solving equations, identifying patterns within large data sets, and creating forecast models. You would have to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics to qualify for this job.
Historians typically study, research, and teach past events. They also examine books, archives, and artifacts. You would have to receive a master’s degree or PhD if you would like to be a professional historian and professor.
As a nursing assistant, you provide healthcare for patients and assist medical staff. This position is usually an entry-level role, attainable with an associate degree. If you want to be a professional nurse, you would have to go to a nursing school, which takes about four years.
Computer systems analysts write and publish technical reports and upgrades. They use computer technology to automate processes to achieve maximum accuracy. To qualify for this job, you need a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Studies.
Mechanical engineers work with manufacturing and research companies that offer engineering services. You would have to transfer to a four-year university and complete a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering to qualify for this job.
What Community Colleges in Sacramento Have Dorms?
Sierra College is the only community college in Sacramento that offers dormitories. If you attend other community colleges in the city, you will have to rent off-campus housing. It is smart to rent houses very close to the school’s campus to ease some stress and expenses of commuting to school every day.
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in Sacramento?
Unfortunately, community colleges in Sacramento do not offer winter intersession. A winter intersession is a session that falls between the fall and spring semesters. This period permits students to cover up to four-semester units in two to three weeks. These courses are a bit accelerated.
What Community Colleges in Sacramento Have Summer Classes?
None of the community colleges in Sacramento offer summer classes. Summer classes are usually delivered between June and September. Like winter intersession, they are compressed classes that allow students to catch up on credits.
How to Apply to Community College in Sacramento
You can apply to a community college in Sacramento by first completing the school’s online form. Next, you’ll apply for financial aid and set up your school’s online portal. After getting your student ID, you can begin your orientation and complete your math and English placement test.
Sacramento Community College Application Steps
- Complete and submit the common application.
- Apply for financial aid.
- Set up your school’s online portal.
- Start your orientation.
- Complete your math and English placement test.
Cost of Community Colleges in Sacramento
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of community colleges in Sacramento is $1,270 for resident students and $8,194 for non-resident students. However, the price varies for different schools. Community colleges in the Los Rios community college district cost $395 per unit.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in Sacramento?
There are no free community colleges in Sacramento. However, you can reduce the cost of tuition by applying for scholarships, grants, and student loans. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are popular choices among students.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in Sacramento?
There are currently no free community colleges in Sacramento. Students can apply for cost-cutting measures such as loans, grants, and scholarships to lessen their financial burden and cover their expenses.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in Sacramento?
Although there are no free community colleges in Sacramento, anyone can qualify for a free college experience through the Los Rios Promise Program. If eligible, this program can cover full tuition costs for up to 15 units. As usual, grants, federal direct loans, private loans, scholarships, and federal work-study programs are available to students.
How to Apply for Free Community College in Sacramento
- Submit the FAFSA or CADAA form.
- Complete the Program Commitment Contract.
- Enroll in 12 or more units.
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Scholarships for Community Colleges in Sacramento
There are many scholarships for students in community colleges in Sacramento. These scholarship programs include the Art Savage Scholarship Fund, the Benny Goodman Foundation, the Bryan Potts Scholarship, and the California Capital Airshow Foundation. There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which a student may apply.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in Sacramento
- Visit the school’s website.
- Sign in using your student ID number.
- Complete the General Application.
- This single application is sufficient for other scholarship opportunities for which you qualify.
- Wait for a response and check your email.
Sacramento Community College Scholarships List
- Art Savage Scholarship Fund | Amount: $500-$1,000. This fund program was designed to provide financial assistance to the Sacramento River Cats employees or their family members. It covers tuition, fees, books, and other school supplies.
- The Pacific Coast Building Products Scholarship | Amount: $500-$5,000. This scholarship was established to help the offspring of current and retired employees of Pacific Coast Building Products. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
- Bryan Potts Scholarship | Amount: Up to $10,000. This scholarship was founded to assist exceptional students who want more for themselves and their communities. To be eligible, students must embody Bryan Pott’s zest for life and high academic standards.
Other Sacramento Community College Financial Aid Options
Apart from scholarships, there are other Sacramento community college financial aid options. These include federal grants, student loans, and private loans. We discuss them briefly in the section below.
Federal Grants
Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay back grants to the government. The US Department of Education provides federal grants to its citizens in colleges or universities. A popular federal grant is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
California Grants
There are state government grants for students looking to complete or develop their level of education. According to the US Department of Education, California has a yearly grant budget of over $73 billion for its students and teachers.
Student Loans
A student loan is a form of financial aid that allows students to borrow money to pay for their college or university. There are repayment options so that you can pay it as due without accumulating unnecessary interest.
Private Loans
Private loans are usually borrowed from a private lender and have to be repaid with interest. As a student, student loans are favorable because private loans usually accrue higher interest rates over time and can become a huge financial burden for you.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in Sacramento?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in Sacramento are US citizenship, admission into a Sacramento college for an eligible program, a high school diploma, and satisfactory academic progress. You need to meet all these requirements to qualify for the financial aid program.
Sacramento Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- Be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
- Be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Should You Attend Community College in Sacramento?
Yes, you should attend a community college in Sacramento. A community college education is an excellent launching spot for entry-level jobs and usually offers transfers to four-year universities. Apart from its quality educational programs, Sacramento is known for its participation in sports, beautiful history, great art, and culture.
Sacramento Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of Sacramento community colleges is based mainly on the graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect students’ chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best Sacramento Community Colleges FAQ
Sacramento community colleges are funded by the taxes of the citizens of Sacramento and the California state government. Funds could also come from the revenue from students’ tuition fees, grants and contracts, and local debt-service payments.
No, you do not need to be a US citizen to apply to a community college in Sacramento. You can apply as a non-citizen to a community college as long as you meet the school’s requirements. Once you ensure that you’ve met the requirements, you can enroll for the degree of your choice.
The advantages of attending a community college include the small teacher-student ratio, reasonable class sizes, the low tuition cost, the short duration of study, and the quality of education the college provides. Many community colleges, like Sacramento City College and Folsom Lake College, offer online courses.
Yes, community colleges are cheaper than four-year universities. Community colleges cost as little as $46 per unit. Students can attain their academic achievements and career goals without worrying about the cost of tuition.
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