Public Institution

American River College — Sacramento, California

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Annual Tuition $1,288

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 25,758

Active Students

Avg. Salary $40,162

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Sacramento, California

Institution type Public

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Founded 11/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"American River College stands as a pillar of higher education in Sacramento, providing a robust academic foundation for 25,758 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does American River College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at American River College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities

20.5%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

14.8%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

10.4%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

8.3%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

4.2%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

3.9%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at American River College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at American River College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at American River College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

American River College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 53.6%

Women Enrollment 46.4%

Open Pathway Confirmed

American River College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to American River College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does American River College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $1,288

Out-of-State Tuition $12,808

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 19.9%

Median Student Debt $9,625

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $1,288, graduates see a median starting salary of $40,162, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can American River College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $40,162

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $4,628

Median Salary (6yr) $34,072

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at American River College in Sacramento?

25,758 Students

Gender Comparison

53.6% Men

46.4% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.6%

Pacific Islander

0.9%

Asian

11.2%

Black

White

36.2%

Unknown

Hispanic

32.9%

Two or More Races

5.2%

International

0.2%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 26

🎓

First-Generation 51.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 98.9%

🎖️

Veterans 1.5%

💍

Married Students 20.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$59,196
Average Family Income	$18,070
Median Family Income	$13,273

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

42.4%

57.6%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Sacramento Campus Environment

Located at 4700 College Oak Dr, American River College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does American River College compare?

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Common Questions about American River College

Is American River College a good college in Sacramento, California?

American River College is a recognized institution in Sacramento with an enrollment of 25,758 students. It is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in California based on Department of Education data.

Is American River College worth attending in 2026?

Yes, American River College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $40,162. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does American River College cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at American River College is approximately $1,288. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $12,808. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of American River College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending American River College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 98.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is American River College good for Humanities and Social Sciences programs?

American River College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Social Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending American River College?

Graduates of American River College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $40,162, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for American River College?

American River College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does American River College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, American River College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can American River College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of American River College earn a median salary of $40,162 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is American River College a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

American River College stands out as a high-value investment in California. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is American River College located and what is the campus like?

American River College is located at 4700 College Oak Dr in Sacramento, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 25,758 learners.

Who typically attends American River College in Sacramento, CA?

The student body at American River College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 51.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare American River College with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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