Public Institution

Saddleback College — Mission Viejo, California

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Annual Tuition $1,432

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 15,959

Active Students

Avg. Salary $50,874

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Mission Viejo, California
Institution type Public
Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Founded 9/23/1968

Academic Mission & Environment

"Saddleback College stands as a pillar of higher education in Mission Viejo, providing a robust academic foundation for 15,959 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 Saddleback College offer?

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

Humanities
59.3%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
8.7%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
6.5%

Enrollment Share

Communications
3%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
2.6%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
2.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Saddleback College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Saddleback College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

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

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Saddleback College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Saddleback 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 45.7%
Women Enrollment 54.3%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Saddleback 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 Saddleback College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Saddleback College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $1,432
Out-of-State Tuition $13,732

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 15.3%
Median Student Debt $9,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $1,432, graduates see a median starting salary of $50,874, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Saddleback College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $50,874

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $2,976
Median Salary (6yr) $36,605
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo?

15,959 Students

Gender Comparison

45.7% Men
54.3% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.3%
Pacific Islander
0.2%
Asian
12.1%
Black
2.3%
White
44.7%
Unknown
2.4%
Hispanic
30.2%
Two or More Races
6.3%
International
1.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 25
🎓
First-Generation 41.2%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 95.9%
🎖️
Veterans 1.8%
💍
Married Students 15%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $93,728
Average Family Income $24,668
Median Family Income $19,305

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

40.7%
59.3%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Mission Viejo Campus Environment

Located at 28000 Marguerite Pky, Saddleback 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

Common Questions about Saddleback College

Is Saddleback College a good college in Mission Viejo, California?
Saddleback College is a recognized institution in Mission Viejo with an enrollment of 15,959 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 Saddleback College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Saddleback College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $50,874. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Saddleback College cost for California residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Saddleback College is approximately $1,432. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $13,732. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Saddleback College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Saddleback College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 95.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Saddleback College good for Humanities and Business & Marketing programs?
Saddleback College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Saddleback College?
Graduates of Saddleback College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $50,874, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Saddleback College?
Saddleback 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 Saddleback College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Saddleback 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 Saddleback College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Saddleback College earn a median salary of $50,874 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Saddleback College a good investment compared to other CA colleges?
Saddleback 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 Saddleback College located and what is the campus like?
Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pky in Mission Viejo, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 15,959 learners.
Who typically attends Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA?
The student body at Saddleback College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 41.2% 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 Saddleback College with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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