Public Institution

Santa Barbara City College — Santa Barbara, California

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Annual Tuition $1,234

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 10,070

Active Students

Avg. Salary $47,647

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Santa Barbara, California

Institution type Public

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

Founded 1/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Santa Barbara City College stands as a pillar of higher education in Santa Barbara, providing a robust academic foundation for 10,070 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 Santa Barbara City College offer?

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

Humanities

45.1%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

9.7%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

8.7%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

6.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

5.9%

Enrollment Share

Communications

5.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Santa Barbara City College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Santa Barbara City College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Santa Barbara City College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Santa Barbara City College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

Santa Barbara City 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 44.5%

Women Enrollment 55.5%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Santa Barbara City 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 Santa Barbara City College's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Santa Barbara City College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $1,234

Out-of-State Tuition $10,186

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 15.5%

Median Student Debt $11,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $1,234, graduates see a median starting salary of $47,647, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Santa Barbara City College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $47,647

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $10,029

Median Salary (6yr) $35,744

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara?

10,070 Students

Gender Comparison

44.5% Men

55.5% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.3%

Asian

4.8%

Black

2.5%

White

40.2%

Unknown

3.7%

Hispanic

38.4%

Two or More Races

5.8%

International

4.1%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 24

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First-Generation 45.7%

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Receive Pell Grant 85%

🎖️

Veterans 0.7%

💍

Married Students 7.9%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$70,571
Average Family Income	$34,464
Median Family Income	$22,909

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

47%

53.1%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Santa Barbara Campus Environment

Located at 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara City 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 Santa Barbara City College compare?

Direct Comparison Santa Barbara City College vs California-Santa Barbara →

Direct Comparison Santa Barbara City College vs Fielding Graduate University →

Direct Comparison Santa Barbara City College vs Westmont College →

Direct Comparison Santa Barbara City College vs Antioch University-Santa Barbara →

Common Questions about Santa Barbara City College

Is Santa Barbara City College a good college in Santa Barbara, California?

Santa Barbara City College is a recognized institution in Santa Barbara with an enrollment of 10,070 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 Santa Barbara City College worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Santa Barbara City College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $47,647. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Santa Barbara City College cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Santa Barbara City College is approximately $1,234. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $10,186. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Santa Barbara City College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Santa Barbara City College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 85% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Santa Barbara City College good for Humanities and Multi/Interdisciplinary programs?

Santa Barbara City College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Multi/Interdisciplinary programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Santa Barbara City College?

Graduates of Santa Barbara City College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $47,647, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Santa Barbara City College?

Santa Barbara City 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 Santa Barbara City College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Santa Barbara City 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 Santa Barbara City College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Santa Barbara City College earn a median salary of $47,647 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Santa Barbara City College a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Santa Barbara City 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 Santa Barbara City College located and what is the campus like?

Santa Barbara City College is located at 721 Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 10,070 learners.

Who typically attends Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara, CA?

The student body at Santa Barbara City College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 45.7% 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 Santa Barbara City 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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