- The mission of Cabrillo College is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.
School Highlights
Cabrillo College serves 9,075 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 9,075 students
- In-state tuition: $1,358
- Out-state tuition: $5,698
- Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
- Minority enrollment: 94%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Cabrillo College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 585 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Cabrillo College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates--Public Special Use
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
585 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cabrillo College has declined by 17% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has decreased from 19:1 over five years.
The Cabrillo College diversity score of 0.61 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,075 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
2,933 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
6,142 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
653 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,933 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,142 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
13%
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
43%
46%
% White
6%
5%
% Hawaiian
45%
24%
% Two or more races
2%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.61
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3458%
0.4179%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4884%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$40,500
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,358 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has grown by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,698 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 23% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,358
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,698
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$13,665
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,000
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Cabrillo College is one of 109 public California community colleges. Situated on the Monterey Bay in the county of Santa Cruz, California, Cabrillo College is one of the most highly regarded community colleges in the state for its success in the area of transfer and career education and currently serves over 13,000 students. Classes are conveniently offered at several locations including the main campus in Aptos at 6500 Soquel Drive; the Cabrillo College Watsonville Center, located at 318 Union Street in downtown Watsonville; and at several locations in downtown Santa Cruz. Cabrillo's career education is closely connected to the nearby Silicon Valley business environment as well as that of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Cabrillo College offers a variety of programs that lead to Skills Certificates, Certificates of Proficiency, and A.S. Degrees. In addition, Cabrillo College offers basic skills courses and courses for business, professional and personal development. A variety of not-for-credit classes are available on a fee basis through the Community Education Department. Cabrillo focuses on student-centered learning and has a tradition of collegial governance. Currently, facility planning and major construction is under way on campus for a new Student Services Complex, Arts Education facilities and a Health Care Education Center. Cabrillo College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cabrillo College cost?
Cabrillo College's tuition is approximately $1,358 for In-State students and $5,698 for Out-State students.
What is Cabrillo College's ranking?
Cabrillo College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
Recent Articles
What are Community Colleges Doing with Labor Department Grants?
The article explores how community colleges are utilizing Labor Department grants, particularly the TAACCCT program, to develop workforce training programs. It highlights various initiatives across different states, focusing on industry-specific training and skill development in emerging sectors.
For-Profit Universities Looking to Partner with Community Colleges
This article examines the trend of for-profit universities, particularly the University of Phoenix, seeking partnerships with community colleges. It discusses the potential benefits and controversies surrounding these collaborations, focusing on transfer agreements and workforce training programs.
New Analysis Shows How California Community Colleges Could Cut Millions in Spending
The article discusses a California Watch analysis revealing potential savings in California's community college system through administrative consolidation. It explores the implications of such cost-cutting measures and the challenges in implementing them within the state's education system.
