- Santa Barbara City College is a comprehensive community college serving the south coast of Santa Barbara County. Established in 1909, SBCC is renowned as one of the leading two-year community college in California - and the nation. The college has a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, as well as transfer programs that provide the first two years of study toward the baccalaureate degree. Students are attracted to SBCC by virtue of its outstanding faculty, small classes, state-of-the-art facilities and numerous student services.
School Highlights
Santa Barbara City College serves 12,746 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 12,746 students
- In-state tuition: $1,374
- Out-state tuition: $6,836
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 95%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Santa Barbara City College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,041 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Santa Barbara City 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
1,041 staff
294 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Santa Barbara City College has declined by 9% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has decreased from 14:1 over five years.
The Santa Barbara City College diversity score of 0.71 is equal to the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,746 students
5,744 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
5,514 students
813 students
# Part-Time Students
7,232 students
4,931 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
102 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,514 students
813 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,232 students
4,962 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
6%
13%
% Asian
3%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
35%
46%
% White
5%
5%
% Hawaiian
39%
24%
% Two or more races
10%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
2%
1%
Diversity Score
0.71
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4474%
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)
$39,300
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,374 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,836 is more than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,374
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,836
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
47%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,725
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,116
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Established in 1909, SBCC is a public, co-educational two-year college which offers both academic and technical/vocational certificates and associate degrees. Known for its outstanding faculty and curriculum, SBCC is a premier California Community College and a leader in preparing students to transfer to respected universities and colleges. International students have always played an important role in the life of the college. Santa Barbara City College provides an outstanding education for the South Coast's future workforce - the health care workers, technicians, teachers, hotel/restaurant staff, and business managers that will keep our community strong. SBCC is also the home of an outstanding lifelong learning program - our continuing education classes provide lifelong learning opportunities for more than 42,000 people every year. The primary purpose of the Office of Student Life is to coordinate co-curricular student activities and specific services on campus. The staff assists individual students, student organizations, athletics, and instructional departments in coordinating activity projects, in addition to providing assistance and direction to the A.S. Student Senate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Santa Barbara City College cost?
Santa Barbara City College's tuition is approximately $1,374 for In-State students and $6,836 for Out-State students.
What is Santa Barbara City College's ranking?
Santa Barbara City College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Santa Barbara City College located?
Santa Barbara City College is located in the West Beach neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
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