Sierra College provides a supportive learning environment to students with diverse goals, abilities, and needs. The College's programs and services promote personal and professional success, leadership, critical thinking, civic responsibility, and innovation. Its students will become contributing citizens of the complex and changing communities in which they live and work.
School Highlights
Sierra College serves 23,722 students (27% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 30:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 23,722 students
In-state tuition: $1,150
Out-state tuition: $6,190
Student:teacher ratio: 30:1
Minority enrollment: 45%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Sierra College has grown by 30% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 30:1 has increased from 23:1 over five years.
The Sierra College diversity score of 0.63 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
23,722 students
2,311 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
30:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
6,517 students
1,232 students
# Part-Time Students
17,205 students
8,299 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
237 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
6,517 students
1,155 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
17,205 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
121 students
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
9%
13%
% Hispanic
23%
47%
% Black
3%
7%
% White
55%
23%
% Hawaiian
1%
1%
% Two or more races
8%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
2%
3%
Diversity Score
0.63
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3361%
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4304%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,800
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,150 is less than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,190 is less than the state average of $6,547. The out-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,150
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,190
$6,547
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
91%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$15,415
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
92%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
Sierra College is a fully accredited, two-year community college
located in north central California. We serve Placer, Nevada and
portions of El Dorado and Sacramento counties. Our primary campus
is located in Rocklin just minutes from Sacramento. Other
facilities include our 105-acre Sierra College Nevada County Campus
in Grass Valley, and leased centers in Roseville and Truckee. At
Sierra College our focus is on student learning and high quality
teaching, not research or publication. Sierra College has a
national reputation based on excellence in such academic areas as
Computer Science, Math, Electronics, Nursing, Early Childhood
Education and many more! We are 13th of all United States community
colleges in awarding Associate Degrees – 1st in California. We also
have the only nationally accredited community college Student
Health Center. Our courses focus on the real life application of
current issues and technologies, and are primarily taught by
instructors with masters degrees in their fields. Many are experts
in their fields and currently working in the private sector.
Quality instruction contributes to Sierra College being ranked
first in Northern California in transfers to the University of
California and California State University systems. Online courses
are available in our Distance Learning program. These are credit
courses which allow you to complete much of your college studies
from your own home, using the internet or television.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Sierra College cost?
Sierra College's tuition is approximately $1,150 for In-State students and $6,190 for Out-State students.
What is Sierra College's ranking?
Sierra College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body.
President Obama recently introduced a plan to deliver free Community College tuition to all Americans across the country. Is it the right call?In this story, we will not attempt to make a judgment call on whether free Community College is right or wrong for the United States. Instead, we paneled a few experts in education and economics to get their take on the issue. We’re showing both sides of the coin, and letting readers decide on their own.
We offer straightforward advice on identifying transferable skills, exploring job opportunities, leveraging community resources, and embracing lifelong learning. With relatable examples and encouragement, this guide aims to empower readers to navigate the job market confidently and successfully transition into new careers.
For California public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,236 per year for in-state students and $6,547 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $20,392 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
