- Laney College, in the heart of vibrant, multicultural downtown Oakland, features the cosmopolitan atmosphere and human energy of a big-city university. Across the street from the Oakland Museum of California, blocks from historic Chinatown, and a pleasant stroll from both Lake Merritt and the Oakland Estuary, Laney gives its 12,000-plus students ready access to the city's formidable intellectual, cultural, and natural resources. With renowned programs in such fields as Journalism, Culinary Arts, Mathematics, Machine Technology, and Ethnic Studies, Laney has been a leader in academic and vocational education for decades. A talented faculty and dedicated staff, not to mention a new state-of-the-art technology center, ensure that Laney will remain at the forefront of Information Age community education for years to come.
School Highlights
Laney College serves 9,328 students (19% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 9,328 students
- In-state tuition: $1,144
- Out-state tuition: $6,256
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Minority enrollment: 83%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Laney College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 159 teachers has declined by 55% over five years.
Laney College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
159 staff
72 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
8
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Laney College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The Laney College diversity score of 0.79 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,328 students
6,838 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
59:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
1,799 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
7,529 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
506 students
381 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,799 students
967 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
96 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,529 students
5,798 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
21 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
22%
12%
% Hispanic
29%
46%
% Black
20%
7%
% White
17%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
5%
6%
Diversity Score
0.79
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
27%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,144 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 $6,256 is less than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 27% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,144
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,256
$6,577
Tuition Notes
$1,104 per semester unit
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
78%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,000
$10,376
Median Debt for Dropouts
$8,500
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
25%
81%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagle
- Laney is the largest of the four colleges (13,000 students) in the Peralta Community College District, which serves the six cities of Northern Alameda County (Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland and Piedmont). Ours is a unique institution, and we are fiercely proud of its long history and ongoing commitment to service. A crucial part of that commitment is ensuring the quality of your education as well as your overall campus experience. Our success, after all, is inseparable from yours and student learning is our first priority. The Laney college campus, which opened in 1970, is a vibrant and safe environment in a central location in downtown Oakland on 60 acres of land. Laney is across the street from the Oakland Museum and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center. We are also one block from the Lake Merritt Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station and two blocks from the Alameda County Courthouse and beautiful Lake Merritt. The campus is in walking distance to Oakland's Chinatown and is easily accessible to the famous Jack London Square Laney is well known for its outstanding student newspaper, the Laney Tower; its Transfer Opportunity Center; and its array of quality academic and occupational course offerings. In addition, Associate degrees are offered in more than twenty (20) Liberal Arts and Science fields. Laney transfers more students per year to UC Berkeley than any other college of its size in the United States. Many other Laney students transfer to California State University campuses, local and out-of-state independent institutions and historically black colleges and universities. The faculty and staff are our campus' greatest asset. Laney's wonderful diversity, set in the midst of a lively urban center, makes it particularly wealthy in human potential.Laney is a vibrant campus with a comprehensive educational offering, where students are challenged and inspired to actualize their highest potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Laney College cost?
Laney College's tuition is approximately $1,144 for In-State students and $6,256 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Laney College?
The acceptance rate of Laney College is 25%, which is lower than the state average of 81%. Laney College's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in California with low acceptance rates.
What is Laney College's ranking?
Laney College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Lowest acceptance rates and Diversity in US community colleges.
In what neighborhood is Laney College located?
Laney College is located in the Downtown Oakland neighborhood of Oakland, CA.
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