- Allan Hancock College is your community college located in North Santa Barbara county. For the past 85 years, we have been the doorway to higher education for thousands of area residents. As a local community college, we have defined ourselves by the many faces and needs of those students who have passed through those doors. Whether the student was seeking job skills, to transfer to a four-year college/university, or taking course work as personal enrichment, they found a home at Allan Hancock College.
School Highlights
Allan Hancock College serves 15,608 students (22% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 26:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 15,608 students
- In-state tuition: $1,346
- Out-state tuition: $6,750
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Student:teacher ratio: 26:1
- Minority enrollment: 79%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Allan Hancock College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 605 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Allan Hancock College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
605 staff
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Allan Hancock College has grown by 31% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 26:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Allan Hancock College diversity score of 0.49 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has declined by 9% over five years.
Total Enrollment
15,608 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
26:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
3,382 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
12,226 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
156 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,382 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
12,226 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
13%
% Hispanic
68%
47%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
21%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
3%
3%
Diversity Score
0.49
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
29%
42%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,900
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,346 is less than the state average of $1,516. The in-state tuition has grown by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,750 is less than the state average of $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 9% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,346
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,750
$6,779
Tuition Notes
$46 per unit; $391 non-resident tuition per unit
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$6,478
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,000
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
98%
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Allan Hancock College (Santa Maria Campus) is located in the heart of California's beautiful Central Coast, in the town of Santa Maria (pop. around 90,000). The college is the focus for educating the community. It prepares members of our community for the work force, it provides everyone the opportunity to improve their personal and professional skills, and it prepares the lower division students to transfer to a four-year college. Allan Hancock College Foundation awarded in excess of $300,000 in scholarships in May 2007 to Allan Hancock College vocational students, students continuing their education here at Allan Hancock College, and students transferring to four-year institutions from Allan Hancock College. These scholarships are only available to students currently attending Allan Hancock College. Scholarships are available in all areas of study, however some scholarships are in specific donor-oriented categories such as vocational programs, local high-school graduates, veterans (or their children), re-entry students, disabled students, or specific majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Allan Hancock College cost?
Allan Hancock College's tuition is approximately $1,346 for In-State students and $6,750 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Allan Hancock College?
The acceptance rate of Allan Hancock College is 98%, which is higher than the state average of 93%.
What is Allan Hancock College's ranking?
Allan Hancock College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least debt for graduating students.
Recent Articles

Debating Your Way to Career Success: The Hidden Benefits of Joining a Community College Debate Club
This article highlights three key reasons why joining a debate club in community college can significantly boost career prospects. It explores how debate activities enhance public speaking skills, critical thinking abilities, and networking opportunities, all of which are valuable assets in the job market.

Community Colleges Nationwide Joining in President Obamas Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge
Learn about the number of colleges joining the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, which was introduced by the White House this past spring.

Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.