- 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 11,463 students (28% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 11,463 students
- In-state tuition: $1,346
- Out-state tuition: $6,750
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Minority enrollment: 81%
- 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 219 teachers has declined by 63% over five years.
Allan Hancock 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
Colors
Blue, Gold
Total Faculty
219 staff
72 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
8
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Allan Hancock College has grown by 11% over five years.
The Allan Hancock College diversity score of 0.47 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has declined by 15% over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,463 students
6,838 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
52:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
3,230 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
8,233 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
618 students
381 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,230 students
967 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
96 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
8,233 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
3%
12%
% Hispanic
70%
46%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
19%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
2%
6%
Diversity Score
0.47
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
29%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,900
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,346 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has grown by 17% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,750 is more than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,346
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,750
$6,577
Tuition Notes
$46 per unit; $391 non-resident tuition per unit
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
74%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$6,478
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,000
$6,272
Acceptance Rate
98%
81%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Spike The Bulldog, Spike
- 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 81%.
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
Community College vs University: Key Differences in 2026
Compare community colleges and universities in 2026, including cost, admissions, degrees, campus life, and transfer opportunities.
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
Explore AI-augmented careers and how community colleges prepare students with practical skills, credentials, and employer-aligned training.
Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Explore how community colleges prepare students for YouTube, podcasting, content creation, and creator economy careers.
