- The mission of Cabrillo College is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.
School Highlights
Cabrillo College serves 9,792 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 9,792 students
- In-state tuition: $1,358
- Out-state tuition: $5,698
- Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
- Minority enrollment: 56%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Cabrillo College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Student Earnings
School Overview
The teacher population of 585 teachers has grown by 81% over five years.
Cabrillo College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
585 staff
312 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cabrillo College has declined by 17% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has decreased from 19:1 over five years.
The Cabrillo College diversity score of 0.59 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,792 students
7,900 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
21:1

# Full-Time Students
3,201 students
1,661 students

# Part-Time Students
6,591 students
6,239 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
653 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,201 students
1,646 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
54 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,591 students
6,288 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a

% Asian
3%
13%

% Hispanic
45%
45%

% Black
1%
5%

% White
44%
26%

% Two or more races
5%
4%

% Non Resident races
1%
3%

% Unknown races
1%
4%


Diversity Score
0.59
0.71

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
30%
35%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.92%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$40,500
$34,700

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,358 is less than the state average of $1,993. The in-state tuition has grown by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,698 is less than the state average of $7,120. The out-state tuition has declined by 18% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,358
$1,993

Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,698
$7,120

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
81%
86%

Median Debt for Graduates
$13,665
$10,500

Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,000
$6,239

Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Cabrillo College is one of 109 public California community colleges. Situated on the Monterey Bay in the county of Santa Cruz, California, Cabrillo College is one of the most highly regarded community colleges in the state for its success in the area of transfer and career education and currently serves over 13,000 students. Classes are conveniently offered at several locations including the main campus in Aptos at 6500 Soquel Drive; the Cabrillo College Watsonville Center, located at 318 Union Street in downtown Watsonville; and at several locations in downtown Santa Cruz. Cabrillo's career education is closely connected to the nearby Silicon Valley business environment as well as that of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Cabrillo College offers a variety of programs that lead to Skills Certificates, Certificates of Proficiency, and A.S. Degrees. In addition, Cabrillo College offers basic skills courses and courses for business, professional and personal development. A variety of not-for-credit classes are available on a fee basis through the Community Education Department. Cabrillo focuses on student-centered learning and has a tradition of collegial governance. Currently, facility planning and major construction is under way on campus for a new Student Services Complex, Arts Education facilities and a Health Care Education Center. Cabrillo College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cabrillo College cost?
Cabrillo College's tuition is approximately $1,358 for In-State students and $5,698 for Out-State students.
What is Cabrillo College's ranking?
Cabrillo College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition and Highest graduate earnings (10 years post graduation).
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