- 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 14,079 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 24:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 14,079 students
- In-state tuition: $1,358
- Out-state tuition: $5,698
- Student:teacher ratio: 24:1
- Minority enrollment: 57%
- 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
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 585 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Cabrillo College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
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
Year Founded
1959
Colors
White, Black, Sky Blue
Total Faculty
585 staff
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cabrillo College has grown by 27% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 24:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Cabrillo College diversity score of 0.61 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
14,079 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
24:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
4,543 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
9,536 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
140 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,543 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
9,536 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
45%
47%
% Black
1%
7%
% White
43%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
5%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.61
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
33%
42%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%
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 $1,516. The in-state tuition has grown by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,698 is less than the state average of $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 25% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,358
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,698
$6,779
Tuition Notes
$1,200 per semester
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$13,665
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,000
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Sammy The Seahawk
- 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 Percent of students receiving financial aid.
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