Best Santa Barbara County Community Colleges

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 community colleges serving 24,557 students in Santa Barbara County, California.
The top-ranked community colleges in Santa Barbara County, CA include Lionel University and Santa Barbara City College.
The average community college acceptance rate in California is 84% (compared to national acceptance rates).
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), and the student:teacher ratio is 48:1.

Top-Ranked Santa Barbara County Community Colleges (2026-27)

College
Location
Quick Facts
Lionel University
Private for-profit
1013 Mark Avenue
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(800) 650-4772
Enrollment: 578 students Minority enrollment: 60%
Santa Barbara City College
Public
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 965-0581
Enrollment: 12,334 students Student-teacher ratio: 43:1 In-state tuition: $1,374 Out-state tuition: $6,836 Minority enrollment: 64%
Allan Hancock College
Public
800 South College Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 922-6966
Enrollment: 11,463 students In-state tuition: $1,346 Out-state tuition: $6,750 Minority enrollment: 81%
San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria
Private for-profit
303 Plaza Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(559) 734-9000
Enrollment: 182 students Minority enrollment: 85%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many community colleges are located in Santa Barbara County, CA?
There are 4 community colleges serving 24,557 students in Santa Barbara County, CA.
What is the community college acceptance rate in Santa Barbara County, CA?
The average community college acceptance rate in California is 84% (compared to national acceptance rates).
How diverse are community colleges in Santa Barbara County, CA?
Community colleges in Santa Barbara County, CA have approximately 72% minority enrollment, with the majority being Hispanic.

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