- Compton College is a welcoming and inclusive community where diverse students are supported to pursue and attain student success. Compton College provides solutions to challenges, utilizes the latest techniques for preparing the workforce and provides clear pathways for completion of programs of study, transition to a university, and securing living-wage employment.
School Highlights
Compton College serves 5,225 students (20% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 32:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 5,225 students
- In-state tuition: $1,142
- Out-state tuition: $5,678
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Student-teacher ratio: 32:1
- Minority enrollment: 97%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Compton College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 164 teachers has declined by 67% over five years.
Compton College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Colors
Green and Gold
Total Faculty
164 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Compton College has declined by 9% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 32:1 has increased from 18:1 over five years.
The Compton College diversity score of 0.57 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,225 students
2,140 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
32:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
1,045 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
4,180 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
5,225 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,045 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,180 students
5,816 students
% Asian
4%
12%
% Hispanic
60%
46%
% Black
26%
7%
% White
3%
23%
% Two or more races
3%
5%
% Unknown races
4%
6%
Diversity Score
0.57
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
11%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,900
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,142 is less than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,678 is less than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 36% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,142
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,678
$6,577
Tuition Notes
$0 (with promise program for first-time college students)
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
75%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$5,133
$10,063
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,000
Acceptance Rate
70%
81%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
BadmintonBaseball
BasketballCross Country
SoccerSoftball
Track and FieldVolleyball
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- The Compton Community College District (CCCD) was established in 1927 as a component of the Compton Union High School District. In 1950, voters approved a bond issue separating the college from the high school district. Construction of the new college campus was completed on the present site. Classes began on the new campus in fall 1956.
- The Compton Community College District encompasses an area of about 29 square miles, making educational services available to nearly 300,000 residents of Compton, Lynwood, Paramount and Willowbrook, as well as portions of Athens, Bellflower, Carson, Downey, Dominguez, Lakewood, Long Beach and South Gate. Today, about 290 full and part-time faculty teach 42 degree programs and 41 certificate programs.
- In November 2002 the Compton Community College District won voter approval of Measure CC, authorizing the issuance of $100 million in general obligation bonds to upgrade classrooms, labs, infrastructure, and instructional equipment, while making much-needed health and safety repairs and energy efficiency improvements. An independent Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee was also established at this time.
- In November 2014, voters in the Compton Community College District approved Measure C, a $100 million facilities bond designed to make technology and safety upgrades campuswide.
- On August 27, 2018, Compton College received notification from the ACCJC that itsSubstantive Change Application: Change in Local Controlwas approved. On August 29, 2018, California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley issuedExecutive Order 2018-01declaring Compton College will operate as an independent college under the authority of the CCCD Board of Trustees effective June 7, 2019, at 11:59 p.m.A Special Board meeting at 11:59 p.m. on June 7, 2019, commemorated the moment that Compton College began to operate as an independent college and concluded the collaborative partnership between Compton Community College District and the El Camino Community College District.
- Courses are offered under the authority of the Compton Community College District, and all students earning degrees or certificates at Compton College will be issued a Compton College diploma.
- At the June 5-6, 2024 ACCJC biannual meeting, the commission took action to reaffirm Compton College's Accreditation for seven years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Compton College cost?
Compton College's tuition is approximately $1,142 for In-State students and $5,678 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Compton College?
The acceptance rate of Compton College is 70%, which is lower than the state average of 81%.
What sports does Compton College offer?
Compton College offers 8 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Compton College's ranking?
Compton College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition, Average community college minority breakdown and Least debt for graduating students.
Recent Articles
Credit for Prior Learning: When Life Experience Can Shorten Your Degree
Learn how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can help community college students earn college credit for military service, work experience, certifications, and prior learning, reducing both the time and cost of earning a degree.
The Working Student Schedule Test: Can You Balance College and a Job?
Discover how to evaluate whether your work schedule is compatible with community college before classes begin, and learn practical strategies that help working students stay on track toward graduation.
Stop-Out Risk: How to Choose a Community College That Helps You Finish
Learn how to identify community colleges that actively reduce stop-out risk through proactive advising, financial support, transfer pathways, flexible scheduling, and student success services, helping you stay enrolled, complete your credential, and achieve your long-term educational goals.
