Hartnell College

411 Central Avenue
Salinas, CA 93901
Top-Ranked (2026-27): View Rankings
  • Hartnell College provides the leadership and resources to ensure that all students shall have equal access to a quality education and the opportunity to pursue and achieve their goals. We are responsive to the learning needs of our community and dedicated to a diverse educational and cultural campus environment that prepares our students for productive participation in a changing world.

School Highlights

Hartnell College serves 11,273 students (34% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 11,273 students
  • In-state tuition: $1,420
  • Out-state tuition: $7,060
  • Minority enrollment: 85%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Hartnell College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

The teacher population of 217 teachers has declined by 46% over five years.
Hartnell College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1920
Campus Size
54 acres
Total Faculty
217 staff
72 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Hartnell College has grown by 29% over five years.
The Hartnell College diversity score of 0.44 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 45% over five years.
Total Enrollment
11,273 students
6,838 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio
52:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
3,883 students
1,022 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Students
7,390 students
5,816 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Enrollment Undergraduate
11,273 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,883 students
967 students

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,390 students
5,850 students
% Asian
4%
12%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Hispanic
73%
46%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Black
2%
7%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% White
15%
23%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Two or more races
2%
5%
% Unknown races
4%
6%
Diversity Score
0.44
0.71

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
32%
42%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,600
$34,300

Tuition & Financial Aid

The public in-state tuition of $1,420 is more than the state average of $1,238. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,060 is more than the state average of $6,634. The out-state tuition has declined by 29% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,420
$1,238
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,060
$6,634
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
85%

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Graduates (Year 2014)
$4,500
$9,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,500
$5,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • Hartnell College is one of the oldest educational institutions in California. In 1920, Salinas Junior College was founded. The school was renamed Hartnell College in 1948. The Hartnell Community College District was formed in 1949. The college moved to its present location at 156 Homestead Avenue in Salinas in 1936. The college is located in Monterey County just 20 minutes drive from the scenic Monterey Coast. Hartnell College serves the Salinas Valley, a fertile agricultural region some 10 miles wide and 100 miles long. The College draws its students from Salinas and the surrounding communities of Bradley, Castroville, Chualar, Greenfield, Jolon, King City, Lockwood, Moss Landing, San Ardo, San Lucas, Soledad and adjacent rural areas. Hartnell serves approximately 9,316 students with an ethnic profile that includes 52% Latino, 33% White, 5% Asian, 5% Filipino, 3% Black, 1% Native American students and 1% Other minorities. The College offers the first and second year of a college program and awards the associate of arts/sciences degrees and certificates of proficiency. The college also provides vocational training, Work Force and Community Development classes, Contract Education and numerous cultural and recreational activities. The computer center is available to students for class and assignment use and provides access to the Internet and the World Wide Web. The College has transfer agreements with many California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses which guarantee admission for Hartnell students who have completed the two year requirements. The college offers a full complement of services to assist students' educational progress including Telephone Registration, Academic and Personal Counseling, Financial Aid Services, International Student Services, Re-Entry Services, Sports Counseling, Disabled Students Programs and Services, Assessment, Career and Transfer Assistance and more. In addition, students are encouraged to become involved in the many clubs on campus and student government through the Associated Students of Hartnell College.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Hartnell College cost?
Hartnell College's tuition is approximately $1,420 for In-State students and $7,060 for Out-State students.
What schools are Hartnell College often compared to?
Hartnell Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Monterey Peninsula College by visitors of our site.
What is Hartnell College's ranking?
Hartnell College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Percent of students receiving financial aid.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 11,273 students
  • In-state tuition: $1,420
  • Out-state tuition: $7,060
  • Minority enrollment: 85%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For California public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,238 per year for in-state students and $6,634 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $18,639 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in California is 80%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

California community colleges have a diversity score of 0.71, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in California is Young Americans College of the Performing Arts. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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