- The mission of Pasadena City College is successful student learning. The College provides high-quality, academically rigorous instruction in a comprehensive transfer and vocational curriculum, as well as learning activities designed to improve the economic condition and quality of life of the diverse communities within the College service area.
School Highlights
Pasadena City College serves 24,597 students (36% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 39:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 24,597 students
- In-state tuition: $1,152
- Out-state tuition: $6,168
- Student-teacher ratio: 39:1
- Minority enrollment: 80%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Pasadena City College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 636 teachers has declined by 41% over five years.
Pasadena City 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
Cardinal and Gold
Total Faculty
636 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Pasadena City College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 39:1 has increased from 25:1 over five years.
The Pasadena City College diversity score of 0.71 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
24,597 students
2,140 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
39:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
8,744 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
15,853 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
24,597 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
8,744 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
15,853 students
5,816 students
% Asian
23%
12%
% Hispanic
44%
46%
% Black
4%
7%
% White
20%
23%
% Two or more races
4%
5%
% Non Resident races
2%
1%
% Unknown races
2%
6%
Diversity Score
0.71
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
41%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$37,500
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,152 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 $6,168 is less than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 17% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,152
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,168
$6,577
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
78%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$6,151
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,272
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Pasadena City College is one of America's top community colleges, with a strong reputation for academics and leading-edge technology. Pasadena City College is located in the Los Angeles suburb of Pasadena, California, USA. It often called by its acronym, PCC. Its current president is Dr. James Kossler. Pasadena City College can trace its roots back to 1911 when eighteen acres were acquired for the construction of a new campus for Pasadena High School. An additional nineteen acres were purchased in 1923 expanding the campus to 37.39 aces. The property was bounded on the north by Colorado Boulevard, the east by Sierra Bonita Avenue, the south by Blanch Street (later Del Mar) and the west by Hill Avenue. Pasadena City College sponsors intercollegiate teams through the Physical Education Division. We offer 16 intercollegiate sports teams in 11 different sports.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mack Robinson - 1936 - Olympic athlete and brother of Jackie Robinson. -
- Jackie Robinson - 1936 - First African American to play in Major League Baseball. -
- Dustin Lance Black - 1994 - Academy Award-winning screenwriter. -
- Jaime Escalante - 1969 - Renowned educator known for his work in teaching calculus. -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Pasadena City College cost?
Pasadena City College's tuition is approximately $1,152 for In-State students and $6,168 for Out-State students.
Who are famous alumni from Pasadena City College?
Pasadena City College famous alumni include: Mack Robinson - 1936 - Olympic athlete and brother of Jackie Robinson., Jackie Robinson - 1936 - First African American to play in Major League Baseball., Dustin Lance Black - 1994 - Academy Award-winning screenwriter. and Jaime Escalante - 1969 - Renowned educator known for his work in teaching calculus..
What is Pasadena City College's ranking?
Pasadena City College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
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