Our mission is to provide access to learning opportunities that promote student success; to foster intellectual growth, individual expression, and character development; and to support a dynamic and diverse environment of innovation and collegiality.
School Highlights
Saddleback College serves 18,984 students (30% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
Enrollment: 18,984 students
In-state tuition: $1,142
Out-state tuition: $5,702
Student:teacher ratio: 24:1
Minority enrollment: 47%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The teacher population of 805 teachers has grown by 80% over five years.
Saddleback College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
805 staff
312 staff
Student Body
The student population of Saddleback College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 24:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Saddleback College diversity score of 0.64 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
18,984 students
7,900 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
5,621 students
1,661 students
# Part-Time Students
13,363 students
6,239 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
126 students
302 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,621 students
1,646 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
54 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
13,363 students
6,288 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
10%
13%
% Hispanic
25%
45%
% Black
2%
5%
% White
53%
26%
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
3%
% Unknown races
4%
4%
Diversity Score
0.64
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
44%
35%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.92%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$40,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,142 is less than the state average of $1,993. The in-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,702 is less than the state average of $7,120. The out-state tuition has declined by 46% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,142
$1,993
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,702
$7,120
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
46%
86%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,500
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,500
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
We are one of California's top community colleges, known for our
well-equipped high-tech learning centers and laboratories,
challenging academic curricula, strong student support services,
and high transfer rate to universities around the country. Our
reputation for excellence continues to attract high quality faculty
members and administrators from across the United States. At
Saddleback College, students are our top priority. Class sizes here
are small and students can expect to receive individual attention
from their professors. There is a full range of counseling, career
planning and job placement services, financial aid programs, as
well as assistance for those with learning disabilities and/or
physical limitations. We offer on-campus childcare, a fully staffed
Health Center and a variety of tutorial programs. In addition, we
have extensive programs and services for re-entry men and women,
for older adults through our Emeritus Institute, and for
professionals in need of continuing educational credits. We are a
premier cultural, entertainment and recreational site in South
Orange County. Throughout the year, Saddleback College hosts
lectures by news makers and scholars, stages theatre productions
and concerts, and screens classic and contemporary foreign films.
This upcoming year marks the 29th anniversary of our award-winning
Saddleback Civic Light Opera program. Our athletic department
proudly boasts 19 intercollegiate teams with a solid reputation for
success. In the past 3 decades the Gauchos have earned over 120
conference, state and national titles. The 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 Saddleback College cost?
Saddleback College's tuition is approximately $1,142 for In-State students and $5,702 for Out-State students.
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Quick Stats (2023-24)
Enrollment: 18,984 students
In-state tuition: $1,142
Out-state tuition: $5,702
Student:teacher ratio: 24:1
Minority enrollment: 47%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
For Orange County, CA public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $1,182 per year for in-state students and $6,344 for out-of-state students. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
