- Santa Barbara City College is a comprehensive community college serving the south coast of Santa Barbara County. Established in 1909, SBCC is renowned as one of the leading two-year community college in California - and the nation. The college has a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, as well as transfer programs that provide the first two years of study toward the baccalaureate degree. Students are attracted to SBCC by virtue of its outstanding faculty, small classes, state-of-the-art facilities and numerous student services.
School Highlights
Santa Barbara City College serves 18,586 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 18,586 students
- In-state tuition: $1,374
- Out-state tuition: $6,836
- Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
- Minority enrollment: 62%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Santa Barbara City College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,041 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Santa Barbara City College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
1,041 staff
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Santa Barbara City College has grown by 31% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Santa Barbara City College diversity score of 0.73 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
18,586 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
6,422 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
12,164 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
185 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
6,422 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
12,164 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
5%
13%
% Hispanic
33%
47%
% Black
2%
7%
% White
38%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
6%
5%
% Non Resident races
4%
1%
% Unknown races
11%
3%
Diversity Score
0.73
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
40%
42%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,300
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,374 is less than the state average of $1,516. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,836 is more than the state average of $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 27% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,374
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,836
$6,779
Tuition Notes
$31 million in fee waivers, grants, loans, work-study jobs, and scholarships are distributed annually.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
47%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,725
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,116
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Established in 1909, SBCC is a public, co-educational two-year college which offers both academic and technical/vocational certificates and associate degrees. Known for its outstanding faculty and curriculum, SBCC is a premier California Community College and a leader in preparing students to transfer to respected universities and colleges. International students have always played an important role in the life of the college. Santa Barbara City College provides an outstanding education for the South Coast's future workforce - the health care workers, technicians, teachers, hotel/restaurant staff, and business managers that will keep our community strong. SBCC is also the home of an outstanding lifelong learning program - our continuing education classes provide lifelong learning opportunities for more than 42,000 people every year. The primary purpose of the Office of Student Life is to coordinate co-curricular student activities and specific services on campus. The staff assists individual students, student organizations, athletics, and instructional departments in coordinating activity projects, in addition to providing assistance and direction to the A.S. Student Senate.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Timothy Olyphant, Actor -
- Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Santa Barbara City College cost?
Santa Barbara City College's tuition is approximately $1,374 for In-State students and $6,836 for Out-State students.
Who are famous alumni from Santa Barbara City College?
Santa Barbara City College famous alumni include: Timothy Olyphant, Actor and Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress.
What is Santa Barbara City College's ranking?
Santa Barbara City College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Santa Barbara City College located?
Santa Barbara City College is located in the West Beach neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
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