Colleges / CA / Pasadena

Pasadena City College

Public Pasadena, CA · Urban · Far West · 87% data reported · Agent Insights

44%

Graduation Rate

$43,937

Earnings (10yr)

$3,864

Net Price

21,466

Enrollment

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Overview

Pasadena City College serves over 21,000 students, making it a significant hub for community college education in California. With a net price of just $3,864, it stands out as an affordable option for those seeking higher education without accumulating overwhelming debt.

The data from Chetty/Opportunity Insights illustrates that graduates earn a median income of $43,937 after ten years, indicating a solid return on investment for students who complete their degrees. While the graduation rate sits at 44%, the college plays a vital role in helping students from diverse backgrounds improve their economic mobility.

Students thrive in programs like Humanities, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Psychology. With 31% of the student body receiving Pell Grants, Pasadena City College actively supports low-income students. The median debt of $6,651 underscores the college's commitment to keeping education accessible and manageable for its graduates.

Rankings

#9 Most Affordable Colleges in California #14 Best Nursing Colleges in California #15 Best Vocational & Technical Schools #16 Best Community Colleges #23 Most Affordable Hispanic-Serving Institutions #28 Best Business Colleges in California #29 Best Colleges in California #43 Best Psychology Colleges in California

How Pasadena Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

Cost & Financial Aid

$1,180

In-State Tuition

$9,820

Out-of-State

$3,864

Avg Net Price

$6,651

Median Debt

31%

Pell Grant Rate

Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$3,051

Family Income $0–$30K

$2,631

Family Income $30K–$48K

$6,003

Family Income $48K–$75K

$11,261

Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$32,759

6 Years After Entry

$37,317

8 Years

$43,937

10 Years

0.15x

Debt-to-Earnings

47%

Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

481.48%

Mobility Rate

Bottom 20% → Top 20%

1723.4%

Success Rate

If bottom 20% get in

2793.8%

From Bottom 20%

Share of students

$44,600

Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.25

Economic Connectedness

Cross-class friendships

0.10

Friending Bias

Lower = more inclusive

3.8%

Volunteering Rate

0.91

Support Ratio

Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.180%

Inventor Rate

Total Patents

176

Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 76%

Full-Time Faculty 44%

Faculty Salary (mo) $9,708

Diversity Index 0.69

First-Gen Students 56%

Top Programs

Humanities 25%

Business & Marketing 14%

Health Professions 13%

Social Sciences 5%

Psychology 4%

Visual & Performing Arts 3%

Mechanic & Repair Tech 3%

Communications 2%

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Quick Facts

Setting Urban

Region Far West

Accreditor Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Predominant Degree Associate's

Hispanic-Serving Yes

Student Body

Female

54%

White

16%

Hispanic

48%

Black

Asian

23%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Opportunity Insights Patent Data

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