Colleges / CA / Mission Viejo

Saddleback College

Public Mission Viejo, CA · Suburban · Far West · 87% data reported · Agent Insights

46%

Graduation Rate

$50,874

Earnings (10yr)

$4,152

Net Price

17,684

Enrollment

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Overview

Saddleback College serves nearly 17,700 students, making it a significant community hub in California. The net price of attendance is just $4,152, making it accessible for many who seek affordable education options.

Graduates from Saddleback College earn a median income of $50,874 ten years after enrollment. While the graduation rate is 46%, the college offers pathways for upward mobility, particularly for students in high-demand fields like Health Professions and Business & Marketing.

With a median debt of only $9,500, students can graduate with manageable financial obligations. This makes Saddleback an attractive option for those looking to enter the workforce quickly without incurring substantial debt. Students who thrive here are often those focused on practical career outcomes and who appreciate a supportive community college environment.

Rankings

#9 Best Community Colleges #9 Best Vocational & Technical Schools #12 Most Affordable Colleges in California #21 Best Colleges in California #21 Best Nursing Colleges in California #29 Most Affordable Hispanic-Serving Institutions #32 Best Colleges in Far West #32 Best Colleges in Pacific Northwest

How Saddleback 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

$1,156

In-State Tuition

$11,860

Out-of-State

$4,152

Avg Net Price

$9,500

Median Debt

15%

Pell Grant Rate

Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$2,596

Family Income $0–$30K

$2,657

Family Income $30K–$48K

$6,349

Family Income $48K–$75K

$10,603

Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$36,605

6 Years After Entry

$41,667

8 Years

$50,874

10 Years

0.19x

Debt-to-Earnings

54%

Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

Social Mobility

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

115.84%

Mobility Rate

Bottom 20% → Top 20%

1649.3%

Success Rate

If bottom 20% get in

702.3%

From Bottom 20%

Share of students

$100,600

Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.72

Economic Connectedness

Cross-class friendships

0.01

Friending Bias

Lower = more inclusive

4.6%

Volunteering Rate

0.97

Support Ratio

Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.199%

Inventor Rate

Total Patents

383

Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 77%

Full-Time Faculty 27%

Faculty Salary (mo) $13,477

Diversity Index 0.70

First-Gen Students 41%

Top Programs

Humanities 58%

Business & Marketing 8%

Health Professions 7%

Social Sciences 3%

Communications 3%

Mechanic & Repair Tech 2%

Visual & Performing Arts 2%

Psychology 2%

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Quick Facts

Setting Suburban

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

56%

White

42%

Hispanic

31%

Black

Asian

13%

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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