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Colleges / CA / Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara City College

Public Santa Barbara, CA · Urban · Far West · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
34%
Graduation Rate
$47,647
Earnings (10yr)
$11,315
Net Price
9,889
Enrollment

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Overview

Nearly 10,000 students choose Santa Barbara City College every year for its community-centered approach to education. The college focuses on providing accessible pathways to higher learning, catering to a diverse student population. With a graduation rate of 34%, it reflects the challenges many students face in completing their degrees.

Data from Opportunity Insights shows that while mobility metrics are not disclosed, the college serves a significant number of students from low-income backgrounds. With 18% of students receiving Pell Grants, SBCC plays a vital role in supporting those who may need financial assistance. The earnings of graduates after ten years average $47,647, suggesting that a degree from this institution can lead to a stable income.

The net price of attendance is $11,315, making it a relatively affordable option in California. With a median debt of $11,000, students can graduate with manageable financial obligations. Those who thrive here often pursue programs in Humanities, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Communications, and Health Professions, aligning their studies with the demands of the workforce.

Rankings

How Santa Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation34%Earnings 10yr$48KNet Price$11KRetention65%Median Debt$11KPell Grant Rate18%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$9K$0-30K$11K$30-48K$12K$48-75K$20K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

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

ACCESS% from bottom 20%965.3%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1864.3%MOBILITY179.96%

Cost & Financial Aid

$1,240
In-State Tuition
$10,432
Out-of-State
$11,315
Avg Net Price
$11,000
Median Debt
18%
Pell Grant Rate
4%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,333
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,868
Family Income $30K–$48K
$11,536
Family Income $48K–$75K
$19,544
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$35,744
6 Years After Entry
$42,540
8 Years
$47,647
10 Years
0.23x
Debt-to-Earnings
53%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$35,744 6yr $42,540 8yr $47,647 10yr

Social Mobility

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

179.96%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1864.3%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
965.3%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$86,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.45
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.08
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.0%
Volunteering Rate
0.97
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.358%
Inventor Rate
23
Total Patents
205
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 65%
Full-Time Faculty 39%
Faculty Salary (mo) $12,646
Diversity Index 0.68
First-Gen Students 46%

Top Programs

Humanities 45%
Social Sciences 9%
Business & Marketing 6%
Communications 6%
Health Professions 4%
Psychology 3%
Mathematics & Statistics 2%
Visual & Performing Arts 2%

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
41%
Hispanic
38%
Black
2%
Asian
5%

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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