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Public, 2-year

Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe, New Mexico · www.sfcc.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$4,131

In-state $2,139

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

4,469

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

24.7%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 28.2%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) is a vibrant institution located in the picturesque city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Established in 1983, the college has become a cornerstone of higher education in the region, offering a diverse range of academic programs and services. SFCC is particularly known for its commitment to providing accessible, quality education to a broad spectrum of students, including those seeking to enhance their skills, pursue degrees, or explore new career paths. The college emphasizes community engagement and lifelong learning, aligning with its motto, "Empowering Students and Community."

The campus itself is a unique blend of modern facilities and natural beauty, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of New Mexico. SFCC boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and art studios, as well as a library that serves as a hub for research and collaboration among students. The college also fosters a rich cultural environment, hosting various events, workshops, and art exhibitions that celebrate the diverse heritage of the region. With a focus on student success, SFCC offers comprehensive support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, which have contributed to impressive graduation and transfer rates. Additionally, the college's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its initiatives aimed at promoting environmentally friendly practices within the campus community. Overall, Santa Fe Community College stands out as a nurturing educational institution that prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Santa Fe Community College

The data from Santa Fe Community College reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student retention, graduation rates, and the student-to-faculty ratio.

Firstly, tuition costs have seen a marked increase over the years, particularly for out-of-state undergraduate students, which rose from $3,084 in 2014 to $4,995 in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 62%. Such a hike in tuition can be a barrier for prospective students, particularly those from out of state, potentially affecting enrollment numbers in the coming years.

In terms of student retention, the rate fluctuated over the years, with a notable high of approximately 64.6% in 2019. However, by 2023, this rate had decreased to about 58.2%. This decline suggests that the college may be facing challenges in keeping students engaged and enrolled, which could be a critical area for institutional improvement. Retention is often closely tied to student satisfaction, support services, and overall college experience.

Graduation rates have also shown a mixed performance. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates reached 20.1% in 2022, a significant improvement from just 0.9% in 2013. However, this rate dropped to 14.6% in 2023, indicating possible setbacks in the college's ability to support students through to graduation. The 150% graduation rate also reflects a similar trend, showcasing the need for enhanced academic and support services.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, holding at 11:1 in recent years. While a lower ratio is generally favorable for personalized education, the slight decrease from 17:1 in 2013 to 11:1 may not fully capture the changing dynamics of faculty engagement and the resources available to students.

Overall, while there are positive developments in graduation rates, the increasing tuition and fluctuating retention rates warrant attention to ensure that Santa Fe Community College remains accessible and supportive for its student population.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Albuquerque, about 50 mi
Nearest international airport
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 50 mi
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Also known as
SFCC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Becky Rowley (President)
Phone
5054281000
City
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Address
6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508-4887

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2115 international (2.4%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
25
Business Administration and Management, General
21
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
21
General Studies
11
Human Services, General
10
Psychology, General
10
Accounting
9
Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
8
Computer and Information Sciences, General
8
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
7

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Santa Fe Community College in 2023

The graduation data from Santa Fe Community College reveals significant trends in various academic programs, particularly in the fields of agriculture and the performing arts. Notably, the Greenhouse Operations and Management program stands out with ten graduates, indicating a growing interest in sustainable practices and agriculture, which aligns with global trends focusing on environmental sustainability and food security.

In the performing arts category, the data reflects a more modest output, with the Fine/Studio Arts program producing three graduates and Film/Cinema/Media Studies yielding only one. This suggests a potential decline in enrollment or interest in these fields, possibly influenced by the pandemic's impact on the arts sector. The global arts community has faced significant challenges, with many institutions struggling to adapt to changing circumstances and funding cuts, which could explain the lower graduation numbers.

Moreover, the absence of graduates in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs across various disciplines suggests that students may be opting for more practical, career-oriented paths, particularly in industries that promise immediate employment opportunities. The limited number of international students graduating in associate programs also raises questions about the institution's appeal to this demographic, especially in a competitive global education market.

In conclusion, while certain programs like Greenhouse Operations are thriving, the overall data indicates a need for Santa Fe Community College to reassess its offerings, especially in the performing arts and higher-level degrees, to better align with student interests and market demands.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 51 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Dental Assisting/Assistant.-
Medical/Clinical Assistant.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$60,648
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.$60,648
Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$80,160
Businesshas 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.-
Educationhas 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Education, General.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$53,562
Visual and Performing artshas 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Digital Arts.-
Commercial Photography.-
Graphic Design.-
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.-
Photography.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Sculpture.-
Jewelry Arts.-
Computer and information sciencehas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Liberal arts has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
General Studies.-
Public administrationhas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Human Services, General.-
Psychology has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Agricultural has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Greenhouse Operations and Management.-
Precision production has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.-
Welding Technology/Welder.-
English has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Creative Writing.-
Homeland security has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Criminal Justice/Police Science.-
Legal professionshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Engineering technologieshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General.-
Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician.-
Culinary has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.-
Foreign languages has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation.-
Engineeringhas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Mechanic and repair has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Physical scienceshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physical Sciences, General.-
Natural resources has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Environmental Science.-
Biologyhas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-

Students

4,469 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 36:64 · Freshman retention 59.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,469)

Hispanic
2,130 · 47.7%
White
1,673 · 37.4%
International
165 · 3.7%
Unknown
87 · 1.9%
Two or more races
79 · 1.8%
Asian
76 · 1.7%
Black
50 · 1.1%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Santa Fe Community College in 2023

The demographic data from Santa Fe Community College for 2023 reveals notable trends in student composition and gender ratios. Among the undergraduate new students, there are 312 individuals, with a slightly higher percentage of female students at 55.1% compared to 44.9% male students. This trend continues with the undergraduate continuing students, where females represent 67.3% of the 1,513 students, indicating a significant female majority.

The undergraduate transfer students, totaling 243, also reflect a gender imbalance with 60.1% female and 39.9% male representation. The overall figures suggest a consistent pattern across different student classifications, emphasizing a higher enrollment of female students at the institution.

Interestingly, the data for graduate students and further breakdown by ethnicity is not completely available for 2023. However, the existing data hints at a diverse student body, particularly among new undergraduates. The presence of varying ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Latinx, and others, points to a growing inclusivity within the college.

The gender disparity in favor of female students is an important trend that aligns with broader educational statistics indicating increasing female participation in higher education. This could reflect changing societal norms and increased support for women in academia. Moreover, as community colleges often serve as accessible educational institutions, the diverse ethnic representation may contribute to enriching the campus culture and fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

Overall, Santa Fe Community College’s demographic data for 2023 highlights significant gender and ethnic diversity, which is crucial for shaping educational policies and community initiatives aimed at promoting equity and inclusion in higher education.

Analysis of Age Composition at Santa Fe Community College

The age distribution of students at Santa Fe Community College reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. Notably, the majority of students fall under the age categories of under 18 and 18-19, with 282 and 187 students enrolled respectively. This suggests that the college attracts a substantial number of traditional-aged students, likely fresh from high school.

Another striking observation is the absence of graduate male and female students across all age categories, indicating that the college primarily serves undergraduate populations. This may reflect the institution’s focus on completing associate degrees or certificates rather than advanced studies.

The data also shows a steady decline in the number of undergraduate males and females as age increases, particularly after the age of 30. For instance, the cohort aged 30-34 has 103 males and 199 females, while the numbers drop dramatically for those aged 35-39 to 66 males and 146 females. This trend might indicate that older students face more barriers to education, such as family obligations or financial constraints, highlighting the need for tailored support services to encourage adult learners.

Interestingly, the age group of 50-64 shows a strong female presence with 195 females compared to 80 males, which may suggest a growing trend of women returning to education later in life. Overall, understanding these demographic trends can help the college develop strategies to improve enrollment and retention across various age groups, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.7%

165 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.1%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.1%2020: 0.1%2021: 4.5%2022: 4.2%2023: 4.3%2024: 4.8%2025: 3.7%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Santa Fe Community College

The data concerning international student enrollment at Santa Fe Community College reveals a significant fluctuation over the years, particularly in undergraduate enrollment. Initially, in the early 2000s, the percentage of international students was relatively low, peaking at only 0.62% in 2011. However, a remarkable shift occurred in 2021 when the percentage surged to 4.51%, indicating a noteworthy increase in the international student population amidst the global context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The data suggests that Santa Fe Community College may have implemented strategies to attract more international students, particularly during a time when many institutions faced challenges due to travel restrictions and health concerns. The increase to 156 international students in 2021, followed by a slight decrease in 2022 and 2023, indicates a stabilization at a higher level of enrollment compared to previous years.

This trend reflects broader patterns observed in the U.S. higher education landscape, where many colleges and universities are actively seeking to diversify their student bodies and enhance global engagement. The college's ability to rebound and attract international students post-pandemic could be indicative of its appeal in a competitive educational market. Overall, while international enrollment numbers may be volatile, the significant increase in 2021 suggests that Santa Fe Community College is on the right path in fostering a more diverse educational environment.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$23,301

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$4,131
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$2,139
Room and board
$19,170
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 27% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 74%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$76.4M

Government grants and contracts
$63.8M83.5%
Tuition and fees
$3.8M5.0%
Gifts and private grants
$1.8M2.4%
Sales and services of educational activities
$1.8M2.3%
Investment return
$683K0.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$269K0.4%
Other
$4.2M5.5%

Expenses$47.6M

Instruction
$17.0M35.7%
Public service
$9.1M19.2%
Institutional support
$6.9M14.5%
Academic support
$4.7M9.8%
Student services
$3.3M6.9%
Scholarships
$3.0M6.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$741K1.6%
Other
$2.9M6.1%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$63,694peers $68,588
Professor
$63,749peers $79,972
Associate professor
$70,385peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$63,126peers $62,785

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Santa Fe Community College:

  1. University of New Mexico-Main Campus - Ranked 236 in the US News, this is a comprehensive university known for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Colorado College - With a rank of 33, this liberal arts college emphasizes a unique block plan, allowing students to focus on one course at a time.

  3. United States Air Force Academy - Ranked 7th, this prestigious military academy trains future Air Force leaders and is noted for its rigorous academic and physical programs.

  4. University of Denver - This comprehensive university ranks 124 and is known for its strong programs in business, law, and international studies.

  5. University of Colorado Boulder - Ranked 105, this school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its research initiatives.

These institutions not only provide excellent educational opportunities but also enrich the academic environment in the Santa Fe area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Santa Fe Community College

The crime data from Santa Fe Community College over the years presents a mixed picture of campus safety. Notably, there were fluctuations in the number of arrests and incidents reported. In 2015, the college experienced a significant spike, with a rate of 2.16 offenses per 1,000 students, which contrasts sharply with the years surrounding it. This spike warrants further investigation to understand the underlying causes, whether they were due to specific incidents or changes in reporting practices.

Interestingly, the years following this peak show a decline, with no reported incidents from 2017 to 2023. This reduction in crime rates could indicate successful safety measures implemented by the college, increased awareness among students, or even a more robust reporting system that discourages criminal behavior. It's worth noting that the data reflects a considerable improvement in campus safety over recent years.

On the other hand, the presence of arrests for offenses such as drug-related incidents or domestic violence highlights persistent issues that colleges across the country face. Such crimes can have detrimental effects on the campus community, affecting students' mental health and overall well-being.

In conclusion, while the downward trend in crime rates is promising, continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to ensure a safe educational environment. Colleges must remain committed to addressing underlying issues related to substance abuse and interpersonal violence. For further understanding of crime rates and their implications, you can visit this link.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.