Compton College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,822
In-state $1,142
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
5,225
Student-faculty ratio 17:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
31.6%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 34.2%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Compton College, located in Compton, California, is a vibrant community college that serves a diverse population of students. Established in 1927, the college is known for its commitment to providing quality education and training opportunities to help students achieve their academic and career goals. With a strong emphasis on student success, Compton College offers a range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto: "Empower, Educate, and Inspire," which reflects its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
The college boasts a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas that enhance the student experience. Compton College also emphasizes the importance of student life, offering numerous clubs, organizations, and activities that promote engagement and community involvement. The college's commitment to athletics is evident through its robust sports programs, which provide students with opportunities to excel in various sports while balancing their academic pursuits. Additionally, Compton College has developed strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, which helps facilitate internships and job placement for its graduates, further contributing to their success in the workforce.
Analysis of Key Trends at Compton College
The data from Compton College presents several noteworthy trends that reflect the challenges faced by the institution. One of the most striking aspects is the alarming decline in student enrollment. From 2013 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students dropped from 7,510 to just 4,082, indicating a significant loss of nearly 46% in the student body over a decade. This decline raises critical questions about the college's appeal, accessibility, and the potential impact of socioeconomic factors on enrollment.
Additionally, tuition costs for out-of-state undergraduates have seen a substantial increase, rising from $5,222 in 2014 to $8,990 in 2022. This nearly 72% increase may deter prospective students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, further exacerbating the decline in enrollment. While in-state tuition has remained stable at $1,142, the growing disparity in costs can create barriers for students seeking higher education opportunities.
The graduation rates, albeit low, exhibited some positive movement. The rate of on-time graduation for undergraduates increased from 3% in 2013 to 6.4% in 2023. This improvement, though modest, suggests that initiatives aimed at supporting student success may be gaining traction, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the overall decline in student numbers.
Retention rates have also fluctuated, peaking at 63.2% in 2014 and dropping to 42% in 2021 before rebounding to 63.6% in 2023. This volatility emphasizes the importance of student support services and engagement strategies in retaining students through their academic journey.
Overall, Compton College faces significant challenges, including declining enrollment, rising tuition costs, and fluctuating retention rates. Addressing these issues will require targeted strategies to enhance student recruitment, support, and affordability, ensuring that the college remains a viable option for prospective students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Los Angeles, about 15 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Long Beach International Airport (LGB), about 5 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Keith Curry (President/CEO)
- Phone
- 3109001600
- City
- Compton, California
- Address
- 1111 East Artesia Blvd., Compton, CA 90221-5393
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Compton College
The graduation data from Compton College in 2023 reveals a noteworthy trend, particularly in the field of associate degrees. The highest number of associate degree graduates was seen in Registered Nursing, with 44 graduates. This aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of the ongoing global health challenges. The emphasis on nursing education is further supported by the current healthcare landscape that prioritizes skilled nursing staff.
Another significant observation is the performance in liberal arts and sciences. With 215 graduates in Liberal Arts and Sciences, this major represents a substantial portion of the total graduates, indicating a strong interest in interdisciplinary studies. This trend reflects a broader educational movement that encourages students to pursue diverse fields of knowledge, fostering critical thinking and adaptability in a rapidly changing job market.
Conversely, several technical and vocational programs, such as Automotive Mechanics and Welding Technology, reported only minimal graduation numbers, suggesting potential gaps in student enrollment or interest in these practical fields. This may highlight a need for improved marketing of these programs or enhanced partnerships with local industries to better align education with job opportunities.
Overall, Compton College's graduation data underscores the importance of healthcare and liberal arts in shaping the future workforce, while also pointing to areas that may require additional support and promotion to attract students to technical fields. As the job market continues to evolve, educational institutions must adapt to meet these changing 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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $32,187-$33,089 | |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | $32,187-$33,089 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $89,224 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Economics, General. | - | |
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences, General. | - | |
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - |
Students
5,225 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 50.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,101
- First-year undergraduates 267
- Transfers and others 2,857
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,225)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Demographics at Compton College in 2023
The data from Compton College for 2023 reveals insightful trends regarding the student population. The undergraduate freshmen constitute a significant portion of the student body, with 351 individuals, showcasing a near-equal gender distribution (49% male and 51% female). This balance may reflect the college's efforts to create an inclusive environment for new students.
In contrast, the undergraduate seniors represent a much larger group, totaling 1,774 students. However, this category shows a notable gender disparity, with only 31.4% of the students being male and a predominant 68.6% female. This shift in gender ratio could be indicative of broader educational trends, where females are increasingly pursuing higher education.
The undergraduate transfer students account for 372 individuals, also displaying a preference for female enrollment (36.3% male and 63.7% female). This trend aligns with the overall observation that female students are more prevalent in certain academic pathways at Compton College.
Additionally, the non-degree seeking students comprise 1,585 individuals, with a gender ratio of 39.3% male to 60.7% female. This suggests that non-traditional students or those pursuing specific skills may also exhibit similar gender characteristics.
Overall, the demographic breakdown at Compton College reflects a growing trend of female students participating in higher education, particularly at the undergraduate level. This could be influenced by various social factors, including evolving career aspirations and increased awareness of educational opportunities for women. Understanding these patterns is essential for designing programs and policies that support all students effectively.
Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Compton College
The age composition of students at Compton College reveals intriguing insights into the demographic landscape of the institution in 2023. A significant portion of the student body is represented by those under 18, with 595 male undergraduates and 865 female undergraduates, indicating a strong presence of younger students. This trend is consistent with national statistics that show an increasing number of high school graduates enrolling directly into college.
In the age bracket of 18-19, there are 175 male and 213 female undergraduate students, which maintains the trend of gender representation favoring females, a phenomenon observed across many educational institutions. The data continues to show a decline in the number of male students as age increases, with only 9 males over the age of 65, suggesting that older adult learners are less prevalent at Compton College.
The largest cohort of female students appears in the 25-29 age range, with 341 female undergraduates, highlighting the appeal of continuing education for those in their late twenties, potentially driven by the need for career advancement or a change in profession. This pattern reflects broader societal trends where individuals seek higher education later in life, particularly for those balancing work and family obligations.
Overall, the data from Compton College illustrates a youthful demographic with a notable female majority, which aligns with national trends in higher education. This phenomenon raises questions about accessibility and support for older students, which could be a focus for future institutional initiatives.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Compton College
The data on international student enrollment at Compton College from 2004 to 2019 reveals significant fluctuations in the number of international undergraduates. Starting with only 21 international students in 2004, the enrollment peaked in 2005 at 190, marking a substantial increase. However, this was followed by a gradual decline, with the number of international students dropping to just 24 by 2019.
The percentage of international students in the undergraduate population also illustrates this volatility. In 2005, international students constituted approximately 3.02% of the total undergraduate body, but this percentage has seen a steady decrease over the years, falling to around 0.34% by 2019. This decline could be indicative of various factors, including changing immigration policies, economic conditions, or shifts in the global perception of U.S. higher education.
Interestingly, the data does not provide information on graduate student enrollment, which limits our understanding of the overall international student landscape at Compton College. However, the trends observed in undergraduate enrollment may reflect broader national trends in international student demographics in the U.S., where many institutions have reported challenges in attracting and retaining international students due to various geopolitical and social factors.
In conclusion, while Compton College has seen some peaks in international enrollment, the overall trend indicates a concerning decline in recent years. This situation calls for strategic initiatives to bolster international recruitment and support, ensuring that the college remains an attractive destination for students from around the globe.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$30,908
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,822
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,142
- Room and board
- $22,086
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 55% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 85%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$98.8M
Expenses$84.0M
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.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 28 | 23 |
| Football | 49 | - |
| Baseball | 46 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 9 |
| Cross Country | 19 | 4 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 8 | 5 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Softball | - | 12 |
| Badminton | - | 8 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 57 | - |
| Soccer | 21 | 21 |
| Football | 32 | - |
| Basketball | 13 | 14 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Cross Country | 14 | 4 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 9 | 2 |
| Badminton | - | 5 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 57 | - |
| Baseball | 52 | - |
| Soccer | 19 | 18 |
| Basketball | 18 | - |
| Cross Country | 15 | 1 |
| Softball | - | 13 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 7 | 4 |
| Badminton | - | 6 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · 10.8 mi
U.S. News #27
-
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles · 17.2 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena · 18.5 mi
U.S. News #5
-
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 18.9 mi
U.S. News #20
-
University of California-IrvineIrvine · 26.4 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Pomona CollegeClaremont · 32.2 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont · 32.5 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Scripps CollegeClaremont · 32.5 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 32.7 mi
Liberal Arts #8
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Compton College:
-
University of Southern California (南加州大学) - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, USC is a prestigious private research university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
California State University-Long Beach (加州州立大学长滩) - With a rank of 105, this comprehensive public university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and is known for its diverse student body and beautiful campus.
-
Loyola Marymount University (洛约拉马利蒙特大学) - Ranked 93rd, LMU is a private Jesuit university that emphasizes liberal arts education and offers a variety of programs in a picturesque setting.
-
California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - Known for its rigorous science and engineering programs, Caltech ranks 7th nationally and is recognized for its research contributions and small class sizes.
-
University of California-Los Angeles (加州大学洛杉矶分校) - With a rank of 15, UCLA is one of the leading public research universities in the United States, known for its strong academic reputation and vibrant campus community.
-
Harvey Mudd College (哈维穆德学院) - This prestigious liberal arts college ranks 16th and specializes in science and engineering, offering a unique curriculum that integrates technical and humanities education.
These institutions provide a variety of academic opportunities and are well-regarded within their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Trends at Compton College
The crime data from Compton College over the years reveals a significant decline in the overall crime rate, particularly from 2013 to 2021. In 2013, the average crime rate per 1000 students was 5.65, which indicates a relatively high level of incidents. However, by 2021, this figure had dropped dramatically to 0.22, suggesting that the college has implemented effective crime prevention strategies or that the overall campus environment has improved.
The most notable year in this dataset is 2020, where the average crime rate plummeted to 0.35, the lowest since 2013. This period coincides with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced campus activity and student presence. As a result, it is reasonable to infer that fewer students on campus could contribute to a decrease in crime.
Looking at specific types of crime, the data indicates that gun-related arrests and domestic violence incidents have occurred intermittently, but they are not consistently high. The slight uptick in 2022, where the average crime rate rose to 4.30, raises concerns and highlights the importance of continuous vigilance and community engagement to ensure student safety.
Overall, while the trend shows a positive decrease in crime rates, the occasional spikes remind us that safety should always be a priority. Continuous efforts in awareness and preventive measures are crucial to maintaining this positive trend and ensuring the safety of all students. For further information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Compton College include Snoop Dogg (Rapper, singer, producer and actor), James Coburn (Actor in Westerns and action films) and Coolio (Rapper, songwriter and record producer).
-
Snoop Dogg 1971–
Rapper, singer, producer and actor
-
James Coburn 1928–2002
Actor in Westerns and action films
-
Coolio 1963–2022
Rapper, songwriter and record producer
-
Matt Dillon 1964–
Actor, star of The Outsiders
-
William Hanna 1910–2001
Animator, co-creator of Tom and Jerry
-
Iva Toguri D'Aquino 1916–2006
WWII radio announcer known as Tokyo Rose
-
Cornelius Johnson 1913–1946
American high jumper
-
Sim Iness 1930–1996
1952 Olympic discus gold medalist
-
Ed Sanders 1930–1954
Heavyweight boxer and 1952 Olympic gold medalist
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.