Cuyamaca College
Out-of-state tuition
$11,314
In-state $1,346
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
8,905
Student-faculty ratio 28:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
33.5%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 41.9%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Cuyamaca College, located in Rancho San Diego, California, is a community college known for its stunning campus and diverse academic programs. Established in 1978, the college is nestled in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cuyamaca Mountains. This prime location offers students an inspiring environment conducive to learning and personal growth. Cuyamaca College serves a diverse student population, providing a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as arts, sciences, business, and technology. The college is particularly recognized for its strong emphasis on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, which is reflected in its curriculum and campus initiatives.
The college is committed to fostering a vibrant campus culture that encourages student involvement and community engagement. Cuyamaca College offers various extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, promoting a well-rounded student experience. The college's motto, "Empower, Engage, Excel," encapsulates its mission to support students in achieving their educational and career goals. With a dedicated faculty and staff, Cuyamaca College prioritizes student success through personalized support services and academic resources. Moreover, the college has established strong connections with local industries, enhancing job placement opportunities for graduates. Overall, Cuyamaca College stands out as a nurturing and inclusive educational institution, preparing students for a successful future.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Cuyamaca College
Cuyamaca College has shown interesting trends in several key areas over the years, particularly in tuition costs, graduation rates, student retention, and gender ratios among undergraduate students.
Firstly, tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students have remained relatively stable at approximately $1,340 since 2020, but there has been a noticeable increase in out-of-state tuition, rising from $6,896 in 2014 to $10,636 in 2024. This increase may deter prospective students from outside the state, particularly in light of the financial burdens many face due to rising living costs and other expenses.
Moreover, the graduation rates have seen a promising upward trend. The rate of on-time graduation for undergraduates rose from approximately 8% in 2013 to around 12.5% in 2023, while the rate for completing a degree in 150% of the expected time increased from about 24% to 33.4%. This suggests that the college's efforts in improving student support and academic resources are having a positive impact.
In terms of student retention, there has been a fluctuation, but a notable increase to approximately 77% in 2023 indicates that more students are choosing to continue their education at Cuyamaca College. This positive shift can be attributed to enhanced student engagement initiatives and possibly a stronger sense of community within the college.
Finally, the gender ratio among undergraduate students illustrates a slight increase in the female student population, which reached approximately 56% in 2023, compared to 47% in 2013. This trend is reflective of broader societal shifts towards increased female participation in higher education.
Overall, while challenges remain, particularly concerning tuition costs for out-of-state students, the improvements in graduation rates, retention, and gender diversity present a positive outlook for Cuyamaca College. Continued focus on these areas will be essential for maintaining this upward trajectory and attracting a diverse student body.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- San Diego, about 10 mi
- Nearest international airport
- San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 15 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Jessica Robinson (President)
- Phone
- 6196604000
- City
- El Cajon, California
- Address
- 900 Rancho San Diego Pky, El Cajon, CA 92019
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Cuyamaca College
The graduation data from Cuyamaca College reveals significant trends within various academic disciplines for the year 2023. Notably, the field of Biological and Physical Sciences stands out as it produced the highest number of associate degree graduates, totaling 106. This reflects a growing interest in health-related and scientific fields, which can be attributed to the increased demand for healthcare professionals and scientific researchers in today's job market.
Additionally, the fields of Liberal Arts and Sciences had a remarkable cohort with 163 associate degree graduates. This highlights the continuing value placed on a well-rounded education and the versatility of liberal arts graduates in various career paths. Despite the absence of bachelor’s degree graduates in most categories, there is a noticeable dedication to foundational education which serves as a stepping stone to further studies.
Conversely, several categories, particularly in technical and vocational fields such as Automobile Mechanics and Engineering, reported zero graduates at the bachelor, master, and doctorate levels. This raises concerns regarding the potential skills gap in these critical areas as the economy increasingly relies on advanced technical knowledge and skills. It is essential for educational institutions to adapt and enhance their programs to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.
Interestingly, the data shows a minimal presence of international students graduating with degrees across disciplines. The lack of international engagement may limit the diversity and richness of perspectives within academic programs, which is increasingly important in our globalized world. As Cuyamaca College moves forward, addressing these dynamics will be crucial for fostering a robust educational environment that aligns with both local and global needs.
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. | - | |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropology, General. | - | |
| Economics, General. | - | |
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | - | |
| Graphic Design. | - | |
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |
| Drawing. | - | |
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | - | |
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. | - | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - | |
| Arabic Language and Literature. | - | |
| American Sign Language (ASL). | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General. | - | |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping. | - | |
| Plant Nursery Operations and Management. | - | |
| Floriculture/Floristry Operations and Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | |
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Ethnic Studies. | - |
Students
8,905 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55 · Freshman retention 71.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 4,962
- First-year undergraduates 474
- Transfers and others 3,469
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (8,905)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Cuyamaca College in 2023
The student demographic data from Cuyamaca College for 2023 reveals a diverse and dynamic academic environment. With a total of 1,187 new undergraduate students, 4,370 returning undergraduates, and 970 transfer students, the college showcases a robust enrollment, indicative of its appealing educational offerings.
The gender distribution among these groups is noteworthy. For new undergraduate students, approximately 52.2% are male while 47.8% are female, reflecting a relatively balanced gender ratio. However, in the returning undergraduate cohort, females represent a larger portion at 57.2%, compared to 42.8% males. This trend continues with transfer students as well, where females account for 57.7% of the population. Such trends may indicate that female students are more likely to persist and transfer within the college system, which aligns with broader educational patterns seen across many institutions.
Moreover, the data on race and ethnicity, although not fully disclosed, suggests a variety of cultural backgrounds among the student body. Diversity in higher education settings is critical as it fosters an inclusive atmosphere, enriches the learning experience, and prepares students for a globalized workforce.
Overall, the demographic landscape at Cuyamaca College underscores the importance of inclusivity and gender balance in academic settings. As institutions strive to create equitable environments, understanding these dynamics can inform policies and initiatives aimed at supporting all students effectively. This aligns with ongoing national discussions about representation and equality in education, making the findings from Cuyamaca College particularly relevant in today's context.
Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Cuyamaca College
The age composition of students at Cuyamaca College reveals notable trends that reflect broader patterns in higher education. A significant concentration of students falls within the under 18 and 18-19 age categories, accounting for 28.2% and 30.5% of the total student body respectively. This suggests that the college is attracting a substantial number of recent high school graduates, which is consistent with national trends where younger students pursue higher education immediately after secondary schooling.
Interestingly, the data shows a continuous decline in enrollment as age increases, particularly noticeable in the 30-34 and 35-39 age groups, with only 8.3% and 5.2% representation, respectively. This trend could indicate barriers that older students face when considering returning to education, such as work commitments or family responsibilities. Additionally, the absence of graduate male and female students suggests that Cuyamaca College primarily serves undergraduate populations, potentially limiting opportunities for those seeking advanced degrees.
The gender distribution is also noteworthy, with female students consistently outnumbering male students across all age categories. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that women are increasingly pursuing higher education, often outpacing their male counterparts in enrollment figures.
Overall, the demographic data from Cuyamaca College highlights the need for targeted support services for older students and a focus on maintaining gender equity in higher education. The college's approach to addressing these challenges will be crucial in shaping the educational landscape for diverse age groups and ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
15 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Cuyamaca College
The data on international student enrollment at Cuyamaca College over the years reveals a concerning trend. From 2004 to 2023, the number of undergraduate international students has shown a significant decline, with the percentage dropping from 1.09% in 2004 to just 0.27% in 2023. This decline is indicative of broader challenges faced by institutions in attracting international students, particularly in the context of increasing competition from colleges around the globe.
The peak in international student enrollment occurred in 2004, with 80 international students. However, the numbers steadily decreased, with several years showing very low enrollment figures. For instance, in 2022, the college reported only 17 international students, marking a stark reduction in the international student population. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including changes in visa policies, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing costs associated with studying abroad.
Moreover, the lack of data on graduate international students highlights another gap in understanding the full scope of international enrollment at Cuyamaca College. Without this information, it's challenging to assess the overall impact of global trends on graduate programs.
As educational institutions look to rebound from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, it is crucial for Cuyamaca College to implement strategies that enhance its appeal to international students. This might involve expanding scholarship opportunities, improving support services, and actively marketing the college's programs to prospective students worldwide. Addressing these issues will be essential for revitalizing the international student community and enhancing the college's global presence.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$33,400
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $11,314
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,346
- 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 64% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 95%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$108M
Expenses$98.4M
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 Other
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 35 | 21 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 31 | 15 |
| Basketball | 14 | 12 |
| Golf | 11 | 6 |
| Cross Country | 16 | 1 |
| Volleyball | - | 14 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 26 | 14 |
| Soccer | 35 | - |
| Cross Country | 16 | 7 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Basketball | 12 | - |
| Golf | 4 | 4 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 35 | - |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 28 | 3 |
| Basketball | 14 | 8 |
| Cross Country | 14 | 5 |
| Golf | 12 | 5 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego · 7.8 mi
U.S. News #137
-
University of San DiegoSan Diego · 14.6 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla · 19.4 mi
U.S. News #29
-
Soka University of AmericaAliso Viejo · 72.4 mi
Liberal Arts #41
-
University of California-IrvineIrvine · 81.2 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of California-RiversideRiverside · 87.7 mi
U.S. News #80
-
Chapman UniversityOrange · 89.5 mi
U.S. News #100
-
California State University-FullertonFullerton · 95.6 mi
U.S. News #156
-
California State University--Long BeachLong Beach · 98.5 mi
U.S. News #137
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Cuyamaca College:
-
University of California-San Diego (加州大学圣地亚哥分校) - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, UC San Diego is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
University of Southern California (南加州大学) - With a rank of 28, USC is a prestigious private research university known for its diverse programs, notable alumni, and vibrant campus life.
-
San Diego State University (圣地亚哥州立大学) - Ranked 105th, SDSU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and community engagement.
-
University of San Diego (圣地亚哥大学) - With a rank of 98, USD is known for its strong liberal arts education and commitment to ethical leadership.
-
California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - Ranking 7th in the nation, Caltech is a small, highly regarded research university known for its science and engineering programs.
These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and are all within proximity to Cuyamaca College, making them excellent options for students considering further education.
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 Data at Cuyamaca College
The crime data from Cuyamaca College over the past decade indicates a fluctuating trend in reported incidents. In 2013, the college experienced a crime rate of 0.47 per 1000 students, which gradually increased to a peak of 1.22 in 2016. This spike could reflect various factors, such as heightened awareness or changes in reporting practices. However, the data shows a significant decrease in subsequent years, culminating in a total absence of reported crimes in 2021 and 2022, which is particularly notable.
The reduction in crime rates may suggest effective initiatives by the college administration to enhance campus safety or possibly a community-wide decline in criminal activities. The data also highlights the type of crimes reported, primarily involving gun-related arrests and drug-related incidents. The absence of violent crimes like rape, murder, or robbery is encouraging and aligns with broader trends seen in educational institutions focusing on safety.
It is crucial for colleges to continually assess their safety protocols and foster a secure environment for students. The recent years' low crime rates can be a positive sign for prospective students and their families, suggesting that Cuyamaca College is a safe place for higher education. However, ongoing vigilance and community engagement are essential for sustaining this positive trajectory.
For further information on crime rates and their calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
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.