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Public, 2-year

Cuyamaca College

El Cajon, California · www.cuyamaca.edu

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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
El Cajon, California
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)

Associate1,0742 international (0.2%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
219
Biological and Physical Sciences
154
Business Administration and Management, General
104
Mathematics, General
64
Economics, General
52
Psychology, General
50
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
46
Humanities/Humanistic Studies
37
Human Services, General
29
Computer Science
24

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

Liberal arts has 256 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 154 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Businesshas 143 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Small Business Administration/Management.-
Real Estate.-
Social sciencehas 69 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
Psychology has 50 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Biologyhas 46 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician.-
Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician.-
Industrial Safety Technology/Technician.-
Surveying Technology/Surveying.-
Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD.-
Visual and Performing artshas 33 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Graphic Design.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Drawing.-
Music, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Science.-
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.-
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Public administrationhas 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Human Services, General.-
Foreign languages has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Arabic Language and Literature.-
American Sign Language (ASL).-
Health professionshas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Engineeringhas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Human science has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Agricultural has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General.-
Landscaping and Groundskeeping.-
Plant Nursery Operations and Management.-
Floriculture/Floristry Operations and Management.-
Physical scienceshas 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Legal professionshas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
English has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
Educationhas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs.-
Mechanic and repair has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Communication has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
Philosophy has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Philosophy.-
Cultural has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Ethnic Studies.-

Students

8,905 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55 · Freshman retention 71.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (8,905)

White
4,157 · 46.7%
Hispanic
3,078 · 34.6%
Asian
461 · 5.2%
Unknown
449 · 5.0%
Black
366 · 4.1%
Two or more races
331 · 3.7%
International
15 · 0.2%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
14.5%
18–19
22.1%
20–21
14.6%
22–24
10.4%
25 and over
38.4%

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.

Undergraduates0.2%

15 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.4%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.7%2019: 0.7%2020: 0.4%2021: 0.3%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.3%2024: 0.2%2025: 0.2%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

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
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 64% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 95%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$108M

Government grants and contracts
$99.8M92.0%
Investment return
$4.4M4.0%
Tuition and fees
$2.9M2.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$108K0.1%
Other
$1.3M1.2%

Expenses$98.4M

Instruction
$22.6M23.0%
Scholarships
$19.6M20.0%
Student services
$18.0M18.3%
Academic support
$5.2M5.3%
Institutional support
$2.8M2.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.4M1.4%
Other
$28.8M29.2%

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
$97,783peers $68,588
Instructor
$97,783peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes Other
2025
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Soccer3521
Track and Field (Outdoor)3115
Basketball1412
Golf116
Cross Country161
Volleyball-14
2024
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Track and Field (Outdoor)2614
Soccer35-
Cross Country167
Volleyball-13
Basketball12-
Golf44
2023
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Soccer35-
Track and Field (Outdoor)283
Basketball148
Cross Country145
Golf125
Volleyball-12

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Cuyamaca College:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
2
Robbery
1
Burglary
1
Drug arrests
1

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.