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Public, 2-year

Grossmont College

El Cajon, California · www.grossmont.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$10,628

In-state $1,332

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

14,440

Student-faculty ratio 24:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

31.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 38.9%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

Grossmont College, located in El Cajon, California, is a vibrant community college that offers a wide range of educational opportunities for students. Established in 1961, the college is part of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and has grown to become a significant institution for higher education in the region. One of the key features of Grossmont College is its commitment to student success and community engagement. The college serves a diverse student population, providing numerous programs and services designed to support academic achievement and personal development. With a strong emphasis on transfer programs, many students successfully transition to four-year universities, making Grossmont an excellent stepping stone for those aiming for advanced degrees.

The campus itself is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas that enhance the learning experience. Grossmont College is known for its supportive faculty and staff, who are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and encouraging environment. The college's motto, "Learning for a Lifetime," reflects its mission to empower students through education, promoting lifelong learning and personal growth. Additionally, the college boasts a rich array of extracurricular activities, including athletic programs and clubs that encourage students to engage socially and develop leadership skills. With a focus on academic excellence and community involvement, Grossmont College continues to thrive and positively impact the lives of its students and the surrounding community.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Grossmont College

The data from Grossmont College reveals significant trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates that reflect the challenges faced by higher education institutions today.

Firstly, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has remained relatively stable, fluctuating slightly from $1,386 in 2014 to $1,332 in 2023. However, the out-of-state tuition has seen a more pronounced increase, particularly from $6,896 in 2014 to $10,628 in 2024. This significant rise may deter potential students from outside the state, reflecting a growing trend of escalating costs associated with higher education across the United States.

In terms of student enrollment, there has been a noticeable decline over the years, dropping from 18,618 in 2014 to 12,862 in 2023. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including rising tuition costs, changing demographics, and possibly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to broader shifts in educational attainment and enrollment patterns.

Graduation rates have shown a mixed trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates was alarmingly low, starting at about 11.4% in 2013 and hovering around 10.6% by 2023. However, the extended graduation rate (150% of the normal time) has seen a slight improvement, reaching around 29.6% in 2023. This indicates that while more students are taking longer to graduate, the institution may be working to support those who remain enrolled.

Finally, student retention rates have fluctuated but showed an encouraging uptick, increasing from around 68.4% in 2013 to approximately 71.1% in 2023. This improvement suggests that the college is becoming more effective at supporting students throughout their educational journeys, which is critical for enhancing graduation outcomes.

Overall, while Grossmont College faces challenges in terms of rising tuition and declining enrollment, there are positive signs in retention and an effort to support students in completing their degrees, which are essential for their future success in a competitive job market.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
San Diego, about 8 mi
Nearest international airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 10 mi
El Cajon, California
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Pamela Luster (Interim President)
Phone
6196447000
City
El Cajon, California
Address
8800 Grossmont College Dr, El Cajon, CA 92020-1799

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3,01676 international (2.5%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
629
Business Administration and Management, General
482
Biological and Physical Sciences
372
Economics, General
216
Humanities/Humanistic Studies
149
Psychology, General
114
Mathematics, General
103
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
89
Computer Science
81
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
75

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Numbers at Grossmont College in 2023

The data from Grossmont College reveals notable trends in degree attainment across various fields. A significant observation is the absence of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees awarded in the 2023 academic year, indicating a strong emphasis on associate degrees, particularly in the humanities and performing arts.

The highest number of associate degrees was conferred in psychology, with 115 graduates, highlighting the growing interest in mental health and wellness, a trend that resonates with the increasing societal focus on psychological well-being. In the realm of performing arts, the drama and theatre arts program produced 11 graduates, while photography accounted for 5, showcasing a modest yet dedicated commitment to these creative fields despite the challenges posed by the pandemic on the arts sector.

It's also notable that the international student representation in associate degrees remains relatively low, with only a handful of graduates in child care and support services management and history. This may reflect the broader challenges faced by international students in pursuing vocational training in the U.S., as they navigate immigration policies and financial constraints.

Overall, Grossmont College's data underscores a robust commitment to associate degree programs while indicating potential areas for growth in attracting international students and expanding bachelor’s degree offerings. This could be particularly relevant as colleges adapt to the evolving educational landscape and workforce demands in a post-pandemic world.

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 778 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.-
Businesshas 501 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 372 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Social sciencehas 323 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
Geography.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Health professionshas 162 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Occupational Therapist Assistant.-
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist.$87,725
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.$87,725
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions, Other.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$63,779
Computer and information sciencehas 145 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Computer Programming/Programmer, General.-
Computer Science.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Psychology has 114 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.-
Homeland security has 113 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Corrections.-
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Forensic Science and Technology.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 103 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 86 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Dance, General.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.-
Photography.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Drawing.-
Ceramic Arts and Ceramics.-
Music, General.-
Visual and Performing Arts, Other.-
Communication has 82 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Journalism.-
Radio and Television.-
Biologyhas 60 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
English has 47 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
Creative Writing.-
Foreign languages has 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Japanese Language and Literature.-
Russian Language and Literature.-
German Language and Literature.-
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Arabic Language and Literature.-
American Sign Language (ASL).-
Physical scienceshas 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Physics, General.-
History has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
Human science has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care and Support Services Management.-
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Culinary has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Philosophy has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Philosophy.-

Students

14,440 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 42:58 · Freshman retention 71.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (14,440)

White
5,509 · 38.2%
Hispanic
5,424 · 37.6%
Asian
1,190 · 8.2%
Two or more races
713 · 4.9%
Black
700 · 4.8%
Unknown
616 · 4.3%
International
205 · 1.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
10.0%
18–19
28.1%
20–21
17.0%
22–24
12.2%
25 and over
32.7%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Composition at Grossmont College in 2023

The student body at Grossmont College in 2023 presents an interesting demographic landscape, particularly regarding gender distribution and diversity among different student classifications. The data reveals that new undergraduate students, comprising 2,350 individuals, have a notably balanced gender ratio with approximately 47.7% male and 52.3% female students. This slight female majority is consistent with trends seen in many colleges today, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.

In contrast, the continuing undergraduate students, numbering 7,659, exhibit a more pronounced gender disparity with only 39.8% male representation compared to 60.2% female. This trend raises questions about the retention and engagement of male students at Grossmont College, a challenge that many educational institutions face nationwide.

Transfer students, although a smaller group with 985 members, reflect a similar gender dynamic, with 39.7% male and 60.3% female. The consistent underrepresentation of male students across these categories could indicate broader societal issues affecting male educational attainment or interest in higher education.

Furthermore, the ethnic breakdown of students, though not fully detailed in the available data, highlights the college's commitment to diversity. The presence of various ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, African-American, and international students, suggests a rich cultural environment conducive to learning and growth. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, Grossmont College appears to be a microcosm of broader trends reflecting demographic shifts and gender imbalances in the academic realm. Addressing these disparities will be crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive educational experience for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Grossmont College

The age composition of students at Grossmont College reveals significant insights into the demographics of its student body for 2023. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 18-19 age range, comprising approximately 38% of the total student population, which is reflective of many traditional college attendees. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating that younger students are increasingly enrolling in higher education immediately after high school.

The data also shows a steady decline in enrollment as age increases, with only about 8% of students being aged 30 or older. This could suggest that individuals over 30 may face challenges related to balancing education with work and family commitments. Interestingly, the 25-29 age group comprises a substantial portion of non-traditional students, which is consistent with national trends where older adults often seek to enhance their qualifications or shift careers.

Gender distribution shows a higher number of female students across all age categories, indicating a growing trend of female representation in higher education. This aligns with broader educational trends where women have been increasingly outpacing men in college enrollment and attainment.

The absence of graduate male and female students in the provided data could indicate a gap in graduate-level offerings or a need for increased outreach to potential graduate candidates. This is an area that could benefit from further exploration, particularly as institutions strive to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Overall, the demographic trends at Grossmont College reflect broader societal shifts in education, gender representation, and age distribution, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in the pursuit of inclusive higher education.

International Students

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

Undergraduates1.4%

205 in 2025 · 3.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.1%2017: 2.9%2018: 3.2%2019: 3.0%2020: 2.8%2021: 2.1%2022: 1.7%2023: 1.3%2024: 1.4%2025: 1.4%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Grossmont College

The data from Grossmont College highlights a concerning trend in international student enrollment over the years. Starting from 2004, the college witnessed an initial enrollment of 654 international students, which represented 3.67% of the total undergraduate population. However, this percentage has seen a dramatic decline, plummeting to just 1.35% by 2023, with only 173 international students enrolled.

This downward trajectory raises questions about the factors influencing international student recruitment at Grossmont College. Several potential reasons could account for this decline. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected international travel and education, with many students opting to study closer to home or facing travel restrictions. Additionally, increasing competition from other institutions offering attractive programs and support services for international students may have diverted potential applicants.

The drop in international enrollment could have broader implications for Grossmont College, as a diverse student body enriches the academic experience and fosters cultural exchange. International students often contribute significantly to campus life and local economies. The college may need to reassess its strategies for attracting and supporting international students to reverse this trend and ensure a vibrant, diverse community moving forward.

In conclusion, the data indicates a significant decline in the proportion of international students at Grossmont College over the years. Addressing this issue will be crucial for the institution's future growth and its ability to provide a comprehensive educational experience.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$32,714

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$10,628
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$1,332
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 48% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 95%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$215M

Government grants and contracts
$190M88.4%
Investment return
$9.6M4.5%
Tuition and fees
$5.8M2.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$215K0.1%
Other
$9.2M4.3%

Expenses$186M

Instruction
$53.1M28.5%
Scholarships
$25.3M13.6%
Student services
$21.2M11.4%
Academic support
$7.8M4.2%
Institutional support
$6.1M3.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.3M1.8%
Other
$69.6M37.3%

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
$102,105peers $68,588
Instructor
$102,105peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes Other
2025
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football66-
Baseball35-
Swimming1915
Volleyball1518
Water Polo1814
Basketball1611
Soccer-18
Beach Volleyball-14
Softball-12
Tennis-10
2024
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football70-
Swimming and Diving (combined)3036
Volleyball1721
Baseball35-
Basketball2112
Water Polo1216
Soccer-16
Softball-14
Tennis-13
Beach Volleyball-13
2023
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football75-
Baseball42-
Volleyball1619
Swimming and Diving (combined)1713
Basketball209
Water Polo1414
Soccer-18
Beach Volleyball-17
Tennis-8

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools around Grossmont College:

  1. University of California-San Diego - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, UC San Diego is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of Southern California - With a rank of 28, USC is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles, offering a wide range of programs and a strong alumni network.

  3. San Diego State University - Ranked 105th, SDSU is a public research university that provides a diverse array of programs and has a strong emphasis on community engagement.

  4. University of San Diego - This university is ranked 98th and is known for its beautiful campus and strong liberal arts education.

  5. California Institute of Technology - Ranked 7th, Caltech is a world-renowned institution focused on science and engineering, known for its rigorous academics and groundbreaking research.

  6. Harvey Mudd College - A top-ranked liberal arts college at 16th position, Harvey Mudd specializes in engineering, science, and mathematics, providing an intensive academic experience.

These institutions represent a mix of public and private universities, catering to various academic interests and providing quality education in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Incidents, 2023–2025

Aggravated assault
2
Burglary
1
Motor vehicle theft
1
Drug arrests
1
Dating violence
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Trends at Grossmont College

The data from Grossmont College reveals a noteworthy trend in campus-related crime rates over the years. From 2013, when the crime rate per 1,000 students was 1.07, there has been a general decline in incidents, culminating in a significant drop to just 0.08 in 2023. This reduction is indicative of a broader trend many educational institutions have experienced, particularly in the wake of increased campus safety measures and awareness.

The most prominent category of offenses recorded was gun arrests, which appeared inconsistently across the years. In 2016, there was a notable spike in such incidents, contributing to a higher overall crime rate that year. However, subsequent years saw a substantial decrease, with no gun arrests reported in several instances, reflecting possibly improved campus policies or community awareness efforts.

Moreover, the absence of violent crimes such as murder, rape, or aggravated assault throughout these years is particularly commendable. The college's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for students seems to be bearing fruit, as evidenced by the low rates of drug-related and alcohol-related arrests as well.

While the overall trend is positive, it is vital for the college administration to continuously monitor and adapt its safety protocols. As evidenced by national discussions on campus safety, a proactive approach will help maintain low crime rates and ensure a secure learning environment. The effectiveness of these measures should be celebrated, encouraging ongoing engagement from both the administration and the student body to uphold and enhance campus safety. For further insights on calculating crime rates, please refer to the following link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Grossmont College include Rachel Bilson (Actress known for The O.C), Nikki Bella (WWE professional wrestler and television personality) and Brie Bella (WWE professional wrestler).

More alumni (13, by field)

Politics and law

Arts and media

  • Cathy Scott 1949–

    True crime author and investigative journalist

    Also attended: University of Redlands

    Sibling: J. Michael Scott (San Diego State University, Oregon State University)

  • Mark Goffeney 1969–2021

    Armless musician who played guitar with his feet

  • Brian Patrick Butler 1990–

    Actor, director, screenwriter and producer

    Also attended: San Diego State University

  • Bernard Seigal 1957–2006

    Musician and founding member of The Beat Farmers

  • Doug Benson 1962–

    Comedian, actor and podcast host

Sports

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

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.