Hartnell College
Out-of-state tuition
$10,398
In-state $1,404
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
11,273
Student-faculty ratio 22:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
30.0%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 36.4%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Hartnell College, located in Salinas, California, is a distinguished community college known for its commitment to academic excellence and student success. Established in 1920, it has a rich history and has evolved to meet the educational needs of its diverse student population. Hartnell College offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, vocational training, and transfer options to four-year institutions, providing students with various pathways to achieve their academic and career goals. The college is particularly recognized for its strong emphasis on agriculture, health sciences, and technology programs, aligning with the local economy and job market demands.
The college prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, promoting a vibrant campus culture that encourages student involvement and engagement. With numerous clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities, Hartnell College provides students with opportunities to build leadership skills and connect with peers. Additionally, the college's dedicated faculty and staff are committed to student success, offering personalized support and resources such as tutoring, counseling, and career services. Hartnell College also boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces that enhance the overall learning experience. As a result, Hartnell College not only prepares students academically but also equips them with the skills necessary for success in their future careers.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Hartnell College
Hartnell College has seen significant fluctuations in several key metrics over recent years, revealing important trends in tuition, student enrollment, and graduation rates. One notable aspect is the steady increase in tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, in-state tuition rose from $1,124 to $1,404, while out-of-state tuition escalated from $5,420 to $8,994. This trend might pose challenges for prospective students, especially amidst the growing financial strain on many families due to economic uncertainties.
Student enrollment figures provide another area of concern. After a consistent rise from 2013 to 2020, the undergraduate student population dropped significantly from 13,024 in 2020 to 8,892 by 2023. This decline may indicate shifting demographics or preferences among students, potentially exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has altered many students' educational trajectories and choices.
In contrast, the graduation rates for students have shown promising improvements. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates jumped to 18.25% in 2023, a notable increase from just 3.96% in 2013. This upward trend suggests that the college has made strides in supporting student success and retention, as indicated by the retention rate, which fluctuated but ultimately stood at 71.84% in 2023. However, the retention rate saw a considerable drop to 60.65% in 2022, highlighting potential challenges in keeping students engaged during their studies.
Overall, while Hartnell College is successfully enhancing its graduation rates, the rising tuition costs and declining enrollment figures are issues that warrant attention and strategic planning to ensure the institution remains accessible and attractive to future students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- San Jose, about 45 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 50 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Michael Gutierrez (Superintendent President)
- Phone
- 8317556700
- City
- Salinas, California
- Address
- 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Hartnell College
The graduation data from Hartnell College for 2023 reveals some intriguing insights, particularly in the areas of health sciences and business administration. Notably, the discipline of health services produced a substantial number of graduates, with 30 individuals earning their degrees. Additionally, registered nursing saw 40 graduates, underscoring the increasing demand for healthcare professionals amid ongoing public health challenges. This trend aligns with national data indicating a growing need for nurses and healthcare workers due to an aging population and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In contrast, the business administration program also demonstrated significant output, with 87 graduates. This suggests a robust interest in business-related fields, likely driven by the evolving job market which increasingly values versatile skills applicable in various sectors. The integration of technology into business practices may be a contributing factor, as these graduates are well-positioned to meet modern workplace demands.
Interestingly, many disciplines, particularly in the arts and social sciences, reported zero graduates, indicating either a lack of enrollment or perhaps a shift in student interests towards more vocational or STEM-oriented fields. This phenomenon is indicative of broader educational trends as students weigh job prospects after graduation more heavily than before.
Overall, Hartnell College's graduation data reflects both local and national educational trends, particularly in health and business sectors, while highlighting potential areas for growth in the arts and social sciences. As the job market evolves, it will be essential for educational institutions to adapt their offerings to meet the changing demands of students and employers alike.
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. | $35,324-$36,284 | |
| General Studies. | $35,324-$36,284 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $77,707 | |
| Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $106,652 | |
| Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training. | $54,893-$57,130 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Economics, General. | - | |
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - | |
| Computer Science. | - | |
| Computer Support Specialist. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | - | |
| Crop Production. | - | |
| Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Astronomy. | - | |
| Chemistry, General. | - | |
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | |
| Photography. | - | |
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Construction Site Management/Manager. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - | |
| Radio and Television. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Ethnic Studies. | - |
Students
11,273 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 53:47 · Freshman retention 73.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 6,226
- First-year undergraduates 1,345
- Transfers and others 3,702
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (11,273)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Hartnell College in 2023
The student composition at Hartnell College for 2023 reveals a diverse and interesting demographic landscape. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there is a near-equal gender distribution, with females making up 50.2% and males at 49.8%. This balance is a positive indicator of inclusivity, reflecting broader societal trends toward gender parity in higher education.
In contrast, the undergraduate juniors show a notable gender disparity, as females represent 54.7% of the population compared to 45.3% for males. This could suggest that female students are either more likely to continue their studies or are attracted to the programs offered at Hartnell College.
The undergraduate transfer students, however, have a different dynamic, with males constituting 55.4% of this group, indicating a potential trend where male students are more likely to transfer into the institution. This demographic shift raises questions about retention rates and the factors influencing students' decisions to transfer.
Moreover, the data indicates a considerable population of non-traditional students, as evidenced by the significant number of graduate students, who are predominantly female at 58.5%. This trend suggests that graduate programs at Hartnell College may be appealing to women, possibly due to flexible scheduling or supportive academic environments.
Overall, Hartnell College's student demographics illustrate a complex interplay of gender and educational pathways, which may reflect broader educational trends and societal shifts towards inclusivity and diversity in higher education. Understanding these dynamics is essential for tailoring programs and support services that cater to the needs of all students.
Age Distribution of Students at Hartnell College in 2023
The age distribution of students at Hartnell College reveals interesting insights into the demographics of the student body for the year 2023. A significant portion of the students falls within the 18-19 age category, with 1260 male undergraduates and 1434 female undergraduates, indicating a youthful atmosphere on campus. This aligns with national trends where community colleges often attract younger students who are transitioning from high school.
As we look at the other age groups, the numbers gradually decline. For instance, the 20-21 age group has 654 male undergraduates and 725 female undergraduates, showing a slight decrease as students progress in their educational journey. Interestingly, the number of students in the 22-24 age group remains relatively stable, although it is still lower than the younger cohorts, highlighting a trend where many students may complete their studies within the first few years post-high school.
The presence of mature students, particularly those aged 30-34, indicates a growing trend of lifelong learning and professional development. With 267 male and 353 female students in this age bracket, Hartnell College is not just a place for traditional students but also for those seeking to advance their careers or change fields later in life.
Finally, the data shows a very small population of students over 65, which is not uncommon in higher education settings. This could reflect the challenges faced by older adults in returning to school, despite the increasing emphasis on lifelong learning in today’s job market. Overall, Hartnell College’s student demographics paint a picture of a vibrant, diverse learning environment that caters to a wide range of ages and educational backgrounds.
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 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Hartnell College
The data surrounding international student enrollment at Hartnell College reveals a concerning trend over the years. From 2004 to 2019, there was a noticeable decline in the number of international students, with the percentage of international undergraduates dropping significantly from 0.24% to just 0.06%. This decrease raises questions about the college's appeal to global students and the competitive landscape of higher education.
The years 2020 and 2021 were particularly striking, with international enrollment plummeting to just 1 student in 2020, a trend likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated travel restrictions. This drastic drop highlights the vulnerability of international student populations to global events, which can severely impact their ability to study abroad.
However, in the following years, there seems to be a slight recovery, with the percentage of international students rising to 0.08% in 2023. While this is a positive sign, it is essential to note that the figures remain significantly lower than those observed in the mid-2000s.
The decline in international students at Hartnell College mirrors broader trends seen across many institutions in the U.S., where competitive factors such as immigration policies, global economic conditions, and the rise of online education have reshaped the landscape of international student enrollment. As colleges and universities look to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, there may be an opportunity for Hartnell College to enhance its outreach and support for international students, fostering a more diverse academic environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$39,351
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,398
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,404
- Room and board
- $28,953
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 40% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 142%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$139M
Expenses$134M
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 55 | 22 |
| Football | 58 | - |
| Soccer | 30 | 26 |
| Baseball | 39 | - |
| Cross Country | 26 | 11 |
| Basketball | 16 | 14 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 6 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 12 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 48 | 47 |
| Soccer | 27 | 30 |
| Baseball | 38 | - |
| Football | 35 | - |
| Cross Country | 18 | 15 |
| Basketball | 15 | 7 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 10 | 8 |
| Volleyball | - | 16 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 11 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 50 | 24 |
| Soccer | 28 | 30 |
| Football | 53 | - |
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Cross Country | 25 | 7 |
| Basketball | 16 | 11 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 8 | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Softball | - | 11 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 11 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz · 31.0 mi
U.S. News #109
-
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara · 48.9 mi
U.S. News #55
-
Stanford UniversityStanford · 59.0 mi
U.S. News #5
-
University of California-MercedMerced · 83.5 mi
U.S. News #69
-
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco · 84.9 mi
U.S. News #227
-
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco · 87.5 mi
U.S. News #116
-
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley · 88.9 mi
U.S. News #20
-
University of the PacificStockton · 92.3 mi
U.S. News #121
-
California State University--FresnoFresno · 106.8 mi
U.S. News #208
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Hartnell College:
-
Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford University is a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.
-
University of California-Berkeley - With a rank of 15, UC Berkeley is renowned for its research and diverse academic offerings, making it one of the leading universities in the United States.
-
University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15th, UCLA is celebrated for its vibrant campus life and strong programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, and engineering.
-
University of California-Davis - Ranked 28th, UC Davis is known for its agricultural and environmental sciences programs, as well as its commitment to sustainability.
-
California State University-East Bay - This university, ranked 280th, offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and serves a diverse student body.
-
Santa Clara University - With a rank of 60, Santa Clara University is a Jesuit institution that emphasizes ethics and social justice within its rigorous academic framework.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in 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 Hartnell College
The crime statistics from Hartnell College over the years reveal a notable decline in the overall crime and disciplinary actions on campus. In 2013, the average rate of incidents per 1,000 students was 1.55, which saw a peak in 2015 with a rate of 2.65. However, following this peak, there has been a significant reduction, culminating in the lowest recorded rate of 0.10 in 2022. This downward trend is particularly encouraging and suggests effective measures may have been implemented to improve campus safety.
Examining the types of incidents, there has been a consistent absence of serious crimes such as murder or rape, which is positive. The most frequently recorded offenses appear to be related to drug and alcohol violations. While there were instances of gun-related arrests, they remained low throughout the years, indicating that violent crimes are not a prevalent issue on the campus.
Moreover, the significant drop in incidents in recent years could reflect a change in student behavior, increased awareness, or more effective policing and support systems within the college. As educational institutions strive to provide safe environments, the data from Hartnell College is a testament to the progress that can be made over time.
In conclusion, while the statistics point to a positive trend, continuous vigilance and proactive measures are essential to maintain and further improve campus safety. For more insights on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
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.