Mendocino College
Out-of-state tuition
$10,003
In-state $1,423
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
4,225
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
31.0%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 38.1%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Mendocino College, located in the picturesque Mendocino County of California, is a community college known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Established in 1973, the college offers a diverse range of academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates in various fields such as arts, sciences, and vocational training. One of the college's defining characteristics is its small class sizes, which facilitate personalized attention from faculty members, ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to succeed. The college's mission emphasizes accessibility, equity, and student success, aligning its programs with the needs of the local community.
In addition to its academic offerings, Mendocino College boasts a vibrant campus culture that encourages student engagement and participation. The college hosts various events, clubs, and organizations that promote a sense of community among students. One notable feature is the college's commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, reflected in its programs and initiatives. The college also has a strong emphasis on arts and culture, with opportunities for students to participate in theater, music, and visual arts programs. With its stunning natural surroundings, Mendocino College provides an inspiring backdrop for education, making it a unique place for students to learn and grow.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Mendocino College
Mendocino College has experienced notable changes in several key metrics over the years, reflecting trends in tuition, enrollment, and student success. One of the most significant trends is the rise in tuition for out-of-state undergraduates. Starting from $7,122 in 2014, it has steadily increased to $8,893 in 2024. This nearly 25% hike in tuition could impact accessibility for prospective students, particularly those from outside California, potentially deterring enrollment.
In terms of student enrollment, the college saw fluctuations in the number of undergraduate students, peaking at 4,290 in 2016, before declining to 3,269 in 2022. The drop in enrollment could be attributed to rising tuition costs, especially for out-of-state students, and possibly reflects broader trends in community colleges where students may choose to attend more affordable institutions or pursue employment opportunities instead.
Retention rates are another critical area of concern. The retention rate for undergraduates dropped significantly from around 68% in 2020 to 50% in 2023. This decline may indicate challenges in student engagement and support, which could be exacerbated by financial pressures and the overall academic environment. Maintaining a stable retention rate is essential for institutions to ensure long-term success and sustainability.
Finally, the graduation rates present a mixed picture. While the timely graduation rate for undergraduates remains low, hovering around 6% to 7% in recent years, the rate for those graduating within 150% of the normal time has shown some improvement, reaching approximately 24% in 2023. This suggests that while many students struggle to graduate on time, those who persist may eventually complete their degrees, albeit later than expected.
In summary, Mendocino College faces challenges in tuition affordability, student retention, and timely graduation rates. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the college to enhance its value proposition to current and prospective students in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- San Francisco, about 100 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF), about 90 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Timothy Karas (Superintendent/President)
- Phone
- 7074683000
- City
- Ukiah, California
- Address
- 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Numbers at Mendocino College
The data from Mendocino College reveals significant trends in the distribution of graduates across various programs for 2023. Notably, the Health Services and Registered Nursing programs stand out with a total of 63 and 23 graduates, respectively. This reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially given the ongoing global health challenges and the increasing emphasis on healthcare access.
In contrast, many programs, particularly in the arts and humanities, show minimal to no graduates. For instance, disciplines like Visual and Performing Arts and several language studies have produced no graduates this year. This could indicate a decline in student interest in these areas, possibly influenced by economic factors or the prioritization of more vocationally oriented fields that promise immediate employment opportunities.
Moreover, the data highlights a zero representation of international students graduating in most disciplines, which raises questions about the institution's appeal to overseas students amid increasing competition from other colleges and universities. This lack of diversity in the graduate pool might impact the college's global perspective and could hinder the enrichment that international students often bring to academic environments.
Overall, the trends observed emphasize the need for Mendocino College to evaluate its program offerings and recruitment strategies to enhance enrollment, particularly in the arts and international student demographics, while continuing to support the robust healthcare education that aligns with current job market 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Real Estate. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - | |
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Economics, General. | - | |
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | |
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | |
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Arts Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
Students
4,225 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 63.0%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,251
- First-year undergraduates 122
- Transfers and others 1,852
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,225)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Mendocino College in 2023
The student body at Mendocino College in 2023 reflects a diverse demographic landscape, comprising new undergraduates, continuing undergraduates, transfer students, and graduate students. With a total of 363 new undergraduates, it is notable that the gender ratio is fairly balanced, with 47.7% male and 52.3% female students. This slight female majority aligns with broader trends in higher education, where women have increasingly outnumbered men in college enrollments.
The continuing undergraduate population is significantly larger, with 1,780 students. Here, the gender disparity is more pronounced, as only 30.4% of these students are male, while a substantial 69.6% are female. This trend may suggest a growing retention of female students in undergraduate programs, which is an encouraging sign for gender equity in education.
Transfer students total 210, with a gender ratio that shows 35.7% male and 64.3% female, again reflecting the trend of higher female participation. The graduate student category, comprising 1,201 individuals, has a moderate gender split of 42.9% male and 57.1% female.
The racial diversity within the student population is also noteworthy, particularly among new undergraduates, although specific data on racial categories is not fully available for all student types. The presence of various ethnic groups, including white, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students, enriches the academic environment and promotes a culture of inclusivity.
Overall, Mendocino College's student demographics in 2023 illustrate a significant female presence across all categories, reflecting ongoing changes in higher education enrollment patterns. This shift may have implications for future recruitment strategies and support services aimed at fostering an inclusive academic community.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Mendocino College in 2023
The age distribution of students at Mendocino College in 2023 reveals significant insights into the demographic makeup of the institution. The most notable observation is the predominance of younger students, particularly those under 18 years old, who represent the highest enrollment figures with 465 males and 605 females. This trend aligns with national data, suggesting that more high school graduates are opting for immediate college attendance.
As we progress through the age brackets, there is a gradual decline in enrollment numbers. For instance, the 18-19 age group has 263 males and 310 females, while the 20-21 group sees a further decrease to 130 males and 201 females. This trend is consistent with findings from various education reports, which indicate that students often transition to other life stages, such as work or family commitments, as they age.
Interestingly, the data indicates a marked absence of graduate male students, which could suggest a potential gap in graduate program enrollment or a tendency for males to pursue career paths immediately after undergraduate studies. Meanwhile, the female demographic remains noticeably strong across all age groups, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 brackets, where female students outnumber their male counterparts significantly.
The statistics also highlight that the oldest age group (65 and above) comprises a smaller portion of the total student body, with only 34 males and 65 females. This could reflect societal trends where older adults are less likely to pursue formal education, although there is a growing movement towards lifelong learning.
Overall, Mendocino College's age demographics provide a snapshot of current educational trends, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of diverse age groups within academic programs and support services.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
8 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Mendocino College
The data regarding international student enrollment at Mendocino College reveals a gradual increase in the number of international undergraduates over the years, albeit from a very low base. In 2005, there was only one international student among 5,018 undergraduates, which accounted for a mere 0.02%. By 2017, this number rose to five students, representing 0.12% of the total undergraduate population. Despite these increases, the overall percentage of international students remains quite low, peaking at 0.13% in 2018, before experiencing fluctuations in subsequent years.
The trends observed in this data reflect broader patterns in U.S. higher education, where international student enrollment has faced challenges due to changing immigration policies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing competition from institutions worldwide. For instance, during the pandemic, many colleges experienced a decline in international enrollment as travel restrictions and health concerns took precedence.
The international student body at Mendocino College is still a small fraction of the total undergraduate population, which could suggest potential for growth. Engaging in strategic recruitment efforts and enhancing support services for international students may help to attract more diverse student populations in the future. As the global landscape of higher education continues to evolve, institutions like Mendocino College could benefit from fostering a more inclusive environment that not only welcomes international students but also enhances the educational experience for all students.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$26,583
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,003
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,423
- Room and board
- $16,580
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 66% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 36%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$67.2M
Expenses$66.7M
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 | 28 | 17 |
| Baseball | 27 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Cross Country | 7 | 6 |
| Volleyball | - | 9 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 23 | 19 |
| Basketball | 13 | 12 |
| Baseball | 19 | - |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Volleyball | - | 11 |
| CCCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 31 | - |
| Soccer | 20 | - |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Basketball | 13 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 9 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of California-DavisDavis · 91.4 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley · 105.0 mi
U.S. News #20
-
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco · 106.3 mi
U.S. News #116
-
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco · 109.3 mi
U.S. News #227
-
University of the PacificStockton · 132.9 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Stanford UniversityStanford · 134.5 mi
U.S. News #5
-
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara · 145.2 mi
U.S. News #55
-
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz · 164.4 mi
U.S. News #109
-
University of Nevada-RenoReno · 184.0 mi
U.S. News #219
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Mendocino College:
-
University of California-Davis - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science, and veterinary medicine.
-
University of California-Berkeley - As one of the top public universities in the United States, ranked 15th, UC Berkeley is renowned for its research, diverse programs, and vibrant campus life.
-
Stanford University - Ranked 3rd, Stanford is an elite private university famous for its academic rigor, cutting-edge research, and picturesque campus.
-
University of San Francisco - This comprehensive university is ranked 115th and is known for its commitment to social justice and community service.
-
Santa Clara University - With a ranking of 60th, Santa Clara is a private Jesuit university that emphasizes ethics and leadership in its education.
These institutions offer a range of academic programs and have established themselves as leaders in various fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Mendocino College
The crime data from Mendocino College over the years shows a significant fluctuation in incidents, with noticeable peaks in certain years. Notably, 2018 recorded the highest crime rate, with a rate of 3.10 per 1,000 students, which may raise concerns about campus safety during that period. This surge could have been influenced by various factors, including possible socio-economic conditions, increased reporting of crimes, or changes in campus policies regarding safety.
Following 2018, there was a notable decline in the crime rate, with 2023 showing a return to zero incidents. This decline is encouraging, as it indicates a potential improvement in campus security measures or student awareness regarding safety. However, the spikes in 2017 and 2018 highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to address crime and ensure student safety.
The data reveals a diverse range of offenses, including gun arrests and drug-related incidents, which are critical areas for colleges to focus on. Maintaining open communication with law enforcement, providing educational programs on drugs and alcohol, and fostering a community that discourages violence are vital steps in sustaining a safe campus environment.
Overall, while the fluctuations in crime rates at Mendocino College suggest periods of heightened concern, the recent trend toward lower rates is a positive development. Continued efforts in crime prevention and enhancing campus security will be crucial in maintaining this positive trajectory. For more details on calculating crime rates, you can visit the following 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.