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Public, 4-year

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, California · www.sac.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$10,756

In-state $1,180

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

27,248

Student-faculty ratio 33:1

Peer median 18 : 1

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

About

Santa Ana College, located in Santa Ana, California, is a vibrant institution known for its commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. Established in 1915, the college has a rich history and has evolved to meet the needs of its diverse student body. One of the college's defining characteristics is its dedication to providing accessible education, which is reflected in its extensive range of programs and resources aimed at supporting students from various backgrounds. With a strong emphasis on student success, Santa Ana College offers numerous academic programs, including transfer degrees that allow students to continue their education at four-year institutions, vocational training, and continuing education options for lifelong learners.

The college boasts a dynamic campus culture that encourages student involvement and personal growth. With a variety of student clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, students have ample opportunities to engage with their peers and develop leadership skills. The college's commitment to inclusivity and diversity is evident in its various events and initiatives that celebrate different cultures and perspectives. Additionally, Santa Ana College has invested in modern facilities and resources, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational facilities, which enhance the overall learning experience. The college's strategic location in Southern California also provides students with access to a wealth of internship and employment opportunities in various industries, further contributing to their career readiness and success after graduation.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Santa Ana College

Santa Ana College has experienced notable trends in various areas over the past decade, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment numbers, and gender ratios among undergraduate students.

Firstly, the tuition fee for out-of-state undergraduates has seen a considerable increase from $5,174 in 2014 to $9,460 in 2024, indicating a rise of approximately 83.5%. This upward trend in tuition aligns with national patterns where higher education costs have consistently outpaced inflation, placing added financial burdens on students and families. Conversely, in-state tuition has remained relatively stable, fluctuating only slightly from $1,142 to $1,180 over the same period.

In terms of student enrollment, there has been a significant decline in the number of undergraduate students, dropping from 32,354 in 2013 to 23,852 in 2023. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including demographic shifts, economic conditions, or changes in student preferences regarding higher education. The decrease in enrollment may also impact the college's financial stability and its ability to provide resources and support for remaining students.

Additionally, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shifted slightly. The proportion of male students has decreased from approximately 64.2% in 2014 to 56.8% in 2023, while female representation has increased from 35.8% to 43.2%. This shift reflects broader trends in higher education where female enrollment has been steadily increasing, leading to a more balanced gender ratio in college demographics.

These data points reveal critical insights into the changing landscape of higher education at Santa Ana College, highlighting challenges related to tuition affordability and enrollment retention, alongside positive strides towards gender equity among the student body. Understanding these trends is essential for stakeholders aiming to enhance student experiences and institutional effectiveness.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Riverside, about 30 mi
Nearest international airport
John Wayne Orange County International Airport (SNA), about 6 mi
Santa Ana, California
Also known as
SAC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Annebelle Nery, Ph.D. (President)
Phone
7145646000
City
Santa Ana, California
Address
1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706-3398

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3,52329 international (0.8%)
Bachelor's270 international (0.0%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Occupational Therapist Assistant
27

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Insights on Graduation Trends at Santa Ana College

The data from Santa Ana College reveals significant trends in graduation numbers across various disciplines, particularly in the associate degree category. Notably, the Occupational Therapist Assistant program stands out with the highest number of associate graduates, totaling 55. This aligns with the rising demand for healthcare professionals in the U.S., especially in rehabilitation services, which has been highlighted in recent health sector reports.

In the realm of liberal arts, the American/United States Studies program produced six associate graduates, while the General History program contributed 21 graduates. These figures suggest a steady interest in humanities and social sciences, despite the growing emphasis on STEM fields in higher education. However, it is worth noting that no bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees were conferred in these areas, indicating a possible gap in advanced study opportunities or interest in these disciplines.

Moreover, the absence of international students graduating with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees across various programs could reflect broader trends in international education, particularly post-pandemic. The lack of international students in fields such as Child Care and Apparel Manufacturing, which typically attract diverse student bodies, might signal shifts in enrollment patterns or visa challenges.

Overall, the data suggests a diverse educational landscape at Santa Ana College, with healthcare fields thriving while humanities and arts programs face challenges in advanced degree completion. This could have implications for curriculum development and resource allocation in the coming years as the college navigates these evolving trends.

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 1779 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$38,923-$39,246
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.$38,923-$39,246
Health professionshas 401 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.$54,848
Medical/Clinical Assistant.$35,142-$40,182
Occupational Therapist Assistant.$35,142-$40,182
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant.$35,142-$40,182
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$96,626
Businesshas 263 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business Administration and Management, General.$45,940
Retail Management.$45,940
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Small Business Administration/Management.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General.-
Homeland security has 235 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Criminal Justice/Police Science.-
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician.$52,616
Psychology has 153 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Psychology, General.-
Social sciencehas 95 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Legal professionshas 70 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Legal Studies.-
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Human science has 58 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General.-
Child Care Provider/Assistant.$32,629
Apparel and Textiles, General.-
Communication has 57 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.-
Journalism.-
Radio and Television.$33,379
Visual and Performing artshas 55 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Dance, General.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Photography.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Music, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 43 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Information Technology.-
Computer Science.-
Computer Graphics.-
Mechanic and repair has 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Public administrationhas 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Human Services, General.-
Educationhas 28 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Teacher Assistant/Aide.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Mathematics, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Physical scienceshas 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.-
Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD.-
Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD.-
History has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
History, General.-
Foreign languages has 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Language Interpretation and Translation.-
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Sign Language Interpretation and Translation.-
Engineeringhas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Pre-Engineering.-
Precision production has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.$55,962
Welding Technology/Welder.$55,962
Biologyhas 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
English has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
English Language and Literature, General.-
Libraryhas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Library and Archives Assisting.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Communications technologies has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Prepress/Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design.-
Cultural has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Ethnic Studies.-
Philosophy has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Philosophy.-

Students

27,248 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 58:42

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (27,248)

Hispanic
14,604 · 53.6%
White
5,007 · 18.4%
Unknown
4,195 · 15.4%
Asian
2,147 · 7.9%
Two or more races
617 · 2.3%
Black
404 · 1.5%
International
167 · 0.6%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
13.0%
18–19
15.7%
20–21
10.9%
22–24
10.0%
25 and over
50.4%

Data insights

Demographic Insights of Santa Ana College Students in 2023

The student demographic data from Santa Ana College for 2023 reveals a diverse and interesting population. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 3,411, with a notable male representation of 57.2% and females at 42.8%. This gender distribution indicates a slightly male-dominated entry-level cohort, which is in line with trends observed in many other colleges across the United States.

The undergraduate seniors have a significantly larger population, totaling 15,086 students. This group shows an even higher male representation at 60.5%, which reflects a common pattern in many academic institutions where male students tend to outnumber female students at certain levels of study.

In contrast, the undergraduate transfer students present a more balanced scenario, with 1,812 students and females slightly outnumbering males (52.5% vs 47.5%). This shift may suggest that transfer students often come from different educational backgrounds that foster greater gender balance.

The demographic breakdown also highlights the presence of various ethnic groups among the students. Yet, there is a lack of complete data for the year concerning ethnic representation, which limits comprehensive analysis. Understanding the ethnic diversity of the student body is crucial, especially as colleges strive for inclusivity and representation in education.

Overall, Santa Ana College's student population reflects emerging patterns in higher education, demonstrating shifts in gender ratios and the importance of embracing diversity within student demographics. As colleges continue to evolve, these insights could serve as a vital tool for policy-making and enhancing student support services.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Santa Ana College in 2023

The age distribution of students at Santa Ana College in 2023 reveals interesting trends in enrollment, particularly among undergraduate and graduate students. The data shows a significant representation of younger students, with the largest group being those aged 18-19, comprising 38.3% of the total male students and 31.4% of the total female students. This aligns with national trends where colleges often see a high enrollment of recent high school graduates.

As students progress in age, the number of enrolled males and females begins to diverge. Notably, there is a decline in female students as age increases, particularly in the 30-34 age group, where there are only 1,014 female students compared to 1,514 males. This gender disparity may reflect broader societal trends where women take breaks in their education for family or work commitments.

Furthermore, the 40-49 age group shows a strong representation of male students, with 1,966 males compared to 739 females. This demographic could indicate a trend of career changers or adult learners returning to education, seeking advancement or new opportunities.

Interestingly, the data illustrates that the oldest age group, those over 65, consists of only 113 males and 57 females, suggesting that older adults are less likely to pursue traditional college education. This could be influenced by factors such as retirement or personal choice, further emphasizing the college's primary demographic as younger students.

Overall, Santa Ana College's age demographics highlight the importance of understanding student needs across different age groups, particularly as educational institutions continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of adult education and lifelong learning.

International Students

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

Undergraduates0.6%

167 in 2025 · 1.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.2%2017: 1.5%2018: 1.5%2019: 1.2%2020: 1.1%2021: 1.1%2022: 0.7%2023: 0.5%2024: 0.6%2025: 0.6%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Santa Ana College

The data on international student enrollment at Santa Ana College reveals significant fluctuations over nearly two decades. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international undergraduate students has varied, peaking at 495 students in 2008, which corresponded to approximately 1.48% of the total undergraduate population. However, this number has experienced a stark decline in recent years, dropping to just 126 international students by 2023, representing a mere 0.53% of the total undergraduate student body.

Several factors may contribute to these trends. The sharp decline post-2019 coincides with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted global travel and educational exchanges. The pandemic not only restricted the mobility of students but also led to uncertainty about educational quality and formats, prompting many to reconsider their study abroad plans.

Moreover, the increasing costs of education in the United States, coupled with stringent visa regulations, may deter potential international students. As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, it remains to be seen how Santa Ana College and similar institutions will adapt to revive international enrollment figures. Institutions may need to enhance their outreach efforts and provide more flexible learning options to attract students from abroad.

Overall, the data suggests a pressing need for strategic initiatives to rejuvenate international student enrollment, which is vital for the diversity and financial health of educational institutions.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$32,882

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$10,756
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$1,180
Room and board
$22,126
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 56% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 85%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$262M

Government grants and contracts
$221M84.2%
Investment return
$8.9M3.4%
Tuition and fees
$7.4M2.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.6M0.6%
Other
$23.6M9.0%

Expenses$178M

Instruction
$82.6M46.5%
Scholarships
$30.9M17.4%
Student services
$30.1M16.9%
Institutional support
$12.8M7.2%
Academic support
$8.4M4.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$6.6M3.7%
Public service
$1.3M0.8%
Other
$4.8M2.7%

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
$119,554peers $68,588
Instructor
$119,554peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
2025
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football89-
Soccer3425
Baseball42-
Wrestling1618
Basketball1911
Softball-20
Track and Field (Outdoor)125
Volleyball-10
Beach Volleyball-9
2024
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football54-
Soccer2416
Baseball30-
Basketball1613
Wrestling128
Softball-16
Track and Field (Outdoor)83
Volleyball-9
Cross Country-2
2023
CCCAAMENWOMEN
Football109-
Soccer2921
Baseball40-
Basketball1912
Wrestling1011
Track and Field (Outdoor)113
Volleyball-14
Beach Volleyball-14
Softball-12
Cross Country7-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Santa Ana College:

  1. University of California-Irvine - Ranked 33rd in the 2024 US News rankings, UC Irvine is a prestigious public research university known for its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence.

  2. California State University-Long Beach - With a rank of 105, this university is recognized for its diverse student body and wide variety of academic programs.

  3. University of Southern California - USC is ranked 28th and is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the United States, renowned for its programs in film, business, and engineering.

  4. California Institute of Technology - This highly esteemed institution is ranked 7th and is known for its rigorous science and engineering programs.

  5. Pomona College - Ranking 4th, Pomona College is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  6. Harvey Mudd College - Ranked 16th, this college specializes in science and engineering and is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium.

These schools offer a range of academic opportunities and are known for their commitment to student success.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
6
Domestic violence
6
Weapons referrals
4
Motor vehicle theft
3
Stalking
3
Burglary
2

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Statistics at Santa Ana College

The crime statistics at Santa Ana College from 2013 to 2023 reveal notable fluctuations in the average crime rate per 1,000 students. A peak was observed in 2019, with a rate of 1.02, indicating an increase in reported incidents, particularly in categories like drug-related arrests and assault. This spike could be attributed to various factors, including changes in campus safety policies, heightened awareness of crime reporting, or even broader societal trends that influence crime rates on college campuses.

Interestingly, the data also shows a significant decrease in crime in 2022, with an average rate of 0.30. This decline may reflect improved safety measures or a shift in student behavior, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many students engaging in remote learning. However, the subsequent increase to 0.50 in 2023 suggests that while some improvements have been made, challenges remain.

The mix of violent crimes, such as domestic violence and robbery, alongside property crimes like theft and vehicle theft, underscores the complexity of campus safety. While the numbers are relatively low in comparison to national averages, they still represent real concerns for students and faculty. Continuous efforts to enhance campus security and promote safety awareness among the student body are essential for maintaining a secure learning environment.

Overall, the trends observed in Santa Ana College's crime statistics highlight the need for ongoing evaluation and intervention to address the root causes of crime on campus, ensuring a safe atmosphere conducive to education. For further details on calculating crime rates, you can visit this link.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Santa Ana College include Diane Keaton (American actress), Steve Martin (Comedian, actor, musician, and writer) and Robert David Hall (Actor known as coroner Dr. Robbins in CSI).

More alumni (13, by field)

Politics and law

  • Gaddi Vasquez 1955–

    US Ambassador to UN food and agriculture agencies

    Also attended: University of Redlands

Arts and media

  • Yael Markovich 1984–

    Israeli model and Miss Israel titleholder

    Also attended: Santa Monica College

Sports

Other fields

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.