Saddleback College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Saddleback College
Set in the hills of south Orange County, Saddleback College is known for clear pathways to transfer and career growth. Classes emphasize practical, skill-building work alongside strong general education, and the vibe is hands on and supportive. The campus brings together a well stocked library, tutoring and counseling hubs, tech ready classrooms, studios and labs, plus athletic and performing arts spaces that stay lively from morning to evening.
Student life leans active and welcoming. Clubs, service projects, music and theater nights, and intramurals keep people connected, while nearby trails and beaches make weekend resets easy. The culture feels down to earth and goal oriented, with plenty of commuters and first gen students finding their footing. Career prep runs through it all through advising, internship connections, and employer touchpoints. In the Gauchos' backyard, Mission Viejo and the wider Orange County scene offer community events, local arts, and real work opportunities.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Saddleback College offers 99 degree programs across 31 major academic fields, graduating approximately 8,554 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 5,098 graduates), Business (11 programs, 736 graduates), Health (8 programs, 359 graduates), Communication (3 programs, 252 graduates) and Social Sciences (5 programs, 252 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 5,098 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 4,828 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 270 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0103 |
Business (11 programs, 736 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 375 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Real Estate | 109 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1501 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 70 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0401 |
| Business Administration | 68 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0101 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 38 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0204 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 31 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Sales and Marketing Operations | 29 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1801 |
| Small Business Management | 9 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0703 |
| Hospitality Management | 5 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0901 |
| E-Commerce | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0208 |
| Tourism and Travel Services Marketing | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
52.1905 |
Health (8 programs, 359 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 192 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 79 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Health Information Technology | 24 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0707 |
| Medical Assistant | 22 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
51.0801 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 20 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.1501 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | 13 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.1004 |
| Medical Insurance Coding | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0713 |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0716 |
Communication (3 programs, 252 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radio and Television Broadcasting | 129 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
09.0701 |
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 121 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0101 |
| Journalism | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0401 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 252 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 129 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
| Political Science and Government | 51 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 34 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Anthropology | 26 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0201 |
| Geography | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0701 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 244 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 244 |
|
Associate's
|
30.0101 |
Mechanics (4 programs, 208 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 180 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0604 |
| Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair | 16 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0101 |
| Computer Installation and Repair Technology | 8 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0104 |
| Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology | 4 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0614 |
Arts (10 programs, 199 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Design | 66 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0408 |
| Music | 46 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0901 |
| Art Studies | 37 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0701 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0101 |
| Theatre Arts | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0501 |
| Graphic Design | 11 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0409 |
| Fashion and Apparel Design | 9 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0407 |
| Photography | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0605 |
| Dance | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0301 |
| Theatre Design and Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0502 |
Psychology (1 programs, 186 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 186 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Personal Services (2 programs, 180 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 149 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0401 |
| Culinary Arts | 31 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0500 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Saddleback College
How much does it cost to attend Saddleback College?
The annual tuition at Saddleback College is $1,432 for in-state students and $13,732 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,370 for in-state students and $14,670 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $22,670 (off-campus) and books and supplies $938.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Saddleback College offer?
Saddleback College offers 99 academic programs across 31 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (11 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (8 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (3 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (5 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Saddleback College?
Saddleback College provides financial aid to 8% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,689 and average loans of $4,331.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,407
- State/Local grants: $2,293
- Institutional grants: $5,348
- Federal loans: $4,331
The university supports 838 students with grants and 11 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Saddleback College graduates?
Saddleback College graduates earn a median salary of $36,605 after 6 years and $50,874 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $25,549 (25th percentile) to $78,724 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $88,900 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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