Sacramento City College: A Hub of Education and Opportunity
Since 1916, Sacramento City College (SCC) has been a cornerstone of education in the Sacramento region, providing academic and vocational training. The college has a rich history, a diverse student body, and a wide array of programs designed to prepare students for success in their chosen fields. Serving more than 20,000 students at the Main Campus, Davis Center, West Sacramento Center, and online, SCC continues to uphold its legacy of inclusivity and academic excellence.
A Legacy of Inclusion and Independence
Sacramento City College holds a unique place in the history of education. Founded by Belle Cooledge and initially graduating an all-female class, the college began with a spirit of inclusion. This commitment to diversity and opportunity has remained a core value throughout its history.
In 1922, Sacramento's citizens established a junior college district, granting Sacramento Junior College administrative independence from Sacramento High School. This marked a significant step in the college's development, allowing it to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the community.
The college further solidified its independence on March 17, 1964, when it separated from the Sacramento City Unified School District and joined the newly organized Los Rios Junior College District. This district also took over the operation of American River College. Los Rios acquired the 75-acre Sacramento City College campus for just $1.00, underscoring the community's investment in accessible education.
In October 1967, the Sacramento Pop Festival was held at Charles C. Hughes Stadium on the main campus, highlighting the college's role as a cultural hub. In 1970, the Los Rios Community College District, now renamed, opened its third campus, Cosumnes River College, expanding educational opportunities in the region.
Read also: Accreditation Details
Academic Programs and Meta-Majors
Sacramento City College offers a wide range of academic programs, degrees, and certificates to cater to the diverse interests and career goals of its students. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 95 different fields. Popular programs include Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Business Administration and Management, General, and Biological and Physical Sciences. The college utilizes a semester-based academic year.
To help students navigate their academic paths, SCC has organized its programs into meta-majors, which are broad categories of study that align with various career fields. These meta-majors include:
Arts and Communication: This meta-major encompasses career fields and programs of study related to humanities, journalism, writing, art, art history, media design, literary arts, technical arts, language, photography, performing arts, and fashion design.
Business & Industry: Students who choose this meta-major can pursue careers in marketing, management, finance, accounting, real estate, and entrepreneurship. The career pathways also include occupations that bridge business processes or initiatives and information technology processes.
Health Services: This meta-major focuses on the health care field, including services related to the identification, evaluation, and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; and rehabilitation and health systems management. Professionals in these roles evaluate and assess patient needs, keep physicians informed, and provide direct patient care.
Read also: Centerpointe Learning Institute Courses
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): This meta-major is designed for students interested in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Graduates in these fields often drive innovation and technological advancements that impact various industries.
Student Life and Support Services
Sacramento City College provides a vibrant campus environment with numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and receive support services.
Athletics
The Sacramento City College Panthers are members of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) and the Big 8 Conference. SCC fields 18 teams, including 10 women's teams and 8 men's teams. The baseball program has a strong history of success with 37 league titles, 5 state titles, and 1 national title. The women's track and field team has also achieved notable success, winning 3 straight state titles (2003, 2004, 2005), while the softball program has won 4 state titles between 1988 and 2004. Sac City's athletic alumni have competed in the Olympic Games, the World Series, the NFL playoffs, and a world championship boxing match.
Student Organizations
Sacramento City College offers a variety of student clubs and organizations that cater to diverse interests. These clubs provide opportunities for students to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and engage in activities outside the classroom.
Support Services
SCC is committed to supporting students throughout their educational journey. The college offers a range of services, including:
Read also: Join Sacramento State
- Academic/career counseling: Counselors provide guidance to students on academic planning, career exploration, and transfer options.
- Employment services: SCC assists students with job searching, resume writing, and interview skills.
- Financial aid: The college provides information and assistance with financial aid applications and scholarships.
- On-campus day care: SCC offers on-campus day care services for students with children.
- Foster youth liaison: Every community college campus has a foster youth liaison to help support students throughout their educational journey.
- Empowering Native American students throughout their educational journeys through a supportive community, culturally relevant resources and guidance.
- NASSSP helps students thrive academically and personally.
- Dr. Skip Wherever you are in life, we support you.
Admissions and Enrollment
Sacramento City College has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The college serves more than 20,000 students. The student-faculty ratio is 26-to-1.
For the Fall 2023 admissions cycle, the total number of entering students was 7,059. In Fall 2022, the full-time enrollment was 4,386, while the part-time enrollment was 15,641.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state tuition and fees were $1,288, while out-of-state tuition and fees were $10,168. Books and supplies were estimated to cost $1,124. At Sacramento City College, 65 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $2,749. There is no application fee.
Notable Alumni
Sacramento City College has produced many successful alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Some notable alumni include:
- Jessica Chastain: Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Chastain.
- Morrison C. England Jr.: Senior United States district judge.
- John E.: Congressman.
Campus Publications
Sacramento City College has a history of student publications that have provided a voice for students and documented campus life.
- The Pioneer: The Sacramento City College yearbook was initially published in the 1920s. The format changed in the early 1970s, and it was discontinued by 1980.
- The Pony Express: The school newspaper, originally named "the Blotter" in the 1920s, has been called "The Pony Express" for several decades.
tags: #sacramento #city #college #information

