Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at American River College

Sacramento, CA

Total Enrollment

56,051

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

147

147 career programs

Full-Time Students

19,264

56,051 part-time

Total FTE

16,988

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
56,051
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 147
High diversity
~381 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

American River College operates as a large trade college with 56,051 students across 147 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 56,051 students, American River College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 147 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 19,264 (25.6%)
25.6%
Part-Time Students 56,051 (74.4%)
74.4%
Total Students 75,315

Majority part-time students (74.4%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (34.4%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
48.4%
27,102 students
Men
51.6%
28,949 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
36.1%
20,249 students
White
36.1% (20,249)
Hispanic/Latino
32.0% (17,946)
Asian
11.9% (6,681)
Black/African American
6.9% (3,890)
Two or More Races
5.2% (2,889)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.9% (486)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.5% (308)
International Students
0.2% (85)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 56,051 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 36% of the student body (20,249 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

75,315 students

51% Men, 49% Women
19,264 Full-time
Diversity Index: 74% • Minority Students: 50%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

4,936
All full-time students
2,357 men, 2,579 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Undergraduate

4,936
Full-time undergraduate
2,357 men, 2,579 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Degree-Seeking

4,696
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
2,248 men, 2,448 women
Diversity: 72%

FT First-Time

1,262
Full-time first-time students
663 men, 599 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Continuing

3,434
Full-time continuing students
1,585 men, 1,849 women
Diversity: 73%

Part-Time Students

All Students

29,908
All students total
15,556 men, 14,352 women
Diversity: 74%

Transfer

3,952
Transfer-in students
1,899 men, 2,053 women
Diversity: 75%

Continuing

18,041
Continuing students
9,752 men, 8,289 women
Diversity: 73%

Non-Degree

4,150
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,742 men, 2,408 women
Diversity: 76%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

28,553
White
5,128
Black/African American
22,950
Hispanic/Latino
8,919
Asian
159
International
Diversity Index: 74% Minority Students: 50%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About American River College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 56,051 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
Academic Intensity: 16,988 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (50% exclusively online).
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

4700 College Oak Dr

Sacramento, CA 95841-4286

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials