Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, CA

Total Enrollment

22,046

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

126

126 career programs

Full-Time Students

20,602

22,046 part-time

Total FTE

8,951

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
22,046
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 126
High diversity
~175 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

Santa Barbara City College operates as a large trade college with 22,046 students across 126 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 22,046 students, Santa Barbara City College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 126 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 20,602 (48.3%)
48.3%
Part-Time Students 22,046 (51.7%)
51.7%
Total Students 42,648

Majority part-time students (51.7%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (93.5%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
54.9%
12,109 students
Men
45.1%
9,937 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
37.0%
8,158 students
Hispanic/Latino
37.0% (8,158)
White
36.6% (8,074)
Two or More Races
5.3% (1,178)
Asian
4.6% (1,010)
International Students
2.7% (587)
Black/African American
2.2% (496)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (50)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (48)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 22,046 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 37% of the student body (8,158 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

42,648 students

46% Men, 54% Women
20,602 Full-time
Diversity Index: 70% • Minority Students: 44%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

5,222
All full-time students
2,404 men, 2,818 women
Diversity: 68%

FT Undergraduate

5,222
Full-time undergraduate
2,404 men, 2,818 women
Diversity: 68%

FT Degree-Seeking

5,079
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
2,351 men, 2,728 women
Diversity: 69%

FT First-Time

1,821
Full-time first-time students
842 men, 979 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Continuing

3,258
Full-time continuing students
1,509 men, 1,749 women
Diversity: 67%

Part-Time Students

All Students

12,345
All students total
5,608 men, 6,737 women
Diversity: 71%

Transfer

874
Transfer-in students
357 men, 517 women
Diversity: 68%

Continuing

6,552
Continuing students
2,845 men, 3,707 women
Diversity: 67%

Non-Degree

2,275
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,127 men, 1,148 women
Diversity: 70%

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

16,488
White
940
Black/African American
15,786
Hispanic/Latino
1,708
Asian
2,047
International
Diversity Index: 70% Minority Students: 44%

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 Santa Barbara City College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 22,046 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (93.5%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 8,951 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 41% taking some online courses.
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

721 Cliff Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2394

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