Fast Facts
Sierra College has been an institutional cornerstone of Placer County and a trailblazing community leader since 1936. From academic programs to local economic impact, here are some fast facts to get to know Sierra College.
Transfers and Programs
Sierra College offers extremely affordable higher education with small class sizes and hands-on training opportunities.
- 87 degree programs
- 42 certificate programs
- 24 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
- 36 CTE degrees
- 28 Associate Degrees with guaranteed transfers to California State Universities
- Traditional, online and hybrid courses
- Extensive not-for-credit Community Education program
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program for lifelong learners
Student Population
Note: Numbers represent the fall 2021 semester headcount
- 16,345 students enrolled in courses for credit (traditional and online)
- 6,265 students enrolled in traditional classes (in-person classes)
- 13,711 students enrolled in online classes (distance learning)
- Free student services for students including academic counseling, financial aid assistance, tutoring, math and writing centers, computer labs and a comprehensive library
Focusing on Student Success
Sierra College was named one of the country’s Top 150 U.S. Community Colleges (out of 1000+ institutions) by the Aspen Institute in 2025.
Local Economic Impact
- $193.3 million annual budget (2022/23)
- 1,264 full and part-time faculty and staff
- Internships and local employer job postings
- Training our local fire, police and nurse workforce
Community Enrichment
- Visit the Dietrich Theatre and Ridley Gallery for events, performances, concerts and exhibits
- Attend public lectures and open forums on history, science, art and more
- Cheer on the home team at athletic events
- Read a book from our award-winning Sierra College Press, the first complete academic press operated by a community college in the United States
- Explore dinosaurs, fossils, planetarium shows and more at our nationally-recognized Natural History Museum
Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration
The Sierra College Makerspace and Entrepreneurship Center opened April 2022 on the Rocklin Campus.
Campus Life
- Over 25 student clubs with opportunities to get involved, explore interests, make friends and have fun
- Be a part of Associated Students of Sierra College (ASSC), Sierra College’s student government
- Activities, on-campus jobs, cultural events (Earth Day, People and Culture Day, Heritage Months) and more
Athletics
Note: Rankings are from 2022 NATYCAA All-Sports Championship
- 18 intercollegiate teams
- Sierra College athletes excel on the playing field and in the classroom
- Ranked 1st in Northern California
- Ranked 3rd in California
- Ranked 9th in the United States
Locations
The Sierra Community College District covers more than 3,200 square miles. The District serves the Northern California foothill counties of Placer and Nevada as well as parts of El Dorado and Sacramento.
