
San Jose City College, located in San Jose, California, was founded in 1921 and is one of the 112 community colleges that constitute the California Community College System. Originally known as San Jose Junior College, the school was renamed in 1958; five years after the San Jose School District took over operation of the school from San Jose State College.
SJCC was then given an independent community college district which currently includes San Jose, Milpitas as well as portions of other neighboring cities, serving over 700,000 residents within its service area. Originally located in downtown San Jose, the school moved to a new permanent home on Moorpark Avenue.
Academics
San Jose City College is a public, two year institution that provides education in the form of transfer, degree and career training opportunities. Academic transfer programs allow students to pursue a four year education at lower cost by completing a curriculum that mirrors the first two years of a bachelor's degree program.
Once completed, the student will apply for transfer to a four year institution to complete their education and earn their degree. Degree programs are designed to provide knowledge and skill development in a high demand field or industry for the purposes of long term employment after graduation. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a degree or certificate upon completion.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals wishing to enroll at San Jose City College must be at least eighteen years of age or have a high school diploma or equivalent. Individuals must submit an application and pay all fees, as well as submit transcripts and test scores if available. Participation in orientation is encouraged, as is meeting with a counselor to discuss program enrollment. Some students will be required to take a placement exam prior to registration.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students are asked to complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used by the financial aid department to determine the extent of a student's needs and their aid program eligibility when constructing and aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for each academic year and should be applied for in a timely manner in order to ensure that funds are disbursed when needed.
Athletics
The San Jose City College Jaguars participate in inter collegiate athletics through the California Community College Athletics Association, which allows students to compete with other schools within the system. The school has a long tradition of athletic excellence with many athletes going on to Olympic level competition over the seven decades of athletics offered by the school.
Individuals interested in participating must maintain a minimum standard of academic excellence as determined by the school and may find additional information regarding forms and tryout through the athletics office or online.
Athletics programs:
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Cross Country
- Track and Field
- Soccer
- Volleyball
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $11,300. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $1,300-$1,500
- Out-of-State: $6,900-$8,232
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $46-$55 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $250-$290 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 73% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 72% | $4,298 |
Receiving Student Loans | 4% | $4,891 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, San Jose City College may offer services including:
- Online classes
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Assisting students to find work
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Many community colleges are not only a source of technical or career training but also a stepping stone for students to transfer-out to a 4-year college, therefore we have included both graduation and transfer rates below and how San Jose City College compares against other community colleges in Santa Clara County and community colleges in California as a whole.
San Jose City College | Santa Clara County | California | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 22.4% | 36.6% | 24.3% |
Transfer-out Rate | 19.3% | 14.7% | 13.8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Assistant Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1961)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by San Jose City College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (C)
- Small Business Management (C)
- Labor and Industrial Relations (A)
- Sales Manager (A, C)
- Commerce (A)
- Real Estate
Communication Technology
- Prepress , Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging Design (A, C)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (A, C)
- Communication and Journalism (A, C)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Networking (A, C)
- Computer Programming (A, C)
- Web Design (A, C)
- Computer Science (A)
Construction Trades
Engineering Technology
- Refrigeration Technology (A, C)
- Laser and Optical Technology (A, C)
- Mechanical Technology Technician (A, C)
English Language and Literature
- English (A)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Ethnic Studies (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Dental Assistant (A, C)
- Medical Assistant (A, C)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (A, C)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
- Humanistic Studies (A)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (A)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (A, C)
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (A)
- Physical Sciences (A)
Precision Production
- Machinist (A, C)
Psychology
- Psychology (A)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
Social Sciences
- Economics (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to San Jose City College.
- Mission College in Santa Clara, CA (6 miles away)
- West Valley College in Saratoga, CA (6 miles away)
- De Anza College in Cupertino, CA (6 miles away)
- Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, CA (9 miles away)
- Ohlone College in Fremont, CA (15 miles away)