Sierra College is a two-year community college located near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rocklin is roughly 100 miles northeast of San Francisco, California. Sierra College's main campus in Rocklin, California, is situated on 300 acres. The Sierra Community College District serves a range of communities that cover more than 3,000 square miles, including Placer and Nevada counties. It also serves parts of Sacramento and El Dorado counties.
Sierra College provides general education for students who wish to complete associate's degrees, and transfer programs for those who aim to transfer to four-year universities to complete a bachelor's degree.
Sierra College also provides excellent career and technical training programs. Sierra College offers more than 65 associate degrees, more than 50 Certificates of Achievement, and more than 25 professional Skills Certificates. Many courses are available that prepare students for employment in industries that are located in the Sierra College District. Pre-collegiate courses are also offered to prepare new students for college-level work. Online training courses are available to community members.
The faculty members include approximately 900 full and part-time instructors who are experts in their fields. Instruction at Sierra College receives excellent reviews, and the school ranks number one in Northern California for its successful student transfers to the California State University and University of California systems.
The range of courses and curricula offered at Sierra College are designed to prepare students for life in a changing world. Classes are offered that expose students to cultural differences, leadership skills, health and fitness, the environment, natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, communications and critical thinking, among others. The TRIO Program at Sierra College offers support to first generation students who do not have a parent who earned a bachelor's degree.
History
Sierra College was founded in 1936. For more than 50 years, Sierra College has enjoyed solid leadership, with only five individuals holding the post of president to date.
Academics
The academic calendar for Sierra College follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. The summer semesters are divided into three shorter sessions.
Colleges and Schools
The academic units at Sierra College are divided into divisions and programs. The academic divisions are:
- Business & Technology
- Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
- Liberal Arts
- Sciences & Mathematics
- Non-credit Programs
- Community Education
- Osher Lifeline Learning Institute
- Sierra College Training & Development, Center for Applied Competitive Technologies
The Programs of Special Interest at Sierra College are:
- College Credit While in High School
- Distance Learning
- English as a Second Language
- Fire Technology
- International Students
- Mechatronics
- New Legacy Mentoring Program
- Puente Program
- Straight AAAs
- Study Abroad
- Supplemental Instruction
- Virtual Office Professional
- Women & Gender Studies
Student Life
Sierra College offers its students a wealth of support services to ensure success. Some of the student services include:
- Academic Foundations Program
- Academic Support Services
- Bookstore - textbooks, hours, services
- Cafeteria
- Career Connections
- Career Programs
- Child Development Centers
- Counseling
- Disabled Students Programs & Services
- Health Services Clinic
- Housing on campus
- International Students
- Learning Center (formerly Tutor & Computer Centers)
- Library / Learning Resources Center (LRC)
- Sierra College Library web pages
- A Mother's Place (for breastfeeding mothers)
- Perceptual Training (for learning disabled students)
- A Safe Space (for LGBT students)
- Straight AAAs Program (for student athletes)
- Supportive Education
- Testing Center
- Transfer Information
- TRiO Program for first generation students
- Workshops
- Writing Center
- Veterans Educational Services
- Academic Foundations Program
- CalWORKS
- CARE (Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education) - support for single-parent students.
- Computer labs
- EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) - Educational and financial support services for low-income and educationally under-prepared students
- ESL Lab
- Learning Center (tutoring and open computer lab)
- Testing Center
Student activities at Sierra College include campus clubs, student government, leadership development, educational and cultural activities, and an events calendar that is available to all.
Traditions
The traditional school colors for Sierra College are red, black and white. The school mascot is the wolverine, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Sierra "Wolverines."
Athletics
The Sierra College "Wolverines" athletic teams have won many championships and compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross country
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Water Polo
- Wrestling
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cheer
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
Satellite Campuses
In addition to its main campus in Rocklin, California, Sierra College has three satellite locations:
- Roseville Gateway Campus
- Grass Valley, Nevada County Campus
- Tahoe/Truckee Center
Community Life
Sierra College contributes to the education and development of the community by offering lifelong learning opportunities to community members. The college's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has many programs available throughout the year. The Institute also fosters programs that improve and support the skills of the community workforce, in order to contribute to the economic growth of the region.
Living in Rocklin and the surrounding areas is very affordable. Students with families will enjoy the good schools and the pleasant climate, which allows for outdoor recreation. The scenic Lake Tahoe area is a one-hour drive away, and there are nearby trails for hiking, riding and skiing.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $8,400. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $1,100-$1,300
- Out-of-State: $6,100-$7,373
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $46-$55 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $250-$300 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 | 61% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 60% | $4,198 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 4% | $5,798 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Sierra College may provide services to students like those listed below:
- Distance learning
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Work study style employment
- Employment search assistance
- Day care
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares this school against community colleges in California.
| Sierra College | Placer County | California | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 28.9% | - | 24.3% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 12.8% | - | 13.8% |
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 Sierra 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,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Agriculture (A, C)
- Horticulture
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Commerce (A, C)
- Sales Manager (A, C)
- Small Business Management (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Real Estate (A, C)
Communication Technology
- Photographic and Film Technology (A, C)
- Animation (A, C)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (A)
- Journalism (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Programming (A, C)
- Information Technology (A)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (A, C)
- Computer Networking (A, C)
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (C)
- Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications (A, C)
- Computer Science (A)
- Web Design (A)
- Computer Support Specialist (A)
Construction Trades
Engineering
- Pre-Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (A, C)
- Architectural Drafting cad (A, C)
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) (C)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (A, C)
- Energy Management (C)
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology (A, C)
- Engineering Technology (C)
English Language and Literature
- English (A)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Child Care (A)
- Apparel and Textiles Management (A, C)
- Apparel and Textiles
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Sign Language (A, C)
- Spanish Language and Literature (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
History
- History (A)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Humanistic Studies (A)
- Liberal Arts (A)
Library Science
- Library Assistant (C)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Industrial Electronics Technology (A, C)
- Electrical Equipment Installation and Repair (C)
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Computer Repair Technician
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Studies (A)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (A)
Physical Sciences
Precision Production
Psychology
- Psychology (A)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Physical Fitness Technician (C)
- Sports Medicine (A)
- Parks and Recreation (A, C)
- Kinesiology And Exercise Science (A)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A)
- Fire Prevention (A, C)
- Corrections Officer (A)
Social Sciences
- Social Science (A)
- Sociology (A)
- Political Science (A)
- Anthropology (A)
- Economics (A)
- Geography (A, C)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Graphic Design (A, C)
- Art Studies (A)
- Visual and Performing Arts (A)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (A)
- Theatre Design and Technology (C)
- Music (A)
- Fashion Design (C)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Sierra College.
- Folsom Lake College in Folsom, CA (10 miles away)
- American River College in Sacramento, CA (12 miles away)
- Sacramento City College in Sacramento, CA (23 miles away)
- Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, CA (26 miles away)
- Yuba College in Marysville, CA (29 miles away)