
San Jacinto, CApublicwww.msjc.edu/
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Mt. San Jacinto College is a Southern California community college with an open-door admissions policy, serving a mix of full-time (6,435) and part-time (11,192) students. Known for its affordability and practical programs like Natural Sciences and Business, it emphasizes inclusivity and cultural affirmation, though its graduation rates hover around 36%. Early career earnings for graduates average $26,000, with standout nursing programs boasting a 91% NCLEX pass rate.
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Outcomes & value
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Mt. San Jacinto College operates on an open admissions policy, accepting 100% of applicants who complete actionable applications. With 17,627 students enrolled (36.5% full-time), the college serves a diverse population, many of whom balance work and studies. No standardized test scores are required, and the institution offers credit for life experiences—a boon for non-traditional students. The lack of selectivity makes it accessible but also means students must be proactive in seeking academic support.
MSJC’s academic offerings lean heavily toward transfer-ready associate degrees and workforce-focused programs. The most popular majors include:
The college also emphasizes creative fields like and , with associate degrees for transfer (ADT) in Communication Studies and Art + Design. While the curriculum is practical, the 36% graduation rate suggests students may need to navigate academic advising carefully to stay on track.
The college fosters an inclusive, culturally affirming environment, with clubs and organizations like the Student Association promoting diversity through events and festivals. However, as a commuter-heavy institution (only 36.5% full-time enrollment), campus vibrancy varies. MSJC’s commitment to 'celebrating student voices' is evident in initiatives like the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship, which targets financial aid outreach. The lack of residential life means students often juggle college with work or family obligations.
Graduates report modest early-career earnings ($26,000 on average), though nursing alumni fare better, with a 91% NCLEX pass rate and median salaries of $38,319 a decade post-enrollment. The 36% graduation rate is below the national average for community colleges, reflecting challenges like part-time enrollment and financial barriers. However, the college’s focus on transfer pathways (particularly to California State University campuses) offers a lifeline for students aiming for four-year degrees.
With an average net price of $8,561 after aid, MSJC is one of California’s more affordable community colleges. Key financial aid details:
In-state tuition is $1,406, though off-campus students face higher costs ($17,193 Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. when accounting for living expenses).
MSJC’s open-access mission and strong nursing program (91% NCLEX pass rate) make it a pragmatic choice for Inland Empire students. Its cultural-affirmation initiatives—like clubs celebrating diversity—stand out among community colleges, though the low graduation rate underscores the need for robust student support. For those eyeing transfers or quick workforce entry, the college delivers value, especially with its $8,561 Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. and emphasis on inclusive achievement.