Santa Barbara City College (SBCC, SBCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, Santa Barbara City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) which is a branch of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. SBCC views accreditation as a quality-control process that promotes internal inspection and communication in order to provide the highest quality educational experience to every student. Established in 1909, Santa Barbara City College is known as one of the best community colleges in the country. Offering numerous certificates, associate’s degrees and transfer programs, SBCC enhances the education of students via comprehensive learning opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities and small class sizes. The surrounding community also offers innumerable activities for every level of interest, so students looking for something to do will never be disappointed. One of the biggest perks of SBCC is that one may actually see and hear the ocean right from campus!

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Information Summary

Ranks 189th in California and 2302nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	59.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$3,054
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	63% / 53%
Enrollment Total (all students)	14,646

Academics

Santa Barbara City College offers several different educational opportunities and strives to meet the needs of a constantly changing community. Students may seek an associate’s degree in one of over eighty different areas, complete general education requirements in order to proceed into a baccalaureate program at another facility, earn a vocational certificate, or complete courses required to maintain professional licenses. Classes are available in traditional classroom settings or online so that even busy professionals have the opportunity to meet educational goals while working. Even if one simply seeks to pick up a hobby or improve skills such as reading, math or writing, there are courses available to suit many needs.

Associate’s Degrees

Students at Santa Barbara City College may earn either an associate’s degree in arts or an associate’s degree in science degree depending on what the individual course of study is. Some examples of associate’s programs include Accounting, Administration of Justice, Cosmetology and Nursing. These degrees require an intensive training program with classes concentrated on the area of study so that graduates are prepared to either enter the workforce in a given profession or continue on to a four-year program for further training. All classes completed in the associate’s program are transferable to other state colleges and universities. Most of these degrees are obtainable in about two years of full-time study.

Transfer Admissions Guarantee

For students that choose to begin the journey to a bachelor’s program at Santa Barbara City College, SBCC offers a transfer admissions guarantee (TAG). This is a contract between SBCC, the student and a four-year college or university. If the student maintains all of the admission and major requirements while at SBCC, they are guaranteed admission to one of seven University of California campuses as well as other institutions.

The benefits of a TAG agreement are numerous. Besides being offered guaranteed acceptance to a four-year school, students have the advantage of developing a specific plan of action that ensures that they meet all of the entrance requirements to the school that they contract with. Students also have direct access to guidance and admittance counselors at the four-year school so that they may keep current on requirements and make changes to academic plans in order to meet acceptance criteria.

Vocational Certificates

Santa Barbara City College also offers over fifty certificate programs. Students that choose this path take courses specific to the area of study and leave the college prepared for entry-level positions in their field of choice. Some examples of vocational certificates and skills competency awards offered by SBCC include Database Programming and Applications Development, Culinary Arts, Certified Nursing Assistant and Early Childhood Education. These certificates are excellent for the student that is seeking to advance or enhance their existing career, start a new career or perhaps explore the option of proceeding to an associate’s degree program.

Dual Enrollment

Local high school students may choose to enroll at Santa Barbara City College while they are still completing a high school diploma. This choice is not for everyone but for students that are dedicated and ready to take advanced courses, it is a perfect way to get a head start on higher education. Parental permission and a recommendation from the principal may be required, so please contact the school directly to determine how to proceed with dual enrollment.

Continuing Education Credits

Offering over five hundred continuing education courses, Santa Barbara City College is proud to be considered one of the leading providers of adult education. With modern technology and constant advancement, professionals exist in an ever-changing world that requires continuing education to stay current and effective in nearly every given field. SBCC gladly meets the continuing educational needs of it’s community.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Application to Santa Barbara City College is extremely simple. An online application is available via the school website and may be completed in just a few minutes. Prospective students that are not United States citizens or do not choose to enter a social security number will need to contact the school for a paper application. Also, many of the programs available at SBCC require a high school education so students will need to submit transcripts. In order to receive in-state tuition rates, students may need to submit proof of California residency.

After completing the application, students will need to log on to the student portal on the website. This portal allows students to conduct necessary transactions and submit required forms, check registration status, obtain a student identification number and add or drop classes.

Next, new students will participate in orientation. This is a great idea even if the student is not required to attend. It is an excellent way for new students to become familiar with the campus, meet departmental personnel and learn the rules and regulations of the school.

Santa Barbara City College wants every student to succeed. In order to make this happen, there are minimum skills, prerequisites or corequisites that often accompany a class. Minimum English, reading, math or writing skills are required to be successful in nearly any class and SBCC provides several different methods of proving proficiency. Students may either take proficiency tests, provide alternate test scores such as ACT or SAT scores, or provide proof of proficiency via grades from applicable classes taken elsewhere. After taking any required assessments, students are ready to register for classes and the enrollment process is complete. Admissions and guidance counselors are always available to speak with prospective students who have any questions, so feel free to contact the school and schedule an appointment.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for Santa Barbara City College is available in the form of grants, scholarships, federally subsidized loans and student work programs. To begin the financial aid process, students should complete and submit the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) available online as early as possible. Generally this is the first step in determining eligibility for any kind of aid. Students should not make the mistake of thinking that financial aid is not available to them because nearly everyone is eligible for some form of assistance.

After completing the FAFSA and requesting that it be sent to Santa Barbara City College, students should check with the school to discover how next to proceed. SBCC offers several need-based and merit-based scholarships but there are strict deadlines and students should be aware that many of these are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is yet another reason why it is so important to start the process of applying for financial aid as early as possible. The FAFSA form is generally available by January or February of the year preceding college enrollment and SBCC usually begins offering applications for their private scholarships in January.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5666th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in California.

Athletics

Located on the beautiful Pacific Coast, SBCC offers an ideal setting for year-round athletics. With LaPlaya stadium situated overlooking the ocean, students have the opportunity to participate in or observe a football game in an environment as unique as the school. The SBCC Vaqueros participate in many different intercollegiate sports including football, baseball, crosscountry, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball and golf so opportunities for student athletics abound. Though the school does not offer athletic scholarships, student athletes are eligible for all other forms of financial aid. SBCC offers a caring, devoted coaching staff that strives to encourage the success of their athletes both on the field and in the classroom.

Local Community

Since Santa Barbara City College is an institution dedicated to educating it’s community, the surrounding area plays a large part in campus life. It is where SBCC students live and play. Santa Barbara is sometimes referred to as the American Riviera because of its idyllic seaside setting, majestic mountains and relaxed attitude. Two hours north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is home to numerous historical places including the Chumash Indian Reservation and Stearns Wharf. Downtown offers a rich and diverse nightlife and also hosts numerous activities from community festivals to art exhibits throughout the year. Chase Palm Park and Alameda Park are great places to hang out and listen to free concerts. The Farmer’s Market offers the chance to sample local fruits and vegetables or pick up some fresh flowers. Located just minutes from some of the best wine country in the world and the beautiful vistas of the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara offers a plethora of things to do in a setting that is second to none.

Bibliography

SBCC home. Santa Barbara Community College. 2011. Web. 19 April 2011.

The City of Santa Barbara. The City of Santa Barbara. 16 April 2011. Web. 19 April 2011.

101 Free Things to Do on the American Riviera. The Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau and Film Commission. 2011. Web. 19 April 2011.

Santa Barbara City College