Mendocino College
Mendocino College is a public university in Ukiah, CA earning an overall grade of Unranked, and enrolling about 2,857 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $7,500, about $9,498 less than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $33,313. That's about $10,375 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Mendocino College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Mendocino College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Program Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $1,423 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,080 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $16,746 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.4% of Mendocino College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,575 to $15,096 depending on family income. Use Mendocino College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,494/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,096/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $33,313
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,243
- Average Years to Graduate 2.0 years
- Average Student Debt $9,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 23.4%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Mendocino College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Mendocino College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Mendocino College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Mendocino College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,857
- Full-Time Students 29.3%
- Part-Time Students 70.7%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Mendocino College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Mendocino College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Mendocino College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Mendocino College undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Health/Medical Preparatory Programs draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 22.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.2%
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs 9.0%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 8.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.7%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.4%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 5.2%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Associate Degree Programs
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $113,261
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections $71,345
- 3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $44,665
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $42,458
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $113,261—167% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($42,458). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Mendocino College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 100 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degree, 82 graduates)
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Associate's Degree, 57 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Associate's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 40 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (24 programs)▼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Woodworking
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Human Services, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Real Estate
- Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
- Graphic Communications
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Legal Support Services
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications
- Agricultural Business and Management
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,857
- Full-Time Students 29.3%
- Part-Time Students 70.7%
- Male Students 32.9%
- Female Students 67.1%
- Caucasian 39.1%
- Asian 3.8%
- Hispanic 38.6%
- Black 2.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Mendocino College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Mendocino College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
EDsmart Insight: Mendocino College has a diverse student body, with 39.1% identifying as White. Women make up 67.1% of undergraduates.
Our Take
Mendocino College serves as a highly accessible community college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Unranked with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $7,500 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $33,313 median earnings. Graduation rate data is not reported for this community college. Retention data is not available.
Community College Value: Mendocino College's Strengths
Unranked with a Unranked grade, Mendocino College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Community Colleges like Mendocino College excel at providing affordable education ($7,500 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Available data trail elite universities but align with typical community college performance. Career outcomes ($33,313 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Mendocino College and $7,500 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- Median earnings of $33,313 run about 24% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $7,500 is roughly $9,618 lower than the national median of $17,118.
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Pell participation at 25.4% trails the national share by 13.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Mendocino College is a public university based in Ukiah, CA and earns a Unranked overall grade. Completion earns Unranked, Support Unranked, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability Unranked.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $7,500 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $16,746.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,246 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $33,313 at the median. That sits about 24% below the national median.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Mendocino College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Note: EDsmart’s national college rankings compare four-year, bachelor’s-granting institutions. Certificate- and trade-focused schools are not included in that ranking pool. The schools below are four-year references in the same state only, not peer comparisons.
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Contact Information
- Address 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
- Website www.mendocino.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASCJC)
- Endowment$10.8M