Solano Community College
General Information for Solano Community College
Overview
Solano Community College serves as a public community college located in Fairfield, California, with satellite centers in Vacaville and Vallejo. Established originally as Vallejo Junior College in 1945 and becoming a county-wide institution in 1967, the campus on a 192-acre site off Interstate 80 opened in 1971 and has since expanded significantly in scope and offerings. The college is part of California’s community college system and serves a varied regional population including Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Suisun, Vacaville, Vallejo, Winters and the military population at Travis Air Force Base.
The institution combines day, evening and Saturday scheduling, along with online and off-campus options, to maximise access. With a student body of approximately 9,000–10,000 learners, the college offers both transfer-ready associate degrees and vocational certificates in over 100 fields, and even a bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing, making it distinctive among California community colleges. The focus is on affordability, flexibility, workforce alignment and serving a culturally and academically diverse population.
Contact Informations (Address, phone number, email address)
Address: 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, California 94534, United States
Phone Number: 707-864-7000
Email Address: admissions@solano.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1945 (as Vallejo Junior College) |
| Type | Public community college (2-year) with some bachelor’s degree offerings |
| Parent System | California Community Colleges System |
| Campus Setting | Main campus 192-acre suburban site in Fairfield, plus centers in Vacaville and Vallejo |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 8,868 students (2023) |
| School Colours / Mascot | Blue & White; Falcons |
Solano Community College Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Comment |
|---|---|
| National (USA) | Not broadly ranked in major global rankings; typical community college metrics emphasised |
| State (California) | Recognised for high affordability and local transfer pathways, bachelor’s degree offering among only about 15 community colleges in California |
| Global | Not applicable due to community college classification and local focus |
Solano Community College Academics
Solano Community College Faculties / Departments
- School of Liberal Arts – Humanities & Social Sciences
- School of Mathematics & Science
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Applied Technology & Business
- School of Career Technical Education
- School of Human Performance & Development
Solano Community College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Science in Biology for Transfer
- Associate of Arts in Studio Arts for Transfer
- Associate of Science in Biotechnology (and Bachelor of Science in Biomanufacturing)
- Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Technician
- Certificate in Welding Technician
- Associate of Science in Computer Information Sciences
- Associate of Science in Fire Technology
- Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer
- Associate of Science in Kinesiology for Transfer
- Certificate in Web Development and Administration
- Vocational certificates in Cosmetology, Drafting, Mechatronics, Airframe Maintenance
Online Learning
Solano Community College offers a wide array of scheduling formats to maximise flexibility, including day, evening and Saturday classes, as well as online, television, home study and travel-study formats. Fully online and hybrid delivery is available for many general education and transfer-degree courses. Given its mission as an accessible, flexible institution, students balancing work, family or military service often find its online offerings helpful.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Test | Typical Range / Note |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not specifically required for admission into general community college pathways; open-admission model prevails |
| ACT | Not required in many cases; program specific requirements may apply |
| GRE | Not applicable as graduate-level programs are minimal or non-existent |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The retention and graduation metrics for Solano Community College reflect its role as a community access institution. The six-year graduation rate is around 33.8 % for first-time students attending full-time (2023). Part-of this dynamic is the fact many students transfer to other institutions, attend part-time, or enrol with differing completion timelines. The institution continues to emphasise student support, guided pathways and transfer readiness to improve these outcomes.
Solano Community College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Solano Community College operates under an open-admission model typical of California community colleges, meaning the primary admission requirement is proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent rather than strict GPA thresholds or standardized test scores. Program-specific admissions criteria may apply in competitive fields or vocational programs.
Solano Community College Acceptance Rate
| Category | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall Admission | Open admission – most applicants meeting the basic criteria are admitted |
Solano Community College Application Requirements
Prospective students at Solano Community College must complete the application for admission, supply a high school diploma or GED certificate (or transcript indicating completion), and may be required to submit college transcripts if previously enrolled elsewhere. They are encouraged to meet with an admissions or success advisor to select a program of study, understand transfer or certificate pathways, and explore financial aid. Program-specific requirements (for example, biotechnology bachelor’s degree or automotive technician certificate) may include additional prerequisites or placement testing. Students also complete financial aid forms, placement assessments if applicable, and orientation.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the application form for Solano Community College
- Provide high school diploma/GED or equivalent documentation
- Meet with an admissions or success counselor for program selection and planning
- Submit any required transcripts if prior college work completed
- Complete the FAFSA or California state aid application for financial assistance
- Attend orientation, register for classes, and begin coursework
Solano Community College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Deadline / Note |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Rolling admission; early registration recommended for full course availability |
| Spring Semester | Rolling admission; consult specific program and center deadlines |
| Other Start Dates | Many certificate programs and accelerated schedules begin at multiple points throughout the year |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
As a community college with an open-admission policy, Solano Community College typically does not require an essay prompt as part of its general admissions process. However, certain specialized or competitive programs (such as the Bachelor of Science in Biomanufacturing) may request additional materials, statements of purpose or interviews.
Solano Community College Scholarships
Solano Community College offers a range of scholarships via its Educational Foundation and institutional aid programs, including merit-based awards, need-based grants, and program-specific scholarships for vocational training, first-generation students and students transferring to four-year universities. With its strong emphasis on affordability, the college supports students in minimising debt while completing certificates, associate degrees or bachelor’s credentials.
Solano Community College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Student Category | Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|
| California resident, full-time (12+ units) | Approximately $1,104 per year (tuition only, 2023) |
| Average net price after financial aid | Approximately $6,317 per year (2023 data) |
| Out-of-state student | Higher cost may apply; majority of students are in-state residents |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Solano Community College serves a diverse student body comprised of a mix of traditional-age college students, adult learners, part-time and full-time enrollees. In 2023, there were 8,868 enrolled students, with approximately 31.4% attending full-time and 68.6% part-time. Among enrolment by race/ethnicity: 37.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.4% White, 15.2% Asian, 13.7% Black or African American, 9.45% Two or More Races, and smaller percentages for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native. Women comprised roughly 64.5% of degree recipients compared to 35.5% men.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The college accommodates many students from lower-income households and emphasises affordability through low tuition and extensive financial aid eligibility. Approximately half of undergraduates receive financial aid grants. Students with disabilities are supported via the Accessibility Services Center, which provides accommodations, assistive technologies, and tailored support to ensure equitable access in coursework and campus life. The institution’s open admission and flexible scheduling help students balancing work, family or other obligations.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total enrolled students (2023) | Approximately 8,868 |
| Full-time students | Approximately 2,782 |
| Part-time students | Approximately 6,086 |
| International / Non-resident students | Small proportion (data suggest minimal non-resident enrolment) |
University Diversity
Solano Community College’s student composition reflects a broad range of racial, ethnic, age and socioeconomic backgrounds, contributing to a rich, multicultural educational environment. With more than one-third of its student body identifying as Hispanic or Latino, along with significant representation of Asian, Black/African American and multiracial students, SCC fosters inclusive access and cultural responsiveness. The presence of large numbers of adult learners, working students, and part-time enrollees underlines the institution’s role as a community access point, allowing individuals to pursue certificates, associate degrees or transfer pathways while balancing other life commitments. This diversity enhances peer learning, broadens perspectives on campus, and strengthens transfer and workforce networks across the region.
Average Earnings
Graduates and transfer students from Solano Community College enter the workforce or continue into bachelor’s programs with pathways across health sciences, biotechnology, applied technology, liberal arts and business. Given the low cost of attendance, many students encounter a favourable return on investment. While median earnings data for all alumni are not precisely published, the affordability of SCC’s tuition means that graduates often emerge with minimal debt burden, accelerating entry into careers or further study. For example, median undergraduate tuition of $1,104 in 2023 helped ensure that even part-time or certificate-only completers avoid heavy debt; this strength positions students to capitalise on earnings from in-demand fields and transfer savings when continuing to four-year institutions.
Solano Community College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Solano Community College employs full-time instructional faculty, adjunct instructors, student services professionals, advisors, and administrative staff to support its educational mission. According to recent data, the institution employed approximately 130 instructional instructors, with most being female (80) and male (50), and the administrative, support and service staff numbering in various categories. Class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios average near 24:1 or higher, with adjustments depending on program. Student support offices for financial aid, disabilities, veteran services and transfer counselling enhance access and completion.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Solano Community College bring a mix of academic credentials and practical experience aligned with the institution’s dual focus on transfer preparation and applied workforce training. In disciplines such as biotechnology, applied technology, automotive technology, welding, early childhood education and liberal arts, instructors frequently integrate industry relevant labs, certifications and experiential learning. The bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing offered at SCC highlights the faculty’s capacity to deliver advanced applied programs seldom found at community colleges. Faculty contributions to curriculum innovation, institutional accreditation and community partnerships reflect leadership in both educational transfer and vocational training.
Solano Community College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The main campus in Fairfield spans 192 acres and is complemented by additional Centers in Vacaville and Vallejo, offering accessibility across Solano County. As is typical for many community colleges, Solano Community College is primarily a commuter institution and does not emphasise residential housing on-campus. Many students live off-campus locally or commute from nearby communities, balancing academic study with work or family responsibilities. Student life opportunities include student government (Associated Students of Solano Community College), nearly twenty student clubs and organisations, multicultural programming, leadership development and recreational facilities. The Student Life Office supports campus engagement, cultural events, and co-curricular activities to build student community among both full-time and part-time learners.
Transportation
Solano Community College’s main campus in Fairfield is centrally positioned just off Interstate 80, offering convenient car commute access, parking facilities and nearby bus routes. The Vacaville and Vallejo centers also serve satellite campuses accessible to regional transit and commuter students. Many students utilise public transit systems, ride-share arrangements, and campus bicycle parking or car-pool programs. Flexible scheduling of evening and weekend classes further supports commuting students and those balancing employment or family caregiving.