Santa Ana College Tops County Rankings

Santa Ana College has been ranked the top community college in Orange County by Niche.com.

The 2027 Best Community Colleges rankings placed the institution at No. 1 in the county. It also secured the No. 11 position among 101 ranked community colleges in California, placing it in the top 11% statewide. Nationwide, the college ranked No. 44 out of 732 institutions, positioning it in the top 6%.

Niche assigned the college an overall grade of B+. The ranking methodology uses data from the U.S. Department of Education along with student and alumni reviews. Factors included in the evaluation cover academics, value, faculty quality, diversity, campus conditions, safety, and student life.

Dr. Annebelle Nery, president of Santa Ana College, addressed the news in a statement. "I could not be more proud of Santa Ana College earning this distinction as the No. 1 community college in Orange County," Nery said. "This recognition belongs to our students, faculty and staff, whose commitment to excellence and student success drives everything we do here at SAC."

The institution serves nearly 50,000 credit and noncredit students, making it the second-largest community college in California. It offers 273 degrees and certificates in credit programs, 28 associate degrees for transfer, and three bachelor's degree programs. Two additional bachelor's programs are scheduled to launch by 2028. The college opened its doors during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson with 26 students and 11 faculty members.

Dr. Jeffrey Lamb, vice president of academic affairs, noted that the college has operated for more than 110 years. "We've been here for 110 plus years, and yet, I feel like we are in a perpetual state of inventing and reinventing and adapting," Lamb said. He explained that the college grows academic programs to meet the needs of transfer and industry partners while providing student success services.

Lamb highlighted the college's online degree program, which requires faculty to complete 120 hours of training to teach classes online. The institution offers a mix of adult education, career technical certificates, and transfer programs. Specific areas of study include criminal justice, fire academy, nursing, and paralegal studies.

Affordability remains a central feature of the student experience. The college accepts 100% of applicants. Approximately 80% of students from local high schools attend tuition-free. Those who do not qualify for free tuition often receive financial aid, including Pell Grants. The college foundation also provides scholarships, and the institution offers textbook vouchers to reduce costs.

Anthony Rivera, president of the Associated Student Government, supported the ranking. He cited the college's initiatives, such as Transfer Awareness Week, Undocumented Student Success Week, and a 24/7 support line. "They are ensuring that students are receiving the proper resources that they need to thrive, personally and academically," Rivera said. "I would tell a new student that your voice really does matter at Santa Ana College."

Student reviews on Niche.com reflect these experiences. One reviewer noted access to resources for food and health, as well as supportive professors. "I have met some great people, both staff and students of Santa Ana, who have helped me develop as a student and person," the student wrote.