News Release

Santa Ana College Earns High Marks in National Rankings

Nation’s Top 100 Associate Degree Producers Ranked by Community College Week

(Santa Ana, CA)—According to Community College Week, a national publication for two-year college professionals, Santa Ana College (SAC) ranks 10th among the top 100 associate degree producers for Hispanic students in the nation. The 100-year-old college is the state’s third highest producer of Hispanic graduates, surpassed only by sixth-ranked East Los Angeles College and eighth-ranked San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia. In addition, SAC also ranks 20th among the top 100 associate degree producers for total minority nationwide, and 26th for Asian American students. SAC is the only Orange County community college ranked among the top 20 associate degree producers for minorities in all disciplines.

An appreciation for diversity, which is a core value at Santa Ana College, is reflected in the college’s demographics. In fall 2015, nearly 84 percent of its 22,400 credit students represented ethnic minorities. The college’s credit enrollment comprised 2 percent African-American, 12 percent Asian, 70 percent Latino, 10 percent Caucasian, 1 percent other and 5 percent not reported. During the 2013-2014 academic year, SAC conferred a total of 1,908 associate degrees, with an additional 1,696 students earning certificates.

“We are pleased to receive this national recognition. We must also continue to keep our eye on the goal of ensuring academic success for all students, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic circumstances. All students deserve equal opportunities to earn an associate degree, to prepare for transfer or to complete career technical education programs that better prepare them for the workforce,” said SAC President Erlinda J. Martinez, Ed.D.

These rankings are based on Community College Week’s analysis of U.S. Department of Education data.

About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which is turning 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Visit www.sac.edu to learn more. For information about Santa Ana College’s Centennial, please visit www.sac.edu/100.

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Contact: Judy Iannaccone

Phone: (714) 480-7503

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