Founded in 1915 as part of Santa Ana High School and later becoming a separate institution, Santa Ana College is one of California's oldest community colleges. It is part of the Rancho Santiago Community College District and serves central Orange County. The college is known for its transfer pathways to the University of California and California State University systems, strong career technical programs, and its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
The main campus in Santa Ana is complemented by the Centennial Education Center and the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy, which is housed at the Santa Ana Campus. Students enjoy a commuter-oriented, diverse campus culture with robust support services such as EOPS, Puente, and Umoja programs. Distinctive strengths include nursing and allied health, the fire academy, police academy, and the Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education, which offers noncredit programs including English as a Second Language and adult education.
| Type | Community College |
| Location | Santa Ana, California |
| Founded | 1915 |
| Total students | 28,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 25:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 100% |
| Graduation rate | 28% |
| Average starting salary | $48,000 |
| In-state tuition | $1,400 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,200 |
| Room & board | $17,000 |
| Average financial aid | $7,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 75% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.