Saddleback College (SC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Founded in 1968, Saddleback College is the oldest and southern-most institution governed by the South Orange County Community College District. This community college is located in Mission Viejo, California. Since its foundation, it has remained the first choice for higher education and training in South Orange County. Their excellent academic and career training programs enable students to successfully achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals. The rich traditions and strong reputation make Saddleback College a perfect place for students seeking associate’s degrees and certificates, transfer to a four-year university, entry to the workforce, or continued learning opportunities.

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Information Summary

Ranks 161st in California and 2077th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	62.4
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$3,246
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	23 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	75% / 45%
Enrollment Total (all students)	19,421

Academics

Saddleback College is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) under the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The institute offers more than 300 associate’s degrees, certificates, and occupational skills awards in over 190 program areas, taught by faculty members renowned for their expertise, experience, and commitment to student success. Some of the additional programs offered at Saddleback include study abroad, cooperative work experience, online learning, and honors.

Saddleback College offers educational opportunities and support services to a diverse population in southern Orange County. Their wide ranges of programs prepare students to evaluate and appreciate physical, cultural, and social environments. The highly reputable science department of the college offers programs in nursing, physics, environmental studies, and chemistry. Saddleback also offers not-for-credit community education classes for students.

The Veterans Education Transition Services (VETS) Center offers programs devoted to helping veterans transition from battle to the classroom. The veterans are given professional direction on how to enroll at the institute and register for classes.

Saddleback Online:

The Distance & Online Education (DE) department at Saddleback College offers programs designed for students, who may not otherwise be able to attend regular college classes. The college provides them the advantage of the convenience and flexibility of distance education classes. The online courses offered through DE programs are of the same standard as the traditional on-campus courses, and are taught by outstanding faculty members.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Saddleback College enrolls more than 22,000 students each year. The freshman students can apply online by sending fully completed application form along with their ACT/ SAT score, and other official transcripts. Students seeking a transfer to Saddleback must send important official transcripts from all previously attended institutes. Application submission deadlines include the first week of April (Summer session); first week of August (Fall session); and the first week of December (Spring session). International students seeking admission must meet the required criteria for admission. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must take the TOEFL test. Saddleback College also offers ESL classes for International students.

Financial Aid

Saddleback College believes in providing equal opportunity to all students and so it provides financial assistance to those who are unable to meet their educational expenses. The financial aid is offered through several ways: scholarships, grants, loans, federal work study programs etc. All applicants must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The federal and state grants offered at the college are Federal Pell Grants (FPG), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Grants, and California Grant Program.

Scholarships offered to the Saddleback students include American Dream Scholarship, HigherOne Scholarship program, HSF/Marathon Oil Corporation Scholarships Program, IEEE Scholarship, Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, Real Estate Endowment Fund Scholarship, and Various Specialty Scholarships. The college also offers several types of loans to the students. However, this type of financial aid must be returned with interest. The work-study federal programs allow the students to take up part-time jobs while studying to meet their educational expenses.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6154th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in California.

Students

Saddleback College boasts a vibrant student life, with an active student government, and over 50 clubs, athletic teams, eclectic arts scene, and diverse cultural events. Some of the on-campus clubs and organizations include Accounting Honors Society, Alpha Gamma Sigma, Black Student Union, Chicano Latino Students, Environmental Awareness, Honors Student Council, and Phi Theta Kappa. The Associated Student Government (ASG) works to ensure that students enjoy a healthy and interactive environment. It acts like the voice of the student body. It plans, organizes, promotes, and finances a comprehensive program of activities and services for all Saddleback College students.

Media and Publications:

The Lariat is the student-run newspaper of the college. It is distributed on Wednesdays of the regular academic year.

Saddleback College Television (Channel 39) is the on-campus television station of the College. KSBR (88.5-FM) is a commercial-free music station serving Orange County, from Saddleback College. The shows feature musical styles like rock, Latin jazz, blues, reggae, folk, ragtime, and hip-hop music.

Campus Facilities:

The Saddleback College Library houses a wide range of books, magazines, journals, and reference materials. The library is also accessible online. There is always a librarian available to help students find the books of their choice. Some of the facilities offered at the library include computers, copy machines, printing services, wireless access, etc. The library also organizes various interesting workshops for the students.

A wide range of counseling services, career planning and job placement services, and assistance for students with learning and documented physical disabilities are available daily. There is also an on-campus childcare center, well-appointed health center, and services for re-entry men and women.

Saddleback College campus is situated just east of Interstate 5, around the major roadways of Avery, Marguerite and Crown Valley. It is located several miles from the coast, so the campus enjoys an easygoing Mediterranean climate. The Mission Viejo Mall and the Kaleidescope shopping center are located close to the campus.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

Saddleback College’s athletic department sponsors men’s and women’s sports teams that participate in intercollegiate sports like baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, swimming, tennis, track and field, and water polo. There are 9 men’s and 11 women’s teams who have won three national championships, 24 state championships, over 40 regional titles, and 155 conference titles. They are nicknamed the Gauchos. Their colors are Cardinal, Gold and White. The Gauchos are members of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) and Orange Empire Conference.

Alumni

Kaine Bennett Charleston, Noted Australian Film Producer
Bill Kenney, Former Football Player and Politician
Gregory Widen, Noted Screenwriter and Director
Victor Webster, Renowned Canadian Actor

Bibliography

Saddleback College. 2011.

Surhone, Lambert M. Tennoe, Mariam T. Henssonow, Susan F. Saddleback College. VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller AG & Co. Kg, 2010. Print.

Saddleback College