MJC vs. Saddleback College

Comparable Facts

Compare Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA with Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saddleback College is larger than MJC based on total student enrollment (20,764 students vs. 18,258 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Modesto Junior College is located in Modesto, CA (Midsize City setting); Saddleback College is in Mission Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Modesto Junior College is a public, non-profit 2-year institution. Saddleback College is a public, non-profit 2-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Modesto Junior College 32:1; Saddleback College 27:1.

MJC vs. Saddleback College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MJC or Saddleback College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Modesto Junior College than Saddleback College ($5,605 vs. $8,122).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Modesto Junior College are 14.3% lower than at Saddleback College ($22,086 vs. $25,769).
• Modesto Junior College is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saddleback College (about $126 more per year; $1,282.00 vs. $1,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28% higher at Saddleback College than at Modesto Junior College (about $2,596 more per year; $11,860.00 vs. $9,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saddleback College than at Modesto Junior College (77% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Modesto Junior College students is 30% larger than aid received by Saddleback College students ($5,984 vs. $4,603).

MJC vs. Saddleback College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MJC or Saddleback College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Saddleback College and MJC.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MJC - Open admission; Saddleback College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: MJC Jun 30, 2027.

MJC vs. Saddleback College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MJC and Saddleback College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Saddleback College earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than MJC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $34,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.