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American River College

Sacramento, CA

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Quick Facts

1955
Founded
Public community college
Type
25,758
Total Students
$1K
Tuition (In-State)
$13K
Tuition (Out-State)
$5K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Lisa Cardoza

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About American River College

A vibrant community college empowering over 42,000 students with modern facilities and diverse programs.

American River College (ARC) stands as a prominent public community college within the esteemed Los Rios Community College District, serving a thriving student body of over 42,000 individuals. Known for its dynamic environment and comprehensive offerings, ARC is a vital educational hub for those seeking to start or advance their academic and career journeys through a wide array of programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

Established in 1955 as American River Junior College, the institution quickly grew, moving to its present campus in 1958 to occupy newly constructed complexes alongside the historic Cameron ranch house. In 1965, it officially became American River College as part of the Los Rios Community College District. The campus itself boasts a unique history, even serving as a filming location for a climactic scene in the 1986 film "Wisdom," adding a touch of cinematic legacy to its academic foundation.

The college has consistently invested in its future, undergoing significant expansion between 2004 and 2013 with the addition of new buildings for Health Education, Theater & Music, Kinesiology, Life Science, and Fine Arts, alongside an expanded bookstore, library, and a new Student Center. More recently, ARC unveiled the 19,000-square-foot Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center in 2014, home to its popular hospitality management program and the student-run Oak Cafe. Further enhancing its academic prowess, the cutting-edge 57,000-square-foot Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center opened in 2021, providing advanced resources for a variety of academic programs and fostering a forward-thinking student experience.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1955, offering decades of educational excellence.
  • ✦Serves a large and diverse student population of 42,141.
  • ✦Part of the reputable Los Rios Community College District.
  • ✦Home to the 19,000 sq ft Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center, featuring a hospitality management program and student-run Oak Cafe.
  • ✦Features the 57,000 sq ft Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center, opened in 2021, providing advanced academic resources.
  • ✦Offers a wide range of modern facilities including Health Education, Theater & Music, Kinesiology, Life Science, and Fine Arts buildings.
  • ✦Campus featured in the 1986 film "Wisdom" starring Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore.

Timeline

1955
Opened as American River Junior College (ARJC).
1958
Moved to its current location.
1965
Became part of the Los Rios Community College District and renamed American River College.
1986
Campus used as a filming location for the movie "Wisdom."
2004
Began a period of significant facility expansion (through 2013).
2014
Opened the 19,000 sq ft Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center.
2021
Opened the 57,000 sq ft Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center.
🏛️
71 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Lisa Cardoza
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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