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American River College

Sacramento, CA

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Quick Facts

Wikipedia
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

American River College: Charting futures in culinary arts, STEM, and a vibrant student experience.

American River College (ARC) stands as a prominent public community college, an integral part of the Los Rios Community College District and serving a thriving student body of over 42,000. From its origins as American River Junior College in 1955, ARC has grown into a dynamic institution, relocating to its current expansive campus in 1958 and officially becoming American River College in 1965.

ARC is particularly celebrated for its cutting-edge facilities and commitment to diverse academic pathways. It is home to the 19,000 square foot Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center, opened in 2014, which not only houses the college's hospitality management program but also features the popular student-run Oak Cafe restaurant and bakery. More recently, 2021 saw the unveiling of the impressive 57,000 square foot Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center, a hub for a wide array of academic programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Beyond academics, ARC offers a rich and engaging student experience. The campus has undergone significant modernization, with new facilities for Health Education, Theater & Music, Kinesiology, Life Science, and Fine Arts opening between 2004 and 2013, alongside an expanded bookstore, library, new Student Center, and parking garage. Even Hollywood has recognized its unique appeal, with the campus serving as a backdrop for the climactic scenes of the 1986 film *Wisdom*. Prospective students and families will find ARC to be a forward-thinking institution dedicated to student success and community engagement.

Key Highlights

  • One of the largest public community colleges in California, serving over 42,000 students.
  • Established in 1955; became part of the Los Rios Community College District in 1965.
  • Features the 19,000 sq ft Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center, home to a student-run restaurant and bakery.
  • Houses the 57,000 sq ft Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center, opened in 2021 for advanced academic programs.
  • Underwent extensive facility upgrades from 2004-2013, including new buildings for Health Education, Arts, Kinesiology, and a new Student Center.
  • The campus was a filming location for the 1986 Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore film *Wisdom*.

Timeline

1955
Opened as American River Junior College (ARJC).
1958
Moved to its current location, occupying eight new office complexes.
1965
Became American River College and joined the Los Rios Community College District.
1986
Campus served as a filming location for the movie *Wisdom*.
2004
Began a period of significant facility expansion and modernization (lasting until 2013).
2014
Opened the 19,000 square foot Evangelisti Culinary Arts Center.
2021
Opened the 57,000 square foot Diane Bryant STEM Innovation Center.
🏛️
71 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Lisa Cardoza
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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