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Chaffey College

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

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Quick Facts

1883
Founded
Public community college
Type
13,568
Total Students
28,000
Undergrad
$1K
Tuition (In-State)
$11K
Tuition (Out-State)
$6K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Henry D. Shannon, Ph.D.

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

About Chaffey College

A historic, top 10 community college dedicated to equity and student success.

Chaffey College stands as a beacon of accessible higher education in Southern California, proudly serving a vibrant student body of 28,000. Renowned for its commitment to student achievement and equity, Chaffey was recognized as a Top 10 Community College in the nation by the Aspen Institute in 2017, a testament to its impactful programs and supportive environment. This dedication to fostering success for all students was further underscored by a significant $25 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2021.

The college's rich history dates back to 1883 when it was founded as the private Chaffey College of Agriculture, initially associated with the University of Southern California. Evolving from its early days in Ontario, including a unique period when its football team competed against USC, Chaffey transitioned into a public institution. It grew into a junior college department of the high school before establishing its own district and opening its modern main campus in Rancho Cucamonga in 1960, marking a new era of growth and community service.

Today, Chaffey College offers a dynamic student experience across its main campus in Rancho Cucamonga and additional campuses in Chino and Fontana, with plans underway for a fourth campus in Ontario. A pioneer in distance learning, Chaffey launched its online education program in 1999, providing flexible learning options. With a focus on continuous improvement, recent bond measures have enabled significant upgrades and expansions, ensuring state-of-the-art facilities. The college's mission to expand educational access was even recognized by President Bill Clinton during his 1996 visit, highlighting Chaffey's role in shaping the future of its diverse community.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1883, Chaffey College is one of California's oldest public community colleges.
  • Serves a thriving student body of 28,000 across multiple campuses.
  • Recognized as a Top 10 Community College in the nation by the Aspen Institute in 2017.
  • Received a transformative $25 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2021 for its dedication to equity.
  • A pioneer in online learning, having launched its comprehensive online education program in 1999.
  • Home to three active campuses (Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Fontana) with plans for a fourth in Ontario.
  • President Bill Clinton visited in 1996 to discuss proposals for expanding community college education.

Timeline

1883
Founded as the private Chaffey College of Agriculture through USC.
1885
Opened its doors in Ontario, California.
1901
Financial troubles forced the school to close; building became Ontario High School.
1916
Re-established as the Chaffey Junior College of Agriculture, a postgraduate department of the high school.
1922
A separate junior college district was officially created.
1960
The current main campus in Rancho Cucamonga opened.
1996
President Bill Clinton visited; Fontana campus opened.
1999
Chaffey College launched its online education program.
2002
Chino campus built and Measure L bond approved for facilities.
2017
Named a Top 10 Community College in the nation by the Aspen Institute.
2021
Received a $25 million gift from MacKenzie Scott for its commitment to equity.
🏛️
143 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Henry D. Shannon, Ph.D.
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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