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Cabrillo College official logo

Cabrillo College

Aptos, United States • Founded 1959

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: cabrillo.edu

Overview

English Name: Cabrillo College
Founded: 1959
Institution Type: Higher education institution
Control Type: Public
Cabrillo College official logo

Cabrillo College is a public community college in Santa Cruz County, California, with its main campus in Aptos and a second location in Watsonville.

It opened in 1959 as part of a county-wide plan to bring higher education to the area alongside UC Santa Cruz, starting with about 400 students. The college now serves more than 17,000 students a year and is designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Academics are organized into six schools: Business and Social Sciences; Career Education and Workforce Development; English, Library, and Language Arts; Health and Public Service; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math; and Visual, Applied, and Performing Arts. Students can prepare to transfer to a four-year university, train for a new career, or build job skills, and the career education programs offer more than 100 degrees and certificates, most completed in one to two years.

Honors transfer, dual enrollment for high school students, noncredit courses, and distance education are also available.

Applicants apply for free through the California Community Colleges application, Open CCCApply, and anyone 18 or older verifies their identity during the process. The financial aid office helps students complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application and manages scholarships through an online portal, and the Admissions and Records office assists with registration and student records.

Location & Contact

Below are Cabrillo College's address, location, and primary contact channels.

Phone: +18314796100
Social Media:

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Cabrillo College are listed below.

Academic Year: Fall, Spring and Summer terms
Total Students: 8,002

Academic Structures

The academic units through which Cabrillo College delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 6 items
  • School of Business and Social Sciences
  • School of Career Education and Workforce Development
  • School of English, Library, and Language Arts
  • School of Health and Public Service
  • School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
  • School of Visual, Applied, and Performing Arts

Programs Offered

Browse Cabrillo College's programmes by level, or filter by name.

129 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Associate's Degree 61 programmes

Associate's Degree in Agricultural Business and Management
Agriculture
Associate's Degree in Agricultural Production Operations
Agriculture
Associate's Degree in Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Health Sciences
Associate's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Associate's Degree in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
Agriculture
Associate's Degree in Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
Media Studies & Mass Media
Associate's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts

Showing 10 of 61.

Certificate 68 programmes

Certificate in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Certificate in Agricultural Business and Management
Agriculture
Certificate in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Certificate in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Certificate in Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
Agriculture
Certificate in Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
Media Studies & Mass Media
Certificate in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Certificate in Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
Civil Engineering & Construction

Showing 10 of 68.

How to apply to Cabrillo College

The application path for Cabrillo College, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Cabrillo College

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Cabrillo College runs 129 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to Cabrillo College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Cabrillo College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.cabrillo.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +18314796100. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cabrillo College

A short Q&A covering Cabrillo College's essentials — founding, location, and structure.

How old is Cabrillo College?

The institution opened in 1959 (approximately 67 years ago).

Where can I find Cabrillo College?

The institution is located in Aptos, United States.

What is Cabrillo College's control type?

Cabrillo College is a public institution.

How many students does Cabrillo College have?

The institution has a student body of 8,002.

How many faculties does Cabrillo College have?

The institution comprises 6 academic units.

Where can I learn more about Cabrillo College?

The institution's website is www.cabrillo.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Graduate-school placement rates among the United States's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. Cabrillo College's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Aptos: universities located close to Cabrillo College.

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