Overview
Sierra College is a public community college district in Northern California.
Its main campus is in Rocklin, with additional campuses serving Nevada County (Grass Valley) and the Tahoe-Truckee area. The college opened in 1936 and marked its 90th anniversary in 2026.
The college offers more than 120 degrees and certificates, along with distance learning, noncredit courses and community education. Many programs are built as transfer pathways, such as Associate in Arts for Transfer degrees, for students who plan to continue to a bachelor's degree at a four-year university.
Students also choose associate degrees and career-focused certificates in fields from the arts and communication to business and the sciences.
Sierra College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Individual programs hold specialized approvals as well, including the Associate Degree Nursing program, which is recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
The college serves more than 18,000 students each year and employs over 1,300 faculty and staff. It also hosts an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, one of only four at community colleges nationwide, which offers learning opportunities for older adults.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Sierra College are listed below.
Academic Details
The figures below cover Sierra College's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.
Programs Offered
Every programme Sierra College currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.
113 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Associate's Degree 69 programmes
Showing 10 of 69.
Certificate 44 programmes
Showing 10 of 44.
How to apply to Sierra College
A five-step guide to applying to Sierra College.
-
1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Sierra College offers 113 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
-
2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Sierra College has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
-
3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
-
4
Submit your application
Apply directly via Sierra College's online portal at www.sierracollege.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
-
5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at (916) 624-3333. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sierra College
A short Q&A covering Sierra College's essentials — founding, location, and structure.
In what year was Sierra College established?
Sierra College was founded in 1936 (approximately 90 years ago).
What city is Sierra College in?
Sierra College operates from Rocklin, United States.
What is Sierra College's control type?
Sierra College operates as a public institution.
How big is Sierra College's student body?
Sierra College serves approximately 14,122 students.
How do I find Sierra College online?
Sierra College's official website is www.sierracollege.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
These are the most highly ranked universities in the United States. Putting Sierra College alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Faculties at nearby universities
The institutions below are geographically close to Sierra College.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
General Engineering is also taught at these universities in the United States.
Universities Compared with Sierra College
These universities are of a comparable scale to Sierra College.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
Save this university to your shortlist
Save universities and programs, follow countries, and get deadline reminders by email. Free, takes a few seconds.
