Saddleback College

A premier community college in California

Founded in 1968, Saddleback College is one of the premier community colleges in California and the United States, with over 24,000 students, including over 200 international students from over 40 countries. We are located in beautiful Southern California and only a few miles away from the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean.  In Orange County, Saddleback College ranks #1 in transfer to University of Southern California and UC Santa Barbara, and #2 to UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. 

Top university transfer opportunity

Saddleback College is among the top California Community Colleges in successfully transferring students to University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses, as well as to private and out-of-state colleges/universities. At Saddleback College, you can complete lower-division general education coursework and major preparation requirements toward an associate degree during the first two years. After transferring, you will complete two more years at a university and receive a bachelor’s degree. 

Over the years our students were admitted to many prestigious universities across the United States, including:

• Columbia University
• Stanford University
• University of Southern California
• University of California Berkeley
• University of California Los Angeles
• University of California Irvine
• California State University (all campuses)
• And many others

Student Life

Saddleback College offers a vibrant student life, with an active student government, more than 50 campus clubs, champion athletic teams, eclectic arts scene, and diverse cultural events. We also offer a variety programs for international students, including the Career Development Workshop, Peer Mentorship Program, and International Film Festival. These programs allow students to explore different cultures and connect with all types of students on campus. In addition, the Theater Arts Program offers art exhibits, performances, and special events that happen year round on the Saddleback campus.  Our 400-seat McKinney Theatre provides the largest performance space in the area, featuring recently upgraded state-of-the-industry lighting and sound technology. Saddleback also has a very active athletic program with state and national championship titles in both men and women’s sports.

Areas of Study

Saddleback College offers over 300 associate degrees, certificates, and occupational skills awards in 190 program areas taught by a faculty renowned for its expertise, experience, and commitment to student success. Popular programs for international students include business, accounting, computer science, engineering, art, health care, fashion design, journalism, and travel and tourism.  At Saddleback, classes are generally smaller than those in large universities and focus on preparing students for upper division courses at the university level.

Student Services

Saddleback offers many student services including a comprehensive library, computer labs, tutoring center, counseling center, health center, and the performing arts theater. The International Student Program provides international students a wide range of services and programs that include admissions, immigration advising, and academic counseling. In addition, a variety of workshops, seminars, and social events are offered throughout the semester that help international students integrate into the campus community.

Housing

Saddleback College is located in the city of Mission Viejo, which is considered one of the safest places to live and study in the US. The community offers many housing options including apartments and home stays. The Saddleback College International Student Program will assist students with housing questions and provide a list of local housing providers.  

Admission

Saddleback College admits international students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

1. Complete the International Student Application
2. Submit the $54 non-refundable application fee
3. Submit high school transcripts and diploma (copies are accepted for admission purpose)
4. Submit financial documents (a minimum balance of $22,646 to fund your tuition and living expenses for 2017-18)

Provide proof of English proficiency (Please visit our website for specific English proficiency requirement) http://www.saddleback.edu/iso/admission-requirements-international-students

Degree