Public
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Pasadena, California
Pasadena City College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$12,166Annual Cost
$43,937Grad Salary
30%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$3,123
Need-Based Aid
30% receive Pell
Pasadena City College, established in 1924, is one of California's top transfer institutions. Serving over 30,000 students, PCC boasts high transfer rates to UC and CSU systems.
The college is renowned for its Shatford Library and visual arts programs. PCC's 'Pathways' initiative guides students from enrollment to graduation.
Pasadena City College Acceptance Rate
Pasadena City College (Pepperdine University) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Pepperdine University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Pasadena City College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Pasadena City College (Pepperdine University) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Pepperdine University Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Pasadena City College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Pepperdine University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Pepperdine University provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
PCC Promise Strategy
Graduate from a California high school and immediately enroll full-time to capture the complete tuition exemption pathway. You must submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application before entering the enrollment queue to keep this institutional benefit active.
Cross-Enrollment Consortium
Leverage PCC?s unique formal cross-enrollment agreements with local elite institutions like ArtCenter or Caltech. Indicate your long-term exploratory interests early to your academic counselor to properly sequence the foundational prerequisites required to access these collaborative courses.
STEM Academy Affiliation
Apply explicitly to join the specialized STEM Academy learning community during your intake process. Being accepted into this structured group provides dedicated counseling tracks, specialized tutoring networks, and prioritized block-scheduling blocks for competitive engineering pathways.
UC Transfer Academic Update
If utilizing PCC as a springboard for top-tier UC campuses, strictly maintain your Transfer Admission Planner (TAP) profile. Update your winter grades and spring schedules precisely during the January open window to preserve your priority evaluation standing.
Expert Insight: Failing to complete your comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP) by the end of your second semester will drop your registration tier, leaving you boxed out of highly impacted transfer-level classes.
Pepperdine University Profile
Full Name
Pasadena City College (Pepperdine University)
City
Pasadena
State
California
ZIP Code
91106-2003
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASCJC)
Is a Pepperdine University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Pepperdine University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Pepperdine University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Pepperdine University is $56,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.55%.
How much does a degree from Pepperdine University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Pasadena City College is $12,166. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Pasadena City College is $3,123.
30% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 0.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Pepperdine University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Pasadena City College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Pepperdine University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Pepperdine University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $43,937. An average Pepperdine University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Pepperdine University
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Pasadena City College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperdine University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $43,937 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $12,166 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
30.0% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.