Santa Barbara City College was established by the Santa Barbara High School District in 1909, making it one of the oldest community colleges in California. It is a comprehensive community college serving the south coast of Santa Barbara County. The college strives to build a socially conscious community where knowledge and respect empower individuals to transform world. It is dedicated to the success of each student, provides students a diverse learning environment that inspires curiosity and discovery, promotes global responsibility, and fosters opportunity for all.

The College offers over 155 degree and certificate programs, training in a wide range of career technical fields, and transfer programs that provide the first two years of study toward the baccalaureate degree. SBCC outstanding faculty is committed to master teaching in small classes where students have direct, one-on-one access to their professors throughout the year. The college has a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, as well as transfer programs that provide the first two years of study toward the baccalaureate degree.

Santa Barbara is situated on a 74-acre bluff, the campus overlooks the harbor and Pacific Ocean. Students are attracted to the college by virtue of its outstanding faculty, small classes, state-of-the-art facilities, student support services and incredible location.