SCC ranks No. 4 in Orange County in Niche’s 2027 Best Community Colleges rankings

ORANGE, Calif. — Santiago Canyon College (SCC) has once again been recognized among Orange County’s leading community colleges, ranking No. 4 in Orange County in Niche’s newly released 2027 Best Community Colleges rankings.

SCC is also ranked No. 33 among community colleges in California and No. 143 nationally and earned an overall Niche grade of B+.

The latest rankings continue a strong record of recognition for SCC. The college was ranked No. 1 in Orange County in 2025 and 2026. Together with Santa Ana College earning Orange County’s No. 1 position for 2027, a college within the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) has now held the county’s top ranking for three consecutive years.

Niche develops its Best Community Colleges rankings using data from the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews from students and alumni. Its methodology considers factors including academics, value, faculty, diversity, campus quality, safety and student life.

For 2027, Niche updated its methodology to include additional measures intended to provide students and families with a broader assessment of institutional performance.

“Santiago Canyon College continues to demonstrate a dedication towards excellence for the community of students, families, and friends the college serves,” said SCC Acting President Enrique Perez. “To be ranked in Orange County's top four community colleges is yet another reminder that providing the highest quality education and experience for our community will always be our guiding light.”

View the complete 2027 Niche Best Community Colleges rankings and methodology.

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