Saddleback College ranks No. 6 nationally and No. 1 in California; Irvine Valley College ranks among nation’s Top 25 and No. 5 in California
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. —The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) is celebrating national and statewide recognition for both Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College (IVC) in WalletHub’s 2026 Best & Worst Community Colleges report, highlighting the District’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education and strong outcomes for students.
Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College were both recognized among California’s highest-performing community colleges in WalletHub’s latest rankings, with Saddleback College ranked No. 1 in California and Irvine Valley College ranked No. 5 in California.
Nationally, Saddleback College ranked No. 6 among community colleges nationwide, marking the second consecutive year it has been named to WalletHub’s Top 10 Community Colleges in America, while Irvine Valley College ranked among the Top 25 community colleges in the nation.
“To have both Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College recognized among the top community colleges in California and the nation speaks to the extraordinary work happening throughout our District,” said SOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes. “Our faculty, classified professionals and administrators are deeply committed to helping students reach their educational and career goals. These rankings reinforce what we see every day across our colleges: students have access to an exceptional education, outstanding programs and pathways that prepare them for transfer, careers and lifelong success.”
WalletHub evaluated 613 community colleges nationwide using 18 key measures across three primary areas: cost and financing, education outcomes and career outcomes. Factors considered include tuition and fees, student retention and graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, credentials awarded, student loan default rates and post-college earnings.
Saddleback College President Dr. Lonita Cordova said the recognition reflects the college’s continued focus on student success, innovation and educational equity.
IVC’s recognition among California’s top five community colleges further demonstrates the strength of educational opportunities available to students throughout the South Orange County Community College District.
Together, the rankings underscore SOCCCD’s position as a leading community college district and the value its colleges provide to students, families and the Orange County region.
“While rankings are only one measure of institutional success, having both of our colleges recognized at this level is something our entire District community can celebrate,” Barnes added. “What matters most is what these results represent: access, affordability, academic excellence and meaningful outcomes for the students and communities we serve.”