In 1921, California passed legislation that allowed for the creation of community college districts. The new legislation allowed Modesto Junior College (the 16th oldest community college) to become the first-ever California community college district. The birth of MJC launched the current model of California community colleges that continued to offer trade studies such as mechanical and industrial arts in addition to general education. MJC began with roughly 70 students.  Today, the college is home to over 25,000 students.

Interesting facts about MJC:

• MJC’s first classes were held at a local high school until the first building, South Hall, was completed in December of 1923.
• South Hall was built for $93,000.  The project was funded through a local sales tax of 50 cents.
• MJC’s planned location is where John Thurman Field is located today.
• The first-ever California community college transfer student was from Modesto Junior College and transferred to Stanford University in 1922.  
• MJC is home to 1 of only 15 Bachelor Degree programs offered at a California community college.

• MJC is home to some notable celebrity alumni including:

                  -Dot Jones-Athlete & Actress (Olympian, Glee, Married with Children) 

                  -Ray Lankford-Professional Baseball Player (St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres)

                  -George Lucas-Writer, Director, Producer (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, American Graffiti)

                  -Gino Marchetti-Professional Football Player (Baltimore Colts, NFL Hall of Fame)

                  -Jeff Moorad-Professional Sports Agent, Owner San Diego Padres

                  -Lindsey Pearce, Actress (Glee Project, Glee, Wicked on Broadway)

                  -Jeremy Renner-Actor (SWOT, Avengers, The Town, Hurt Locker)

                  -Kim Ulrich-Actress (Passions, Wings)

                  -Robert Ulrich-Casting Director (Melrose Place, Glee, Dexter)

Mission

MJC is committed to transforming lives through programs and services informed by the latest scholarship of teaching and learning. We provide a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate educational environment for the ever-changing populations and workforce needs of our regional community. We facilitate lifelong learning through the development of intellect, creativity, character, and abilities that shape students into thoughtful, culturally aware, engaged citizens.

Values

Education is the reason our institution exists. To this end, we value innovation, professionalism, integrity, and responsible stewardship.  We foster respect for and interest in the diverse individuals and histories of our community. These values are foundational to the way we shape our programs and services, make and communicate decisions, reinforce collaborative relationships within our community, and promote civic engagement.

Vision

MJC will enrich lives by challenging all students to become successful, lifelong learners who strengthen their community in a diverse and changing world. The college is the first choice for educational excellence in our community.

Consumer Information

Student Body Diversity

Percentage of enrolled, full-time students in the following categories:

• Male (42.5%)
• Female (56.7%)
• Self-identified members of a major racial or ethnic group
  
  • African-American (3.4%)
  • American Indian/Alaskan Native (<1%)
  • Asian (5.5%)
  • Filipino (1.2%)
  • Hispanic (54%)
  • Pacific Islander (1.2%)
  • Unknown (1.5%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (32%)
• Federal Pell Grant recipients (52.4%)

Sources: CCCCO Data Mart, Unit Load Status, Accessed, 2/25/2020; Pell Recipients: Internal YCCD Data Extract, Research Database, Financial Aid Table (2/25/2020)

For more information, see:

• California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Data Mart
• MJC Student Demographics