American River College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
American River’s 63% acceptance rate means you can approach this as a practical planning process, not a long-shot application. Since the school is test-optional, focus first on meeting admission requirements, filing on time, and building the academic habits that help you stay on track after you enroll.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
American River College facts and stats
American River College enrolls 30,462 undergraduates in a suburban setting. American River has a 72% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 29:1.
Sacramento, CA

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Key American River College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
American River is test-optional, so follow this timeline only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes if you want another chance to improve your superscore before application deadlines.
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What you'll actually pay
American River is a public college with in-state tuition of $1,288 and out-of-state tuition of $13,216. To be considered for financial aid on time, submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline.

Out-of-state tuition at American River College is $13,216, compared with $1,288 for in-state tuition. Estimated room and board is $22,086, so living costs may make up a large share of the yearly budget. Students should factor in financial aid eligibility and personal expenses when estimating what they will actually pay.
Student life at American River College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
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The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
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Antelope Valley College
Lancaster, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
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