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Allan Hancock College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Allan Hancock College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Allan Hancock College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Allan Hancock College reviews, or contribute your own Allan Hancock College review if you're a current student there.

  • Theodore from Oceano, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This institution is above grading. A++++++++ is almost near the grade I may possibly give.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't ever give up.
    Academic Rigor

    Connect with each professor.
    Dorm Life

    I've lived off campus so pretty coo haha.
    Food and Dining

    The food is good, especially the rib eye steak sandwich.
    What to do for fun

    Learn lol.
    Bang for the buck

    awesome!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Ball or hustle. I choose to do both.
    Great for these types of students

    Entrepreneurs.
    Clubs and Activities

    Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center Club.
    Greek Life

    Rock n Roll Diner in Oceano. Greek food is the business!!!
    Campus Safety

    Very safe!

  • Larry from Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The atmoshpere is studious, yet laid-back. Great weather and it's an easy campus to get around in. It's a great location to start from on your way to a 4 year school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Major construction of new classrooms is underway and should be completed by Spring of 2013. Hancock is quickly becoming a hub for students continuing on to engineering, viticulture and performing arts.
    Academic Rigor

    Not having anything else to base a review on, I can only say that the instructors are relentless in their mentoring. Helpfull when you need them and exacting in their standards.
    Dorm Life

    No dorm exist. All housing is off-campus.
    Food and Dining

    Eh, cheap and sustaining.
    What to do for fun

    The Pacific ocean is 9 miles west and within 40 miles there is everything from mountain biking, hiking, horses, nightlife, farmer's markets, fisherman's markets and the occasional rocket launch from Vandenberg AFB.
    Bang for the buck

    Save some cash and get your core classes here.
    Great for these types of students

    Computer geeks, drama freaks, engineers
    Campus Safety

    Haven't heard of any incidents in years. Parking lots are patroled constantly by campus police as well as city police. The parking lots are well lit and there are few, if any, dark places.

  • Whitney from Grover Beach, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Keep in mind its a community college. It's clean. People are helpful.
    Tips for prospective students

    If a community college is what you're looking for this is a good one. I prefer it to Cuesta. Parking is not a nightmare. They have plenty of associates to choose from. Not bad at all.
    Academic Rigor

    There are a few classes that kick your butt. But really, its a community college.
    Dorm Life

    Non-existent
    Food and Dining

    The cafeteria has a few good things from time to time. There is Applebees, Olive Garden, In n Out, Mcdonalds and a bunch of other good eats just down the street, walking distance also.
    What to do for fun

    Santa Maria. Hahaha.

  • Judith from Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The best community school, always having counselors ready to help along with instructors. The class are small, and easier to communicate with your professor on one on one bases. The campus is easy to get around without a problem all students are all friendly.
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely would encourage to continue school and considerate Hancock College as one of them. You can get a lot from this school if you put your mind to it. I also believe that the sizing of classes accommodate any students along with class schedules.
    Academic Rigor

    All intructors are fair when it comes to grading. They are able to see and acknowledge all the hard work put by every student. If something is not working as plan they will help and try to give you the best solution, i would rate this as great.
    Dorm Life

    The school is a community college not a university.. For that reason their is no dorms involve. They have plan to built some from coming out of state students but it is not yet set. I rate this as poor.
    Food and Dining

    We have a small student lounge in which your able to get something fast to eat. For example chips, candy, sodas as well ordering made food burritos pizza . The food i great and the place is always clean and well maintain.
    What to do for fun

    Most of the students play sports for fun. Others like to spend time with their friends in between classes, this usually happens in the student center and out side the buildings.
    Campus Safety

    The canpus is alway surrounded with sometype of officer . The time does not matter theirs always someone day or night. The parking among other spot around the school have some type of stand where you are able to press for help at any time, it has the best safety in town.

  • Joey from Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Very few teachers are qualified to be teaching at at college level by social standards, as evident by their lack of will to teach, simple critical thinking skills, and organization. It is however the most affordable community college in California. Some teachers are very good instructors and are part time instructor's at college such as UCSB and CALPOLY SLO.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get in and out of the college as soon as possible if you're transferring. The dental programs and emergency training programs are exceptional.
    Academic Rigor

    I was an honor student in high school without the resources to attend a four year.
    Dorm Life

    No dorms.
    Food and Dining

    TRITIP! Find out what tri tip bbq is and eat it.
    What to do for fun

    There is no nightlife in the city. find a friend with an apartment or a home and party with them. Only 15mins from the beach.
    Bang for the buck

    The college is the most affordable in the state.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There really aren't that many places to go or see in Santa Maria
    Great for these types of students

    School is great for those on a tight budget and anything to do with nursing, dental, or emergency services.
    Clubs and Activities

    too little.
    Greek Life

    No greek life.
    Campus Safety

    I feel safe on campus at all times.

  • Amber from Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It's an okay community college. There aren't many on/off campus activities, and not many of the current students seem interested in making long term friendships, but the instructors seem dedicated to help in any way they can and give their students a positive learning experience. It's an overall okay community college if you're looking to get in, get out, and transfer.
    Tips for prospective students

    Research the instructors before you commit yourself to any one class - If you do, you'll save yourself a lot of regret. The campus cafe is expensive for the portions and the quality of the food is below par, I would recommend going off campus for dining.
    Academic Rigor

    Each instructor teaches differently, I would advise getting recommended professors from people who've taken classes you are interested in. Some instructors are fairly easy, make learning the subject easy and comprehensive, and grade fairly. Others are strict, unpredictable, and make the learning environment discouraging.
    Dorm Life

    There are no on-campus dorms. The complex of apartments outside on the north side of the campus are fairly run down. Even though they are just a 5 minute walk to the campus, would not recommend rooming in that area. There are quite a bit of people throughout the city that have rooms for rent that are pretty cheap.
    Food and Dining

    They have a variety of foods (hot and cold), however, the campus cafe is expensive for the portions and the quality of the food is below par, I would recommend going off campus for dining. The area consists of a lot of cheap over-played fast food, but if you drive down Broadway you can find those same varieties of food for better quality and often for the same price or cheaper.
    What to do for fun

    Because of the location of area, there is not a whole lot of fun things to do. Most people go out of town for shopping, the beach, clubs, outdoor recreation, and dining. But, if you can manage to stay up-to-date with the events going on in the community (Santa Maria Sun paper is decent) and keep an open mind regarding the events, then you might find something fun or interesting to do for cheap.
    Bang for the buck

    Textbooks and on-campus dining both leave a bad taste in my mouth - both are very expensive, especially if you're tight on cash. If you look elsewhere, you can find both for cheap and often better.
    Great for these types of students

    The college feels more geared toward the mainstream studies, such as medical and science. They recently created an A.A. program for multimedia arts.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are a handful of on-campus clubs and activities. Most of the clubs have specific requirements, but there are a few that gear toward just the positive aspect of surviving college, maintaining good grades, and meeting new people. However, there aren't enough heavily promoted activities through the semester to keep students interested in hanging around the college after their class is out.

  • Student, Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Allan Hancock college has a nice laid back kind of feel to it. It has an atmosphere that high school graduates can easily transition to after high school, compared to heading straight into a fast-paced university. At Hancock you feel right at home with the amazing staff, students, and faculty.
    Tips for prospective students

    Hancock is a great place to start, if you are undecided about your major. Teachers are more open to talking to students and helping them out- just like in high school. The counselors at Hancock really know what they are doing and can be a big help. It also helps to make an appointment first that way you avoid the lines of student walk-ins.
    Academic Rigor

    If you really pay attention and stick to assignment due dates the class will be easier to accomplish with a desirable grade, it's as simple as that. The teachers are not there to trick you and make passing classes even more difficult, they just teach to their best ability, and it is the student's job to learn the subject as best they can to move closer to their goal.
    Dorm Life

    I personally do not live in a dorm, so I would not know anything about the dorm life.
    Food and Dining

    The Student Center on campus is the place to be in between classes, or just to relax and spend time with friends. Inside the Student Center there is a lounge area, a cafe that serves awesome fruit smoothies, a student store, and cafeteria. If you are not into school food, there are other places within walking distance of the school. These include a Subway, Olive Garden, In-&-Out, McDonald's, and much, much more.
    What to do for fun

    Hancock clubs are always putting on events in which people can participate in. What's best is getting free stuff just to participate. If that's not your style, you can always spend time with friends, or spend time trying to make some new ones. Hitch a ride on a bus and go to Boomers with other students from AHC on their get together nights.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    I'm a first-year student and I still haven't caught on to the campus traditions. As for the unusual locations, I would have to say that the lounge is a pretty unusual location. I'm not saying that the lounge, or the people that hang out there are unusual. It's just neat how anime and manga fans/artists all seem to congregate there, it's amazing.
    Great for these types of students

    I believe Hancock is a great place for recent high school graduates, who live in the area, to start from. It is also a great place for adults who are seeking more out of life by starting, or back to college.
    Clubs and Activities

    Clubs are always putting on activities. It's nonstop! The activities never fail to draw the attention of people, and gets students to actively participate in school. Clubs and activities promote the interests of individuals that lead people to form friendships.
    Greek Life

    I am not too familiar with campus sororities and frats, but i do know of one sorority on campus. They do not go by beauty and financial status to determine their potential members, but by academics and intelligence.
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is a biggie. I never fail to see patrol cars on campus and little golf carts with safety personnel in them. There are also blue emergency boxes around campus that help to alert campus safety in case of an emergency. There are quite a few extinguishers and fire alarms around campus, and safety routes on how to exit a building in just about every classroom I have been in. Lastly, the school is able to send out safety alerts, in case of an threat on campus, via text to students. I'll say it's a pretty safe campus.

  • Ruby from Nipomo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I think Allan Hancock College is a great community college to start a college experience on.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to Allan Hancock College and get involved as much as possible because it's a great environment.
    Academic Rigor

    The Academic Rigor at Allan Hancock College can be defined as the set of standards for the students and expectations of the students.
    Dorm Life

    I'm not sure what a dorm life feels like because I live with my parents. However, I've heard people enjoy living in the dorms.
    Food and Dining

    The food students can purchase is good. There are a variety of different choices and brands available. Food prices are fair and affordable.
    What to do for fun

    Hang out with friends or join a sport.

  • Student from Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The campus is very neat, complex, and busy. They have a wide variety of Classes and Clubs, and student services. The instructors get hands-on on particular classes that might need help.
    Academic Rigor

    You have a 60 Units requirement in order to get your Degree on a Major.
    Dorm Life

    It doesn't have any dorms that you can use.
    Food and Dining

    The Food is way too Expensive and the quality is very bad, and it doesn't taste very good. The Dining is OK talking with friends while you eat or other activities.You have
    What to do for fun

    Playing Chess and hanging out with friends.
    Clubs and Activities

    There is a different variety of clubs on campus. They help out students with Scholarships
    Greek Life

    I'm not sure if they have it on campus.
    Campus Safety

    They have campus police going around the campus.

  • Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Allan Hancock College is a great campus, it has a variety of programs offered. The counselors are exceptional at helping students with their schedules. The teachers are very straight forward.
    Tips for prospective students

    The tip I would give to a college student would be to stay on task always. I would tell them not to get side tracked because it is nothing like High School. You cannot expect to slack off and pass all your classes.
    Academic Rigor

    Allan Hancock College has successful students. Every year a lot of students come to be on the Deans list for good grades.
    Dorm Life

    At Hancock college there are no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    The student center offers many different options for breakfast and lunch. Everything is very clean, and the workers are exceptional.
    What to do for fun

    Hancock College has a variety of sports. They have an exceptional Basketball , Baseball, Soccer, Volleyball, and softball team. They also have a pool that can be used for recreational reasons.
    Clubs and Activities

    As was mentioned they do have a variety of sports offered. They also have clubs and activities hosted by ASBG student government. They host university days and fun activities for students and teachers.
    Greek Life

    Allan Hancock College has no Greek life.
    Campus Safety

    Hancock's security are some of the best. Although, sometimes strict when giving out parking tickets they are nice and work with you to get you out of trouble. Also, there is campus security for those who have night classes.

  • Evelyn from Orcutt, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Hancock is a great community college. It has many knowledgeable, helpful, and respectful teachers to teach the students. I haven't had a bad experience yet with courses or teachers.
    Dorm Life

    I live at home, but I know the dorms are right across from the school. It put three stars because I know they are kind of pricey to live there.
    Food and Dining

    Pricey food in my opinion, but very good!

  • Michael from Lompoc, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    great engineering program. great instructors. great programs.
    Tips for prospective students

    try and join a student organization such as mesa or can.
    Academic Rigor

    classes are not too hard.
    Dorm Life

    no dorms...
    Food and Dining

    food is not all that great.
    What to do for fun

    located fairly close to the beach.
    Bang for the buck

    much cheaper than attending a 4-year and i feel well prepared for transfer.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    not that come to mind...
    Great for these types of students

    any type
    Clubs and Activities

    the organizations i am a pat of are great.
    Campus Safety

    i have never had a problem.

  • CHRISTOPHER from Guadalupe, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i believe it to be an above average community college. i give high ratings for the transition from high school to college, the classes offered, as well as the opportunities available. but i would give a less than favorable review for lack of connection between school hierarchy and the students' needs.
    Tips for prospective students

    i would suggest putting forth effort in current activities and academics in jr high and high school, so that dependency is kept at a minimum but, determination and hard work are highlighted in order to become well adapted and ready in a college setting where you are solely responsible.
    Academic Rigor

    i feel that the level of difficulty between each and every major, each instructor, and student, depends on natural skill, will power, and setting. there are many outside sources that affect students' ability and performance but, generally, if you're working hard to your full potential then, it's not a breeze.
    Dorm Life

    there aren't any dorms but, housing can be challenging depending on you financial situation. there are certainly many circumstances that apply to different people. i feel that the housing experience is what you make of it, considering you own personal situation.
    Food and Dining

    the college offers a student center where, under one building, you can choose between eating a semi home cooked meal inspired by several different nationalities or relaxing a bit in the lounge area. i would suggest bringing something from home and warming it up in the microwaves provided, or bringing in a meal from another source, since it is rather pricey to eat from the campus; assuming because it's convenient.
    What to do for fun

    there are, in fact, many activities and clubs to choose from. many, if not all, are brought into light at one point or another. especially at the beginning of every semester the college schedules bow wow week where most clubs and activities are advertised.
    Bang for the buck

    there are many exceptional instructors who do care about the education and the success of their students. sometimes it's hindered by the shadow of the policies the school has to abide by because of the unfortunate situation with our state and the economy. all in all, if the student is willing then the outcome will be in their favor.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the new patio area has become, successfully, an attraction to an array of students. the patio area is almost like the heart of the campus where students cross each other between classes and people will be eating, studying, hanging out, or hosting an event to support a specific cause.
    Great for these types of students

    if you interested in really finding out what your niche is, whether it be in the arts or academics then, allan hancock college is an ideal place to find yourself so that you can pursue a career. i believe i would not have discovered an important part of my future and life if i had not decided to study at a community college first.
    Clubs and Activities

    i am aware that there are many, ranging from asb to mesa and music performance opportunities to dance and acting opportunities, like the prestigious pcpa program; these organizations and extracurricular activities provide the foundation for life skills.
    Greek Life

    i'm not capable of providing sufficient information concerning sororities and fraternities. although, they are available in this campus.
    Campus Safety

    there seems to be a high presence of campus police; constantly patrolling the perimeter. other security features include emergency posts where, at the touch of a button, a guard will come to aid the situation.

  • Isela from Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    allan hancock college is a good school for people that live in the area, it has some amazing programs. the wait list for some of these programs is ridiculous, but the school is very affordable. the services they offer are good.
    Tips for prospective students

    prospective students make sure you attend the orientation.
    Dorm Life

    no dorms.
    Food and Dining

    i don't really like the food .

  • Rachel from Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Good class selection. Lots of students. Hard to obtain classes due to competition.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms.
    Bang for the buck

    Decent rates for classes.
    Great for these types of students

    Good for students who work.

  • Alana from Santa Maria, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I've been attending Hancock for a year and a half and I would say that I have learned alot. For my experience, the teachers are great and willing to work with you if something comes up or you have a situation. There are tons of major fields you can choose from and for me, Hancock allowed me to explore different options with my educations which lead to finally making my decision of what major I would study.
    Am enjoying being here

    I am a local so my commute to Hancock is not very long and I'm very acquainted with the area. The campus is very nice and is also in the stages of being even more improved. Hancock has great facilities from the library to the student center. What also makes Hancock enjoyable are the people. The great thing is Hancock has so many different types of people, from ages to backgrounds, but everyone has the same goal of continuing their education. I've met some great people at Hancock and that's what makes it enjoyable.
    Bang for the buck

    I chose Hancock for the specific reason of getting the same education I would get from a four year university just at a much lower cost. Its nice knowing that I'm saving money for when I transfer this fall and that I'm still getting a great education.
    Tips for prospective students

    Because community colleges are booming due to the economy, you just have to makes sure you register on time if you want to get the classes you need to finish. Also, if you need to see a counselor try and make an appointment. They often have drop in hours but they are only 10 minutes and you often have to wait behind a mass of people and your wait could be more than 30 minutes.
    Great for these types of students

    Students looking for a great community college

  • James from Gilbert, AZ

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    Hancock was a great transition school from High School into a four year University. I found many of the teachers very well read on their teaching topics and some even also taught at the local Universities like Cal Poly and UCSB.
    Did enjoy being here

    Hancock doesn't have all the social activities of the big colleges, but you will most likely be with high school friends and make new friends from nearby towns that you didn't always go to when you were in High School.
    Bang for the buck

    Hancock was like $26 a unit. I payed $500 for a 20 unit semester! I now pay that just for one unit. If you are low on cash and still want a great education Hancock is a great place to start out your journey.
    Tips for prospective students

    Show up to class. Do your homework. And most importantly get to know your teachers. They can help you get scholarships, internships, write letter of recommendation for jobs or colleges. This isn't High School the professors are your friends.
    Great for these types of students

    If you didn't get the 4.8 GPA in High School this is a good place to make up that lost ground to the big universities. Also if you are low on money or completely zoned out on the SAT's Hancock is like the restart button where you can prove that you can do better.

  • Diana from Lompoc, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Allan Hancock College is an amazing school. The curriculum is extraordinary. The classes offered at Allan Hancock really help students prepare for their careers by offering essential tools. The proffesors are an immense help. They can help students one on one if it is needed. Personally, I have learned a lot at Allan Hancock College because the personel is very curtious and they are very willing to help me with any problems that I encounter.
    Am enjoying being here

    I really enjoy attending Allan Hancock College because the staff is very helpful, especially to new students, like myself. The staff at Allan Hancock works as a team and they really make you feel at home. Every student is offered an equal opportunity.
    Bang for the buck

    Not only are the staff and curriculum amazing, but Allan Hancock also offers a lot of financial aid. The college offers various types of financial aid opportunities. Also, Allan Hancock offers all the general education classes just like universities do, except that Allan Hancock offers them for so much less money. They also offer degree programs at an amazing cost. The tuition and registration is very economical.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would advice future students to really consider attending Allan Hancock College because it is economical, the curriculum is great, and they really prepare you for a university if you wish to continue. Allan Hancock provides many educational plans and they will make sure to find the perfect one for each indivual. They prepare students as much as they can, and if students take their education seriously, Allan Hancock can help them achieve many goals.
    Great for these types of students

    Allan Hancock helps various types of students. The counselors at Allan Hancock talk to every student and they go over their education plan. The counselors help each student figure out what requirements they have to complete to meet the indivual's goal(s).