Schools

17K Students Arrive At Mt. San Jacinto College Campuses For 2025-26 School Year

On the first day of the fall 2025 semester, students arrived at the many campuses, in person and online, to start the school year.

Students at the San Jacinto Campus kick off the new academic year with free lunch and friends.
Students at the San Jacinto Campus kick off the new academic year with free lunch and friends. (Photo Courtesy MSJC)

MENIFEE, CA — Mt. San Jacinto College in Riverside County welcomed approximately 17,000 students back to school on Monday for the start of the 2025–26 academic year, with 30% beginning their educational journey at MSJC for the first time. The college enters the new term with historic milestones and national recognition, underscoring its commitment to equity, opportunity, and student achievement.

MSJC students reached the college’s highest success rate ever—74.3%—while course completion rates
climbed to a record 89.9%. More students than ever—53%—are earning degrees in three years or less,
supported by streamlined pathways that help them reach their goals efficiently.

“These achievements reflect the dedication and talent of our students and the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff to fostering accessible, high-quality learning,” said MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz.

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A group of students relaxes and catches up between classes during the first week of the fall 2025 semester. (Photo Courtesy MSJC)

The college also celebrates landmark accomplishments:

  • Named Best Community College in the Region for the second consecutive year by The Press Enterprise readers.
  • Received full reaffirmation of accreditation through 2032.
  • Earned AAAHC accreditation for the Student Health Center.
  • Recognized as one of America’s Top Online Colleges by Newsweek.
  • Honored in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications for impact and access.

The college offers a broad range of course offerings, strong enrollment, and thriving learning environments with flexible options, from face-to-face in-class experiences, to pure online, or a hybrid learning format. Still, being on campus allows students to enjoy a vibrant campus experience.

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Two students enjoy the shade outside the Menifee Valley Campus on the first day of the fall 2025 semester. (Photo Credit: MSJC)

Students are encouraged to engage in leadership, student government, clubs, athletics, and performing arts, and to make use of resources such as tutoring, mental health support, food pantries, and Eagles Landing Centers.

“This year, we’re excited to see our students continue setting ambitious goals and achieving them,” Dr. Schultz said. “The environment we’ve created empowers our Eagles to thrive, explore opportunities, and reach new heights.”

For more information, visit www.msjc.edu.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.