American River College

I have visited the application lab at American River College about three or four times this month. Each time, I noticed that the staff are professional in appearance, wearing heels and professional clothing. However, their behavior does not seem to match their appearance. Some staff members have been rude and unfriendly. I observed girls speaking negatively about others and not offering help unless they favor someone. During my visits, which have totaled five, I felt quite upset about how some girls behave. I have seen others facing similar issues. I believe the staff at the lab lack professionalism; many only focus on their appearance rather than assisting students properly. It's important that the college trains its employees better, especially those in the application lab and financial aid office. Respect and helpfulness should be priorities. Staff should treat all visitors with kindness, regardless of appearance, and recognize that they represent the college. Right now, I feel disappointed and unwelcome, which has made me decide not to use the services there anymore. They speak favorably and offer help only to people they personally like, while others are ignored. Instead of focusing on education or student support, the attention is placed on appearance—such as makeup, clothing, which is completely irrelevant. This raises a serious concern about whether American River College prioritizes education or favoritism. I specifically experienced discrimination from two young female staff members who openly treated me differently. Their behavior appeared to be influenced by bias related to language and religion. I clearly heard them speaking negatively about me in another language, assuming I would not understand. When I addressed it and informed them that I do understand the language, I expressed that this behavior was inappropriate and unfair

I love studying here!!! Everyone always willing to help, everything is accessible and easy. There are free books in library, lots of places to study inside or outside, water, very clean toilets with hygiene items. I'm very grateful to workers who planted these extremely beautiful flowers we have in our college. I really love walking in parks, so I really enjoy walking around campuses You can choose good professors from ratemyprofessor website. All of them are really helpful in my nursing journey. I became an A grade student in this college and I have honors for good GPA College is accessible for me and now it's free because of the FAFSA which they can help you apply to

if I could rewind time, I absolutely would have chosen ARC over the disaster that is UC Davis. UC Davis looked great on paper — respected UC, good rankings, etc. But the reality? Overpriced, toxic, and full of ego-fueled nonsense. Professors were checked out, advisors were unreachable, and the entire place ran on cliques and politics. Career support was a joke. I got a degree and zero direction. I’ve spoken with ARC students who got practical, affordable, and actually supportive education — for a fraction of what I paid. While I was drowning in student debt and academic gatekeeping, they were building skills and transferring out with real options. So no, I didn’t go to ARC. But if you’re stuck choosing between a "prestigious" name like UC Davis and something grounded like ARC — don’t fall for the brand. Learn from my mistake. Go where people care….

I’m attending American River College because, from day one, it has felt like more than just a school, it has felt like family. In fact, ARC has been more of a family to me than my own. This college has supported me through some of the most difficult times in my life, including a period of homelessness, and never once made me feel like I was alone or less than. When I was facing housing insecurity, ARC didn’t turn away or treat me like a problem. Instead, they stepped in with real support, connecting me to resources, offering flexibility with my academics, and most importantly, treating me with dignity. They saw my potential before I fully saw it in myself. That kind of care is rare, and it’s something I’ll never forget. What sets ARC apart isn’t just the academic programs or the campus, it’s the people. The professors, counselors, staff, and fellow students have created a space where community means everything. They truly put the community in community college. Whether it was helping me access food, mental health support, or just having someone to talk to, ARC showed up for me in ways I didn’t know a college could. As a student pursuing Social Justice, it means everything to be part of a college that lives out those values every day. ARC doesn’t just talk about equity and inclusion, they practice it. They make sure students like me, students who come from challenging backgrounds, have the opportunity to not just survive, but thrive. At a time in my life when things felt unstable and uncertain, ARC was my anchor. They gave me stability, support, and a sense of purpose. They believed in my future when I was still trying to find it myself. And through that, they gave me hope. I’m proud to be a student at American River College because this place has changed my life. It’s more than a stepping stone, it’s where I found my strength, my voice, and my community. This isn’t just where I go to school. It’s where I found home.

I moved to Sacramento roughly 5 years ago. I off and on took breaks in college because of family life. As soon as we started moving, I enrolled in ARC. I had attended two different community colleges in my previous city and ARC was the absolute BEST of the 3 colleges. I was supported through my whole college journey, I had some outstanding professors that have truly impacted my college journey and I will miss dearly. They really do want their students to succeed. The biggest surprise for me was how many courses ARC offers, it was almost overwhelming at first. They also offer the opportunity for either certificates or a degree. I double majored and had the best experience in their New Legal Studies program. If you don’t believe me, take a look at their catalog. I’m truly grateful for my time at ARC. My success at ARC has now set me up for my next chapter at Sac State! #GoBeavers #Alumni

I've been a student here for far too long… trying to finish what I began but with time I start to realize how much black people are overlooked and underserved… misjudged and disregarded. The surge of immigrants that has flooded this school and our communities has been overwhelming. They get all the jobs on campus and resources it's challenging to speak to them let alone understand them. They often discuss students' personal information in their native tongue when they speak amongst themselves as if we know what they're saying. It's become a common thing now. Who cares about American black Americans at that? You don't see us at Starbucks, Cares, EOPS, or financial aid anywhere really on campus except as students waiting in line hoping to be seen or heard. So many semesters I have tried to do work study and every time I'm denied. Financial aid is a delayed resource are few, and the black community pays for it. It's disappointing because for as long as I have been here I felt unseen and unheard and underappreciated. I am an American Citizen born and raised there's no other place for me to go without having to be met with discrimination and judgment and oppression.! If only Dr King and Malcom X would of fought to maintain segregation and equality among our people within our people. If the Black Panthers were still a party maybe then I wouldn't feel so out of place. 🤷🏽‍♀️ but they fought to be allowed amongst a people who would never fully accept us enough to allow us to take up space. TO integrate with white people and everyone else was a waste of time. Because we are still last in line for a lot of things we should have equal rights too. ARC used to be a good school but now things have fallen apart. Black people need a place where we can have what we need specific to our culture and our people. And not just down SOUTH!3There doesn't have to be killing and fighting unless they really wanna take it there but Black students, teachers, and people deserve to be seen, supported, and heard. Not just when it's convenient for them but because we MATTER TOO! 🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎🫶🏾🤎 #escapetheMATRIX #systemoflies #broknpromises #America #saveBlackfutures

Very lazy, mean counselors. I called many times, email,and walk in to them but they dont want to help , or make an appointment for me. I dont know why they still work there but do nothing.